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Registered Specialist Nurse

Specialist nurses look after patients with serious health conditions. They combine nursing skills with special knowledge about particular illnesses and conditions. They work in hospitals, care homes, and the community.

Registered Specialist Nurse

6

Nursing and Midwifery

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY6
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST
51%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI exposure is low for this work today
AI exposure today for this job is low on our index (6), an estimate rather than a measurement. We have not yet classified what, if anything, structurally protects it, so we make no claim either way about a moat. Learn the tools, and build the judgement that stays human.

Career progression path

Is this the only route?

This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.

0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Research NurseAs a Junior Research Nurse, you will assist in the recruitment of participants and support senior staff in managing clinical trials. This role is ideal for newly qualified nurses looking to gain experience in research.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Research NurseIn a mid-level role, you will take on more responsibility, including leading trials and mentoring junior staff. Your experience will allow you to contribute significantly to research design and implementation.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Research Nurse/Clinical Research ManagerAt the peak of your career, you will oversee multiple research projects, manage teams, and liaise with stakeholders at all levels. Your expertise will shape the future of clinical research and patient care.£50,000+

Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)

The degree route

Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Nursing AssociateThe University of Cumbria · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£38,000 median
🎓Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NursingRoyal School of Needlework(The) · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£34,500 median
🎓MidwiferyUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mental Health NursingDancebox Theatre Works · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Mental Health Nursing with foundation yearCoventry University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓MidwiferyUniversity of Plymouth · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median

All Nursing and Midwifery courses as cards →

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career.

Degree subjects that lead this way

Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.