Learning disability nurse

You can do a learning disability nursing degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) .

You might be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

You may be able to do an extended degree that combines learning disability nursing with another nursing branch. You'll need to check that this type of course is recognised by the NMC.

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.

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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship if you work in a healthcare setting, like a hospital or specialist unit.

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

To do this apprenticeship, you'll 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work as an assistant practitioner or nursing associate and study for a shortened nursing degree to qualify as a registered learning disability nurse.

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

You could:

• get work experience in healthcare or special needs education
• volunteer with charities that support people with learning disabilities
• search for opportunities with NHS Volunteering
• find openings through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT

If you're already a registered nurse, for example in adult nursing, you may be able to complete a conversion course to become a learning disability nurse. Courses normally take between 1 and 2 years.

Registrations

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

Career Tips

You'll be expected to show how you would use NHS values in your work, when applying for a course or apprenticeship.

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a learning disability nurse from the Nursing & Midwifery Council and Health Careers .

As a learning disability nurse, you could:

• work with doctors to assess people's needs and create care plans
• help people to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives
• encourage people to improve and maintain their physical and mental health
• involve people and their families in all aspects of their care
• manage medicines and treatments
• monitor patient progress and update medical records
• act as mentor to support healthcare team members

You could work in the community, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.