Entry routes into nursing
There are two main ways to become a registered nurse in the UK, depending on your qualifications:
Nursing degree (BSc)
Completing a degree in nursing is the most common route. It combines academic study with practical placements,. Giving you the knowledge, skills, and professional registration you need to work across hospitals, community care, and specialised healthcare settings.
Nursing apprenticeship or non-degree pathway
If you don’t have a degree, there are work-based apprenticeships and vocational routes where you train on the job while earning a salary. These pathways still allow you to achieve NMC registration but may take longer to qualify and offer fewer opportunities for specialisation early on.
Which should you choose?
Both pathways lead to a career in nursing. But they offer different experiences and benefits:
Nursing degree (BSc)
- Full registration with NMC: complete your studies fully qualified.
- Strong preparation: in-depth understanding of patient care, anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice.
- Career flexibility: opens doors to specialisation, leadership roles, research, or further study.
- Professional skills: develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in a university environment.
- Placement opportunities: extended periods of time spent practicing in a healthcare setting, giving you the perfect blend of learning.
Nursing apprenticeship or non-degree route
- Earn while you learn: gain hands-on experience and a salary from day one.
- More practical exposure: work in real healthcare settings and learn on the job.
- Workplace skills: build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving directly in a professional environment.
Thinking beyond initial registration
Considering a non-degree route first? Completing a nursing degree later can boost your career prospects and give you access to senior or specialised roles.
Explore your options in our ‘What can I do with a nursing degree?' FAQ.
