How long does it take to become a health visitor?

One year of SCPHN training on top of nurse or midwife registration, so about four years from the start of nurse training.

Do you need to be a nurse to become a health visitor?

You need to be a registered nurse or a registered midwife before starting SCPHN training.

Is health visitor training funded?

Usually yes. Trainee posts are salaried and employers normally fund the university fees.

Route-in guide

How to become a health visitor in the UK

In short

You must first be a registered nurse or midwife, then complete an NMC-approved Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) programme, usually one year full time in a salaried trainee post. The qualification is then recorded on your NMC registration.

How long it takes

One year full time on the SCPHN programme, after three years of nurse or midwifery training.

What it costs

Trainee health visitor posts are salaried with fees funded by the employer, so the SCPHN year is normally paid rather than self-funded.

Who regulates it

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

The route, step by step

Register as a nurse or midwife
Any field of nursing is accepted by most programmes, although child and adult are the most common.
Get community or public health experience
It strengthens the application and is what most trainee posts look for.
Apply for a trainee health visitor post
These are advertised by NHS and community providers with a linked university place attached.
Complete the SCPHN programme
One year full time, half theory and half supervised practice with a practice teacher.
Record the qualification with the NMC
SCPHN is recorded on your existing registration rather than being a separate register.
Specialise
Perinatal mental health, infant feeding or safeguarding are the three that lead to Band 7.

Your first job

Most newly qualified health visitors join a universal caseload team. If postnatal recovery is your interest, ask for the perinatal mental health link role early, because that is the specialism private services recruit from.

What does a health visitor earn?

Qualified health visitors in the NHS are usually Band 6, roughly £37,338 to £44,962 a year, with team leads and specialist practitioners at Band 7, £46,148 to £52,809. Trainee health visitors are normally salaried at Band 5 or 6 while completing the SCPHN qualification.

Full UK pay ranges by setting, including NHS bands and private rates, with what actually moves the number.

health visitor salary guide

Common questions

How long does it take to become a health visitor?: One year of SCPHN training on top of nurse or midwife registration, so about four years from the start of nurse training.
Do you need to be a nurse to become a health visitor?: You need to be a registered nurse or a registered midwife before starting SCPHN training.
Is health visitor training funded?: Usually yes. Trainee posts are salaried and employers normally fund the university fees.