A new entry requirement for the nursing profession is set to take effect in England by 2013, causing the Government to introduce a new non-means tested bursary in addition to other forms of financial support that are already in place. All trainee nurses will be required to study to at least degree level or above to fit in line with new rules as set out by the Department of Health.

Trainee nurses in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland can take their qualifications to degree level but this is not currently a compulsory requirement. Wales has already moved to only offering a degree programme since 2004, but students still have the option to leave after obtaining a Diploma, not the full degree. From 2013, a degree qualification for nurses will be made necessary if they are to practice in England. 

With the introduction of the new mandatory qualification will come a non-means tested bursary, which will be rolled out in Northern Ireland in 2011, with the rest of the UK following suit by 2013.

The DoH confirmed that the bursary would help pay for the costs of the three-year course and would help nursing students to complete their studies. 

Health Minister, Ann Keen, said:

“Nurses are the largest single profession within the health service, and are critical to the delivery of high quality health care. 

“By bringing in degree level registration we can ensure new nurses have the best possible start to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“Degree level education will provide new nurses with the decision-making skills they need to make high-level judgments in the transformed NHS. 

“This is the right direction of travel if we are to fulfill our ambition to provide higher quality care for all.”

The Nursing and Midwifery Council recommended the changes on the grounds that nurses are being asked to meet increasingly complex patient needs and those of the healthcare system, saying that additional training will be instrumental in raising “high quality” patient care. 

Students currently on pre-registration health professional training courses, including degree-level nursing, can apply for help with their studies through an NHS Bursary. Additional funding is also available in other forms such as childcare allowances, hardship grants and student loans.

Full details of financial support available through the NHS is available at www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk (opens in a new window.)