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Learning disability nurse
Learning disability nurses take care of the social, psychological and physical health needs of people with a learning disability.
Average salary (a year)
£28000
Starter
£43000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
You can do a degree in learning disability nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You might be able to study another area of nursing alongside learning disability nursing on some degree courses.
You might be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in
a health-related subject, psychology, life sciences, social work
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
You might also be able to get a postgraduate qualification if you already have a relevant degree.
Integrated practice degree
You could qualify as a learning disabilities nurse and a social worker through an integrated practice degree. You'll need to check that the course is recognised by the relevant professional bodies for both roles. You can get advice on this from the course provider.
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
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
NHS Learning Support Fund|https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You might be able to apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.
The degree apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.
You'll need the support of your employer to do a degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some practical experience before you apply for nurse training.
You could:get some experience in health or social care, find volunteering opportunities with people with learning disabilities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT
More Information
Registrations
you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Career Tips
You'll be expected to understand how the NHS values apply in your work when applying for a course or apprenticeship.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a learning disability nurse from the Nursing and Midwifery Council and Health Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Sensitivity and understanding
    Knowledge of psychology
    Knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
    The ability to understand people’s reactions
    Active listening skills
    Concentration skills
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to use your initiative
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this role you could
support people with learning disabilities to overcome challenges and get equal access to healthcare, help people to improve and maintain their physical or mental health, assess what kind of care is needed and create a care plan, involve the person in all aspects of their care and give advice that is easy to understand, manage medicines, give injections and keep confidential records, supervise support workers and give advice on how to support people with learning disabilities
Working environment
You could work in the community, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you could:lead a team of nurses or manage a learning disability unit, become a community matron, director of nursing or train to become a health visitor, become an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant if you have a postgraduate qualification, move into teaching or research
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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