Mental health is a rapidly growing sector within healthcare. Mental health nurses are key players in this field, helping people to overcome emotional and psychological challenges. Demand for qualified practitioners is rising across the NHS, you’ll find strong job prospects and superb opportunities to make a difference.
Updated: 30 Nov 2025
Nursing is varied, and you may find yourself working on the ward or in a community setting. In hospitals, you’ll assess new referrals, administer medication, and carry out therapeutic activities with patients. In clinics or homes, you’ll perform risk assessments, develop care plans, and deliver one-to-one counselling while collaborating closely with psychiatrists, social workers, and other allied health professionals.
Education is a big part of the job. You’ll teach patients and families about coping strategies and stress management, while also attending continued professional development courses to stay fully updated with the latest regulations and developments in the field.
Interpersonal skills: Understand and engage with the feelings of those in distress, building trust and rapport
Resilience: Manage stress and maintain professional boundaries when facing challenging behaviours
Observation: Spot subtle changes in mood and behaviour that can signal risk
Teamwork: Work alongside doctors, therapists, and support staff to deliver holistic care to your patients
To apply for nursing degrees you must hold five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English, maths, and a science (often biology). You’ll then need a minimum of two A-levels (or equivalent), with one in a health-related or science subject.
Volunteering in mental health charities, care homes, or crisis helplines shows commitment and gives you extra insight with which to strengthen your application. Six months of experience is preferable.
A BSc in Mental Health Nursing, approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the most popular option. This type of course ensures you meet high professional standards and are able to register upon graduation. Typical entry requirements are ABB–BBC at A-level (or equivalent), which translates as 104–120 UCAS points.
NEXT: Check out accredited mental health nursing degrees
Your mental health nursing degree will combine theoretical and hands-on work, from lectures on patient care and pharmacology, to skills training in simulation labs where you’ll learn everything from administering injections to crisis de-escalation.
You’ll spend at least 2,300 hours on placements, rotating through environments like adolescent services, psychiatric wards, and community teams.
A full-time course typically lasts three years, and you’ll be assessed through exams and written coursework. Assessment methods include exams, written assignments, OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), and reflective essays.
Yes, there are. Nursing degree apprenticeships allow you to work for an NHS trust while studying part-time, with fees covered by your employer. Postgraduate conversion courses exist for those with a bachelor’s in a similar subject, lasting two years and leading to NMC registration.
You’ll register as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), and begin your professional work. The biggest employer is the NHS, but you can also go into private practices. Salaries start around £31,000, and a standard working week is around 37.5 hours, with a shift pattern structure.
You can specialise in working with children and adolescents, as a primary mental health worker, substance misuse, and many more, with the option to move into senior practitioner or team leader roles where your salary can increase to over £45,000.
Personal statement: Mention specific patient outcomes you've achieved in any work experience roles
Interview: Prepare for scenario-based questions (handling a patient in crisis), and refer back to examples where you’ve done this successfully
References: Get at least one reference that attests to your professionalism and communication skills
“The best aspect of my course is the fast that I am learning to promote professionalism and promote person centred care.” — Amenze Okoeguale, BSc Nursing (Mental Health) at the University of Derby
“Personal tutors keep in contact with students & the lectures are amazing at responding in a timely manner. The course has been very informative about placements all students are required to complete on the course.” — Grace Brown, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) at the University of Plymouth
NEXT: Read more student reviews
How long does it take to become a mental health nurse?
Typically three years, with apprenticeships running three to four years, and conversion courses taking two. Can I switch to other nursing fields?
Yes, you can re-register in adult or child nursing after additional training.
Is mental health nursing hard?
It can be a fast-paced environment and emotionally challenging at times, but you’ll have an excellent support system of healthcare guidance to keep you on track for success.
Sounds good so far? Next you’ll need to choose a course. Explore NMC-accredited degrees on Whatuni and start building your future career as a mental health nurse.