Mental health nurse apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursean apprenticeshipa specialist course run by a professional body
University
You can do a degree in mental health nursing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Some degree courses let you study another area of nursing alongside mental health nursing.
You can train as a mental health nurse in the armed forces. You may be able to join a nursing degree on the second year of a course if you already have a degree in:
- a health-related subject
- psychology
- life sciences
- social work
Full-time courses usually take 3 years. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. You'll also need 2 or 3 A-Levels, including a science, or a Level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a degree apprenticeship in nursing if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.
The apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.
You must be supported by your employer to take this route.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent.Volunteering
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in healthcare, or with a charity that offers mental health services, before you apply for nurse training.
Other Routes
You may be able to qualify through an 18-month mental health nursing conversion course if you're already a registered nurse in a different branch. You'll need to speak to your employer if you want to do this. You'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. It's possible to do a degree in mental health nursing and social work. You'll need to check that the course is recognised by the relevant professional bodies. Course providers can advise you on this.
Mental health nurse apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
Mental health nurse apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As part of your daily duties, you may:
- assess and supporting patients
- encourage patients to take part in role play, art, drama and discussion as therapies
- provide physical care, if the patient is too old or ill to look after themselves
- give medication
Working environment
You could work at a health centre, at an adult care home, in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a GP practice or in a prison.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression - Mental health nurse apprenticeships
With experience you could become a sister or ward manager and be responsible for running a ward or team of nurses in the community. You could go on to become matron or director of nursing.
With further study and experience, you could become an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or nurse consultant. Consultants work directly and independently with patients, carry out research and develop and give training.
You could also train in health visiting, become self-employed or work overseas.