Nursing
The Nursing pathway leads to a highly respected and essential role, providing direct patient care in diverse settings.
Area
Detail
Route
GCSEs → A Levels/BTEC/Access Diploma → BSc Nursing (3 years) → NMC Registration → Postgraduate/CPD.
Alternative Routes
Foundation Year, Degree Apprenticeship, Direct Entry (Nursing Associate), MSc (for graduates).
GCSEs
English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above); Science helpful.
A Levels
BBC (112 UCAS points); Science or Health & Social Care useful.
Degree Required
Yes – NMC-approved BSc or MSc in Nursing.
Accreditation
Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).
Postgraduate
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, Non-Medical Prescribing, Doctorate.
Preparation Now
Gain healthcare experience, first aid course, shadowing, Access Diploma if needed.
Daily Tasks
Patient assessment, medication, documentation, teamwork, education, and care planning.
Work Hours
37.5 hrs/week (shift-based, incl. nights/weekends).
Flexibility
High (part-time, agency, community roles).
Employment
Mainly NHS/private hospitals; some self-employment possible.
Autonomy
Increases with experience; high in advanced roles.
Career Progression
Specialist Nurse → Advanced Practitioner → Matron/Consultant → Educator/Leader.
Average Salary
£28,000–£50,000+ (NHS Bands 5–8).
Technology & AI
Growing use of AI in digital records, telehealth, predictive care, simulation, and informatics — nurses need strong digital literacy.
Additional Info
50% of degree = clinical placements (~2,300 hours). DBS, occupational health, and immunisations required.
Nursing
The Nursing pathway leads to a highly respected and essential role, providing direct patient care in diverse settings.
Area
Detail
Route
GCSEs → A Levels/BTEC/Access Diploma → BSc Nursing (3 years) → NMC Registration → Postgraduate/CPD.
Alternative Routes
Foundation Year, Degree Apprenticeship, Direct Entry (Nursing Associate), MSc (for graduates).
GCSEs
English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above); Science helpful.
A Levels
BBC (112 UCAS points); Science or Health & Social Care useful.
Degree Required
Yes – NMC-approved BSc or MSc in Nursing.
Accreditation
Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).
Postgraduate
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, Non-Medical Prescribing, Doctorate.
Preparation Now
Gain healthcare experience, first aid course, shadowing, Access Diploma if needed.
Daily Tasks
Patient assessment, medication, documentation, teamwork, education, and care planning.
Work Hours
37.5 hrs/week (shift-based, incl. nights/weekends).
Flexibility
High (part-time, agency, community roles).
Employment
Mainly NHS/private hospitals; some self-employment possible.
Autonomy
Increases with experience; high in advanced roles.
Career Progression
Specialist Nurse → Advanced Practitioner → Matron/Consultant → Educator/Leader.
Average Salary
£28,000–£50,000+ (NHS Bands 5–8).
Technology & AI
Growing use of AI in digital records, telehealth, predictive care, simulation, and informatics — nurses need strong digital literacy.
Additional Info
50% of degree = clinical placements (~2,300 hours). DBS, occupational health, and immunisations required.
Nursing
The Nursing pathway leads to a highly respected and essential role, providing direct patient care in diverse settings.
Area
Detail
Route
GCSEs → A Levels/BTEC/Access Diploma → BSc Nursing (3 years) → NMC Registration → Postgraduate/CPD.
Alternative Routes
Foundation Year, Degree Apprenticeship, Direct Entry (Nursing Associate), MSc (for graduates).
GCSEs
English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above); Science helpful.
A Levels
BBC (112 UCAS points); Science or Health & Social Care useful.
Degree Required
Yes – NMC-approved BSc or MSc in Nursing.
Accreditation
Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).
Postgraduate
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, Non-Medical Prescribing, Doctorate.
Preparation Now
Gain healthcare experience, first aid course, shadowing, Access Diploma if needed.
Daily Tasks
Patient assessment, medication, documentation, teamwork, education, and care planning.
Work Hours
37.5 hrs/week (shift-based, incl. nights/weekends).
Flexibility
High (part-time, agency, community roles).
Employment
Mainly NHS/private hospitals; some self-employment possible.
Autonomy
Increases with experience; high in advanced roles.
Career Progression
Specialist Nurse → Advanced Practitioner → Matron/Consultant → Educator/Leader.
Average Salary
£28,000–£50,000+ (NHS Bands 5–8).
Technology & AI
Growing use of AI in digital records, telehealth, predictive care, simulation, and informatics — nurses need strong digital literacy.
Additional Info
50% of degree = clinical placements (~2,300 hours). DBS, occupational health, and immunisations required.