Unless your first degree is in nursing, a postgraduate degree or diploma is essential. This is commonly possible The minimum entry requirement is 5 GCSEs or Nursing Council approved equivalent. Some institutions have higher standards. Experience Pre-entry experience is not needed Although not essential, experience of care work or other work with people is advantageous. Special entry requirements Qualities such as empathy, flexibility and emotional resilience are important, as are good communication and teamwork skills.
Some medical conditions exclude.
Criminal record screening takes place. The minimum age is 17 and there is no set upper age limit but entry is unlikely after 50 or earlier on degree courses due to their length. Life experience and maturity are valued. Currently there is a shortage of nurses within the NHS but demand fluctuates with the level of NHS funding. There is competition for places on training courses.