How to Become a Nurse in UK – Steps on How to Relocate to the UK as an International Nurse in 2023

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How to Become a Nurse in UK – Steps to Relocate to the UK as an International Nurse in 2023 Do you know that nursing is the UK’s most employable degree, with 94% of students getting a job within six months of finishing their course? Well, now you know!!!

Nursing is a profession that will always be in demand. Why? The reason is not far-fetched; as long as humans exist, there will always be a need for qualified medical practitioners to take care of them adequately.

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Those who choose nursing as a career often discover it to be a calling early on in life. So If you’re a British or international student interested in studying nursing in the United Kingdom and have no idea how to go about it, this will be your guide to the nursing degree you dream of.

In this post, you will discover the step-by-step processes needed from scratch to become a registered nurse in the UK, the requirements needed to study nursing according to the UK outline, how to obtain your license to practice, and most importantly, how to become a nurse without A-levels.

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So let’s get right to it!!!

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Steps to Become a Nurse in the UK

In addition to meeting character and reasonable health requirements, all nurses wishing to work in the United Kingdom must be registered. Before registration, they must have completed an approved nursing program of education. To become a nurse, you have to;

#1 Choose a Career Path

The first thing to decide is which field of nursing you want to study; nursing has different niches, so for clarity and directness, you need to choose one that suits you. The four fields of nursing care:

  • Adult Nursing
  • Children’s nursing
  • Learning disability nursing
  • Mental health nursing

#2 Acquire Education or Training

In the UK, you go through a nursing education program, training, or apprenticeship to become a nurse. This can only be done at approved educational institutions (AEIs) based in health and social care settings. Nursing education courses usually take a minimum of three years.

Nursing training occurs at an NMC-approved educational institution, with half the program based on clinical practice with direct contact with patients and families. This could occur in the home, community, hospitals, and independent and voluntary sector organizations.

Some people take nursing degree apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional degree courses. Nursing degree apprenticeships are, like all apprenticeships, employer-led.

The employer releases the apprentice to study at an approved educational institution and in a range of practice settings so apprentices can get the full range of skills and knowledge we require for registration. Apprentices will need to achieve the same high standards that we expect from students who take the traditional degree course before they can join their register.

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#3 Get a License

You would only be allowed to practice in the UK if you got a license or work permit. Obtaining a license is not that hard if you apply through the right organizations and fulfill the criteria required.

How do I Apply to Study Nursing in the UK in 2023?

University Requirements for Nursing Degree in UK

#1 Get these Documents Ready

Every university has different requirements and qualifications they desire for their students. Students are likely to need at least two, but most likely three, A-levels or equivalents; additionally, they will need supporting GCSEs such as English, math, biology, or human biology.

If you are interested in a full-time nursing degree, you must apply through UCAS. Part-time applicants should contact the school they desire directly. Students can choose between two offers: one to accept firmly and one to accept as insurance.

#2 Be Ready for the Interview

Many universities will expect an interview with prospective students. Students will need to demonstrate their understanding of nursing as a career and the work it involves. This may be shown through an experience such as an internship in a healthcare setting or working alongside registered nurses. While finding a work placement opportunity may prove challenging, students can ask to shadow a nurse or speak to a nurse about their experience.

Once these phases are passed, you are welcome to study nursing at the University you chose.

Talking about Universities, let’s take a look at the Top Nursing Universities in the UK.

Read More: How to Become a Doctor in the USA

Can I Become A Nurse Without A-Levels?

Is it possible to become a nurse without A-levels? Short answer, yes

If you missed out on traditional A-levels, it does not mean you should miss out on your dream of becoming a nurse. There are numerous routes into nursing that are appropriate for your qualifications and experience.

A-levels are not mandatory, but to gain a university degree in nursing, you will need some recognized level 3 qualification. A-levels are not required to pursue a career in nursing. If you have GCSEs at grade C or above and decide to go to university, you can take the Access to HE Diploma route, which will allow you to go to university. A-levels are the traditional way to qualify for university, but it is certainly not the only way. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Affordable Nursing Universities in the UK for International Students

Trust me, studying in the UK is not cheap; you need to know that. The good thing about schools in this region is that they offer quality and excellence. British nursing schools rank at the top of the world, and the quality of education you’ll receive in the UK will put you at the top of employers’ preferences.

Having a large number of quality Nursing schools can make it harder for you to select the best one for you. But we’re here to give you the best and most affordable nursing schools in the UK for international students.

Nursing Programs for International Students in the UK

International students are required to complete the Overseas Nursing Program (ONP) during their studies. This allows international students to become certified nurses in the United Kingdom at the end of their studies.

This may be included as part of a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in International Nursing Studies. The Overseas Nursing Program includes 400 hours of supervised practice placement.

Also Read: How to Become a Nurse in New Zealand

How Much Does it Cost to Study Nursing in the UK?

Studying in the United Kingdom is estimated to cost at least £22,000 while studying in London would be much more expensive. However, there is another way to look at these costs. University in the United Kingdom is a year shorter than in other countries, such as the United States, so students would only be paying for three years instead of four for an undergraduate degree. This also applies to master’s degrees, which are one year instead of two. This cuts the cost down from degrees in other countries considerably.

How to Relocate to the Uk as an International Nurse

Okay, let’s say you did not get to study in the UK, but you would still want to practice as a nurse in the country. If you’re wondering if that’s possible, it is. Relocating to the UK as an international nurse is feasible and stress-free if you follow these guidelines

Obtain the qualifications for NMC Registration: to that stead, you have to show proof of language proficiency, i.e., IELTS, proof of practice in an English-speaking country (if you’ve practiced), and a CBT test of your knowledge in nursing.
Eligibility to apply for Pre-registration Nurse/NHS healthcare assistant post
Tier 2 visa application
Arrive in the UK and write your OSCE exam. You must retake your OSCE within eight months of receiving your visa. And you can only write it three times as part of one application. The OSCE exam can only be written at Oxford Brooke’s University, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, or the University of Northampton.
Identification Check: Once your ID has been confirmed, you will be issued an NMC pin allowing you to work in the UK within NHS.

With that, you’re good to go. If you’re thinking that becoming a nurse in the UK is worth it, then you should look at the earnings for an average nurse in the UK below!!!

Check: HOW TO BECOME A NURSE IN FLORIDA– Requirements as well as List of the Best Nursing Colleges/Universities in Florida

How much do Nurses Earn in the Uk?

Nurses with complete qualifications may have a starting salary of £22,000 to £30,000. In London, where the cost of living is higher, nurses can expect to earn more.

The median salary for a registered nurse in the United Kingdom is about £23,000. With bonuses and other compensations, a registered nurse with less than twenty years of experience may earn up to £34,000. Nurses with more than twenty years of experience can expect to earn fifteen percent more than the numbers above.

So you check that out, that’s quite a sum.

I believe this article was informative enough; please email us when you enroll in a UK university or begin working as a nurse in the UK. We will be waiting for your mail. Good luck

Read Also: HOW TO BECOME A NURSE IN USA– Requirements and Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in the USA

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References

  • https://www.nmc.org.uk/education/
  • https://bdiresourcing.com/news/
  • https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/
  • https://www.studyin-uk.com
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