NMC consults on reducing pre-registration nursing programme hours

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a 12-week consultation on proposed changes to nursing and midwifery education standards, including plans to reduce nursing programme hours.

Under the proposals, the minimum number of hours required for pre-registration nursing programmes would be reduced from 4,600 to 3,600.

The current 4,600-hour requirement stems from EU legislation that no longer applies to the UK. Other non-EU countries require significantly fewer practice hours – around 700 in the USA, 800 in Australia and 1,100 in New Zealand.

Related Article: Nursing in Practice takes general practice nurse pay concerns to Parliament

The NMC said the proposed change would shift the focus from the volume of hours to the quality of practice learning experiences and allow education providers greater flexibility in programme design.

In addition, the consultation includes proposals to ensure all nursing students complete at least one community-based placement in health or social care, and to strengthen training on anti-racism, bias awareness and cultural curiosity.

Changes to nursing associate training requirements are also being considered.

If pre-registration nursing programme hours are reduced as planned, the proposal is to require pre-registration nursing associate programmes to be a minimum of 2,300 hours, rather than 50% of the nursing programme hours as set out in the current standard.

Midwifery programmes, meanwhile, could be extended from three to four years under the latest proposals.

Related Article: NHSE sets out instructions for trusts on Band 5 nurse role review

The regulator said this would address concerns regarding safety, quality and culture in maternity services, and reflected evidence that students can struggle to meet all requirements within the current timeframe.

The proposals follow research and engagement carried out during 2024 and 2025, involving students, professionals, education institutions and practice learning partners.

Professor Donna O’Boyle, acting executive director for professional practice at the NMC, said: ‘Throughout this review, we have heard how and why students’ practice learning experiences can vary.

Related Article: NMC unveils ‘anti-racism’ principles for nursing practice and education

‘Drawing on these insights, we are now consulting on changes to our nursing and midwifery education standards, and we want to hear from as many people as possible.’

The consultation closes on 23 July. Responses can be submitted online via the NMC website.