Changing career into nursing

Adults can move into nursing through a university degree, a shortened postgraduate course if they already have a degree, or an apprenticeship with an NHS employer that pays a wage while you train. Whichever route you take, you must finish an approved programme and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) before you can work as a registered nurse. In England, newly registered nurses start on NHS band 5 at £32,073 from April 2026.

The four fields

You train in one field of nursing: adult, children’s, mental health or learning disability. Each has its own courses and placements, and you register in that field. Some universities offer dual-field degrees. Read the profiles for adult nursing and the other fields before you apply, because switching later usually means further study.

Route 1: a nursing degree

The standard route is a full-time BSc in nursing, usually three years, split between university teaching and clinical placements in hospitals and the community. Placements include nights and weekends.

Universities usually want level 3 qualifications such as A levels, a BTEC or an Access to HE diploma with a health or science focus, plus GCSE English and maths. Many value care experience. You apply through UCAS and expect a values-based interview, an occupational health check and an enhanced DBS check.

In England, eligible students get tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance. Nursing, midwifery and many allied health students can also get non-repayable payments from the NHS Learning Support Fund, including a training grant and help with placement travel and childcare. The amounts change, so check the NHS Business Services Authority’s pages. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland fund nursing students differently; in Wales, for example, the NHS bursary is available to students who commit to working in Wales after qualifying.

Route 2: a shortened course for graduates

If you already have a degree in any subject, many universities offer a postgraduate pre-registration nursing course (often an MSc or PgDip) lasting around two years. You usually need relevant care experience, and some courses ask for a health-related first degree. The pace is intense, but it is the quickest route if you can afford to study full time. Postgraduate funding differs from undergraduate funding, so check what student finance applies before you apply.

Route 3: apprenticeships and work-based routes

Apprenticeships suit people who need to keep earning. You are employed by a trust, GP practice or care provider and released to study.

The nursing degree apprenticeship leads to full registration. The employer pays the course fees, usually through the Apprenticeship Levy, and you are paid a salary, often on band 3 or 4. Places are competitive and many are only open to existing staff.

The nursing associate apprenticeship is a two-year route to a registered role in England that sits between healthcare assistant and nurse, normally paid on band 4 once qualified. Some universities let nursing associates top up to a full nursing degree with credit for prior study.

A common pattern for career changers is to start as a healthcare assistant on band 2 or 3, gain experience, then apply for an apprenticeship through the employer.

What the pay looks like

NHS pay in England for 2026/27:

Stage	Band	Pay from 1 April 2026
Healthcare assistant	2 to 3	£25,272 to £27,476
Nursing associate, apprentice (often)	4	£28,392 to £31,157
Newly registered nurse	5	£32,073 to £39,043
Experienced or specialist nurse	6	£39,959 to £48,117

London posts get a high cost area supplement on top. Scotland pays more at band 5, with a range from £34,494 to £42,977. Nurses also get unsocial hours payments for nights and weekends, and join the NHS Pension Scheme, where a member earning between £28,855 and £35,155 in England and Wales contributes 8.3% of their whole pensionable pay. The nurse pay guide covers progression and enhancements.

If you earn more than this now, the training years and the starting salary can mean a real drop in income. Use the take-home pay calculator to compare.

Age and practical points

There is no upper age limit for nursing training or NMC registration. Many people start in their 30s, 40s and later. The work involves shifts, physical tasks and emotional strain, and placements can be far from home. Talk to people already doing the job, and spend time in a care setting before you commit; it helps your application as well.

Health Careers has entry requirements and course search for each field. Your local trust’s recruitment or education team can tell you whether it runs apprenticeships and how staff can apply.