How to become a psychiatric nurse in the U.K ?

Question

could someone tell me what training you need to become a psychiatric nurse, and how long it would take? I'm nearly 20,i have a 1 1/2 year old.,ive looked in to part time collage courses for nursing but the web site is a little confusing, with all different courses, I'm not sure which to take. i didn't do very well in school only have 2 GCSE'S in health and social care at grade C .any information you can give would be great! thanks for answers! xx

Answer 1

Hi, you have two options, the Degree or the Diploma. For the Diploma you would require 5 GCSE's at grade A-C and for the degree you would require A levels.

You may want to consider re-taking some of your GCSE's in particular, Science, Math and English. Both the Diploma and Degree and three years in duration and are full time courses. Study pattern is 50% theory and 50% practical (practical is done in a hopsital/care setting) practical in the University.

Both applications are made through UCAS

Answer 2

If you go to the UCAS website you can do a search under 'mental health nursing'.  There are a number of universities which offer the diploma or degree.  I think the standard requirement is 5 gcse's including maths and English, however you may be able to do an Access course if you don't have those qualifications.

In London you can apply to:

Middlesex

Thames Valley

Greenwich

Southbank

and I think University College Hospital London

Nursing is a very noble career and there are many different career choices open to you once you qualify.

Good luck!