HOW TO BECOME A NURSE IN THE UK?

To work as a nurse in the UK, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Below is an overview of the key requirements and steps to achieve NMC registration:

• Completion of at least 10 years of school education before starting post-secondary nursing or midwifery training.
• A suitable nursing qualification, such as a full-time B.Sc. Nursing degree (three years) or a Diploma program of at least three years’ duration, which leads to registration.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English as part of the NMC registration process. Evidence can be provided through one of the following methods:

Applicants must pass one of the accepted language proficiency tests:

• IELTS: International English Language Testing System
• OET: Occupational English Test

• Minimum scores:
  
  • Listening: 7.0
  • Reading: 7.0
  • Writing: 6.5
  • Speaking: 7.0

• Minimum grades:
  
  • Listening: B
  • Reading: B
  • Writing: C+
  • Speaking: B

Combining Test Scores
Candidates may combine scores from two attempts of the same test (either IELTS or OET) provided:

• Scores from both sittings meet the following minimums:
  
  • IELTS: At least 6.5 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing.
  • OET: At least C+ in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and C in Writing.
• The two test sittings are within 12 months of each other.
• The candidate was tested in all four components during both sittings.

Examples of Acceptable and Non-Acceptable CombinationsFor detailed examples of score combinations and to check your eligibility, visit the NMC’s Score Calculator.

Evidence 2: Education in English

• Completion of a pre-registration nursing or midwifery program taught and examined in English.
• A transcript of training must confirm at least 50% clinical interaction conducted in English, involving 75% of patients and healthcare professionals.

Note: NMC is currently reviewing this route.

• At least one year of registration and practice in a country where English is the native language.
• Experience must include bedside care.

• Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, USA, and others listed on the NMC website.