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Healthcare

Nurse

Nurses are the backbone of the NHS — assessing, treating and advocating for patients across every setting. It's one of the most trusted, in-demand and meaningful careers in the country.

Career fit

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Entry level

£29,970 (Band 5, AfC 2024/25)

Mid-career (typical)

£29.9k – £46k

Senior / lead

£46k – £53k+ (Band 7 / 8a)

What you'll do

A day in the life

Assess and monitor patients
Administer medication and treatments
Support families and communicate care plans
Work with doctors and multidisciplinary teams
Maintain accurate clinical records

The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

1
GCSEs
education
2 yrs
English, Maths and Science.
2
A-Levels / Access Course
education
1–2 yrs
Biology or Health & Social Care.
3
BSc Nursing
qualification
3 yrs
50% study, 50% clinical placements.
4
NMC Registration
certification
—
Join the Nursing & Midwifery register.
5
Newly Qualified Nurse (Band 5)
role
2 yrs
Preceptorship on the ward.
6
Senior Staff Nurse (Band 6)
role
2–3 yrs
Specialise or lead shifts.
7
Ward Manager (Band 7)
role
3+ yrs
Manage a ward or team.
8
Nurse Consultant / Advanced Practice
role
5+ yrs
Expert clinical leadership.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Clinical assessmentEmpathyCommunicationResilienceTeam work

Qualifications

GCSEs
A-Levels or Access to Nursing
BSc Nursing (registered with NMC)

Certifications

NMC Registration
Immediate Life Support (ILS)

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