GCSE’s and A-Levels: To become a mental health nurse, most people choose to study for an undergraduate degree. Most university entry requirements include at least 5 GCSEs grade A*-C (including English language) and relevant A Levels. You will usually need 3 A-Levels, including a social science or science subject. You can prepare for your apprenticeship or degree by undertaking an online course such as Mental Health Awareness or A-Level Psychology. However, entry requirements vary depending on which university you study at, which course you enrol in, and your previous experience.
Regarding higher education, most mental health nurses choose to study either a nursing degree specialising in mental health, a mental health nursing degree, or a psychology degree. If you undertake a mental health nursing degree, you will be a qualified RMN (registered mental health nurse) upon completion of your degree. If you undertake a psychology degree, you will need to complete a postgraduate degree level course such as a Masters in Nursing, which is certified by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). You might also be able to join a nursing degree in the second year of a relevant degree such as social work or psychology.
If you already work in a healthcare setting, you might be able to do an apprenticeship in mental health nursing. You will likely still need GCSEs and A-Levels. However, it will depend on your employer and the organisation which is offering the apprenticeship. This is a good option if you want more of a focus on the practical elements of mental health nursing, as it combines work-based training with academic study. There are also opportunities for current healthcare workers to apply for nursing associate apprenticeships, leading to nursing degree apprenticeships.
University degrees take around three years to complete (four if doing a mental health nursing MA), and Apprenticeships take about four years. If you are already a registered nurse in a different area, you might also undertake an 18-month mental health conversion course.
