Psychiatric Nurse

You can do a degree in mental health nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You might be able to study another area of nursing alongside mental health nursing.

You might be able to do a degree in mental health nursing and social work. You'll need to check that the course is recognised by the relevant professional bodies.

You might be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in:

• a health-related subject
• psychology
• life sciences
• social work

Full-time courses usually take 3 years.

Armed forces

You can also train as a mental health nurse in the armed forces. You can find more information at:

• British Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements
• NHS Learning Support Fund

You might be able to apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.

The degree apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.

You'll need the support of your employer to do a degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You'll find it helpful to get some experience before you apply for nurse training.

You could:

• get some experience working in healthcare
• volunteer with a charity that offers mental health services
• find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT

If you're already a registered nurse, you might be able to take an 18-month mental health nursing conversion course to become a mental health nurse.

You'll need to speak to your employer if you want to take this route.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Career tips

You'll be expected to understand how the NHS values apply in your work when applying for a course or apprenticeship.

Further information

You can find advice about working and training as a nurse from the Royal College of Nursing and Health Careers.