--- title: "Career change from nursing: routes, length, cost and pay" description: "Routes in England that accept registered nurses, from shortened midwifery to physician and anaesthesia associate, plus allied health jobs nurses move into." url: "https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-nursing" tokens: 4279 --- # Career change from nursing You're a registered nurse and you want a different job, inside or outside the NHS. Your registration opens routes other people can't take. ## The short version Three official routes in England name nurses or registered health professionals in their entry rules: shortened midwifery, physician associate and anaesthesia associate. Our guides also name healthcare as a common background for four allied health jobs. ## Routes that accept your registration Each of these names registered nurses, or registered health professionals, in its entry requirements. ### [Midwife](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#midwife): Shortened course for registered adult nurses Student funding At least 18 months (3,000 hours), or 2 years (3,600 hours) - Entry: NMC-registered adult nurse - Funding: Set by the course; ask the university. - Leads to: NMC registration as a midwife These are the NMC's minimums. Which universities run the 18-month course wasn't confirmed. Sources: [nmc.org.uk](https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/standards/2023-pre-reg-standards/part-3-updated-standards-for-pre-registration-midwifery-programmes-2023.pdf) ### [Physician associate (to be renamed physician assistant)](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#physician-associate-to-be-renamed-physician-assistant): Postgraduate course Student funding Usually 2 years (46 to 48 weeks a year, 1,600 clinical hours) - Entry: Usually a bioscience degree, or registration as a nurse, midwife or allied health professional - Funding: Some funding, varying by university. The Level 7 apprenticeship (ST0518) is paused for new starts. - Leads to: GMC registration; typically Band 7 The government accepted the Leng review's recommendations on 16 July 2025, including the new title. Its response to the 2026 consultation on titles is pending. Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/medical-associate-professions/roles-medical-associate-professions/physician-associate) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/patient-safety-boost-as-pa-review-recommendations-accepted) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ### [Anaesthesia associate](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#anaesthesia-associate): Postgraduate trainee post Paid while training 24 or 27 months - Entry: A registered health professional with at least 3 years' experience after qualifying, or a 2:1 or better in a biomedical or biological science - Funding: Employed by the NHS while training; Band 5 to 7 depending on employer. - Leads to: GMC registration; at least Band 7 The Leng review renames the role "physician assistant in anaesthesia". Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/medical-associate-professions/roles-medical-associate-professions/anaesthesia-associate) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ## Jobs people move into from nursing Each of these is a CareerFlip role guide that names a background like yours as a common way in. The quote is the guide's own line. Pay is the spread of salaries in live UK listings, shown only when there are enough of them. ### [Physiotherapist](https://careerflip.app/explore/physiotherapist) > People from sport, fitness, caring, or other healthcare backgrounds often adapt well thanks to overlapping knowledge and people skills. > > From the [Physiotherapist guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/physiotherapist) UK pay in live listings: **£36k to £46k**, median **£42k** (48 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 2 Nov 2026) How to qualify in England: 3 routes, 1 paid while you train #### [Physiotherapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#physiotherapist): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/physiotherapist) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Physiotherapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#physiotherapist): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 2 years - Entry: A relevant degree - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/physiotherapist) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Physiotherapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#physiotherapist): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0519. - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0519-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/physiotherapist) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ### [Occupational Therapist](https://careerflip.app/explore/occupational-therapist) > People from healthcare, social care, teaching, or psychology backgrounds often find their experience transfers well. > > From the [Occupational Therapist guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/occupational-therapist) UK pay in live listings: **£32k to £48k**, median **£43k** (50 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 9 Nov 2026) How to qualify in England: 3 routes, 1 paid while you train #### [Occupational therapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#occupational-therapist): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Occupational therapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#occupational-therapist): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 1 to 2 years - Entry: A degree (subject not stated) - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Occupational therapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#occupational-therapist): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0517. - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0517-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ### [Dietitian](https://careerflip.app/explore/dietitian) > People from science, healthcare, food, or fitness backgrounds often have a head start. > > From the [Dietitian guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/dietitian) UK pay in live listings: **£36k to £44k**, median **£38k** (49 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 9 Nov 2026) How to qualify in England: 3 routes, 1 paid while you train #### [Dietitian](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#dietitian): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 or 4 years - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/dietitian) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Dietitian](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#dietitian): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 2 years - Entry: A degree with enough human physiology and biochemistry - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/dietitian) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Dietitian](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#dietitian): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0599. - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0599-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/dietitian) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ### [Paramedic](https://careerflip.app/explore/paramedic) > People from other healthcare, emergency services, or caring backgrounds often adapt well. > > From the [Paramedic guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/paramedic) UK pay in live listings: **£42k to £50k**, median **£46k** (50 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 9 Nov 2026) How to qualify in England: 2 routes, 1 paid while you train #### [Paramedic](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#paramedic): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 to 4 years - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5, moving to 6 after 2 years (Band 5 starts at £32,073) A full manual driving licence and 2 years' driving experience are expected. Graduates may be assessed case by case for the Learning Support Fund. A graduate-entry route wasn't confirmed. Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/ambulance-service-team/roles-ambulance-service/paramedic) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Paramedic](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#paramedic): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 3 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0567. - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5, moving to 6 after 2 years (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0567-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/ambulance-service-team/roles-ambulance-service/paramedic) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ## If you have a degree 9 more official routes accept a degree in any subject, whatever job you do now. They include police degree-holder entry, the SQE for solicitors and postgraduate social work. [See the routes open to any graduate](https://careerflip.app/career-change#any-degree). ## Is it too late to change? You're far from the only one asking. In a 2025 survey, one in three UK workers said they feel they've missed their chance. Age, job security and the cost of retraining were what kept people in jobs they disliked. [Nottingham Trent University, August 2025](https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2025/08/im-too-old-for-that%21-brits-stuck-in-jobs-they-hate-because-they-think-theyve-missed-the-boat) Most routes ask what you've done and what you can learn, not your age. The social work degree apprenticeship has no upper age limit. ICAEW's accountancy route has a mature entry for people aged 25 or over with 7 years' experience. ## Questions ### Can a children's or mental health nurse take the shortened midwifery course? Our data only covers the shortened route for NMC-registered adult nurses. If you're on another part of the register, ask the university what it accepts. ### Which of these routes pay you while you train? 5 routes on this page pay a salary while you train. Postgraduate trainee post: Anaesthesia associate. Degree apprenticeship (Level 6): Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist, Dietitian, Paramedic. ### Is it too late to change career from nursing? You're far from the only one asking. In a 2025 survey, one in three UK workers said they feel they've missed their chance. Age, job security and the cost of retraining were what kept people in jobs they disliked. Most routes ask what you've done and what you can learn, not your age. The social work degree apprenticeship has no upper age limit. ICAEW's accountancy route has a mature entry for people aged 25 or over with 7 years' experience. ## See which of these your CV is closest to CareerFlip reads your whole work history, not just your last job title, and suggests directions you're ready for now, one skill away, or worth 12 to 24 months' preparation. One analysis a month is free. [Start free](https://careerflip.app/auth?src=career-change-nursing&via=md) ## More - [All 92 career change routes in England](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes) - [Check typical pay for a job title](https://careerflip.app/pay-check) - [Career change from teaching](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-teaching) - [Career change from care work](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-care-work) - [Career change from customer service](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-customer-service) - [Career change from marketing](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-marketing) - [Career change from operations](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-operations) - [Career change from finance](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-finance) - [Career change from software engineering](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-software-engineering) Routes are from the official body that runs each one, checked 3 November 2026; fees, bursaries and pay change every year, so confirm with the source before you apply. Role quotes are from CareerFlip's guides. This is researched information, not careers advice. [Start free: see where your CV points](https://careerflip.app/auth?src=career-change-nursing&via=md)