New proposals stipulate that NHS nurses must have degrees

New proposals from the government outline the need for nurses working within the NHS to be educated to degree level.

If introduced, the plans will make it imperative for all nurses working for the organisation to hold a degree within the next four years, as the government considers ways in which it can bolster patient care.

Health minister Anne Keen commented: “By bringing in degree-level registration we can ensure new nurses have the best possible start to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This is the right direction of travel.”

As part of the changes, which have been outlined to begin in 2013, job candidates will have to hold a degree or the international equivalent and study programmes developed by regulator the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

This announcement follows the release of the report The NHS Constitution: A Consultation on New Patient Rights earlier this week, which states that patients using the NHS for treatment in the UK will be offered more options and rights in the future.