International students wishing to register and work in the UK nursing profession are required to complete the Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP) as part of their studies. The ONP enables international students to become registered nurses in the UK, where they are then registered to work in either the NHS or the private sector.
The ONP may be integrated as part of BSc (Hons) and MSc courses in International Nursing Studies and students can therefore gain an undergraduate/postgraduate degree in International Nursing Studies, obtaining registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to work in the UK. Each of these courses are full-time for one year, during which time students are given the option to undertake the ONP, which involves 400 hours of supervised practice placement. During study, international students studying at universities in the UK are permitted to work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Most nursing degrees last for four years and students will cover a wide variety of the different aspects of Nursing during this time. Compulsory courses in life sciences will take place; while placements in various community and medical centres will enable students to gain firsthand experience of their profession. Lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and group work will cover each aspect of Nursing during study.
Nursing graduates can focus on four separate areas during study – adult, child, learning disability and mental health – which will shape your future career. No two days for a fully qualified nurse are ever the same, and choosing what to focus on at the beginning of your career does not mean you are held in that particular environment permanently.
Source: The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
Nursing is a very competitive area of study and it is important to not only show academic excellence when applying, but also have the right personality to take on such a demanding role. Students must have good numeracy and literacy skills, be outstanding communicators and are able to work as part of a team in high pressure situations.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
To learn more about the best Nursing courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Nursing and Midwifery universities in the Guardian University Guide 2020 below:
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Maggie Kiwanuka Social Care at Canterbury Christ Church University
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