Healthcare

Registered Nurse

Plan and deliver patient care across adult, children's, mental health or learning disability nursing.

Key skills

CompassionTeamworkClinical skillsCalm under pressure

Ways in

UniversityApprenticeship

Typical prerequisites

GCSE English & Maths
A-levels/T-level or Access course, or nursing degree apprenticeship

Alternative routes

Healthcare assistant → nursing associate
Midwifery
Paramedic

Route milestones

1
Nursing degree or apprenticeship
Around year 0–4
2
NMC registration
Around year 3–4
3
Senior / specialist nurse
Around year 6–10
4
Advanced practitioner or matron
Around year 10+

Progression: Staff nurse → senior → specialist / advanced practice / management.

Indicative pay bands

Starting out£29,000 – £32,000

Experienced£37,000 – £45,000

Senior / top end£53,000 – £75,000

Indicative example estimates compiled October 2026 for planning conversations only. Pay varies by region, employer, sector and hours. Always verify with official sources such as the National Careers Service.

Verify on National Careers Service

Contribution & impact

The backbone of patient care across the NHS and social care.