There are a couple of different paths to become a learning disability nurse – through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
You can complete a degree in learning disability nursing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council. You may also be able to study another area of nursing alongside learning disability nursing. Generally, full-time courses take 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements:
You'll usually need -
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, Maths and Science
- 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 complete a degree apprenticeship in nursing if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital. You must be supported by your employer to take this route. Generally, apprenticeships take 4 years and will be a mixture of academic and on-the-job training.
Entry requirements:
You’ll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A Levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship.