NMC confirms date that new pre-registration nursing education programmes will be introduced across the UK

Today the NMC confirmed that from the beginning of the academic year 2013-2014 students may only start pre-registration nursing programmes that meet the regulator’s new approved standards.

New programmes will be introduced beginning of the academic year 2011. The timescale is supported by the four government health departments and the Council of Deans for Health.

This follows today’s confirmation by Chief Nursing Officer, Dame Christine Beasley who signed off the timescales for England at the CNO’s Summit being held in North London. 

NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, Dickon Weir-Hughes said:

“The NMC are very pleased to announce the timescale for the introduction of our new Standards for pre-registration nursing education. The public rightly expect to receive high quality care from nurses. The new standards will be a cornerstone in ensuring that nurses are able to meet these expectations and continue to provide safe and effective care in the future.

“Raising the minimum level of education programmes to degree is essential in ensuring that future nursing students are fully prepared to undertake the new roles and responsibilities that will be expected of them by end of the programme.

“The different structure of programmes will also ensure that all newly registered nurses are competent in meeting the basic care needs of all people as well as being able to deliver complex care in their chosen field.”

The proposed new standards were developed in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders from across the UK.

In January 2010 the public will have the opportunity to respond to a national consultation which will be open until the end of April.

The standards will then be finalised by autumn 2010, with the first new programmes commencing autumn 2011.

Changes to pre-registration nursing programmes: FAQs

Review of pre-registration nursing education: Phase 1

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Notes for Editors

• The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) exists to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public. We register all nurses and midwives and ensure that they are properly qualified and competent to work in the UK. We set standards of education, training and conduct that nurses and midwives. We provide advice and guidance to help nurses and midwives keep their skills and knowledge up to date so that they can deliver high quality healthcare consistently throughout their careers. We have fair processes to investigate allegations made against nurses and midwives who may not have followed our standards, rules and the Code.
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