Healthcare professionals and patients in Scotland urged to shape future of nursing and midwifery practice learning

Since launching its 12-week consultation in April, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has received more than 3,600 responses from people across the UK, including almost 350 in Scotland.

The consultation seeks views on a series of thought-provoking proposals designed to strengthen practice learning requirements and modernise education standards for future nursing and midwifery professionals. These include:

• Reducing the minimum number of hours required for nursing programmes from 4,600 to 3,600 hours
• Extending midwifery programmes from three to four years
• Strengthening anti-racism and cultural competence in education
• Ensuring all nursing students complete a community-based practice learning placement.

With less than six weeks remaining before the consultation closes on 23 July, the NMC is calling for more people in Scotland to weigh in, to help ensure the final changes are informed by perspectives from across the UK.

The proposals build on two years of research and engagement involving students, professionals, educators, practice learning partners and the public. During 2025 alone, the NMC held 25 engagement events attended by more than 1,250 people from across the UK.

The regulator’s extensive research has found that while many students have positive experiences, the quality of practice learning can vary significantly. The consultation therefore asks whether changes are needed to better prepare future nurses, midwives and nursing associates for the realities of modern health and care.

Scotland has played a central role in shaping the review into practice learning. The NMC’s independent steering group is chaired by Professor Alex McMahon CBE, former Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Scotland, and includes representatives from across the four countries of the UK.

Professor Alex McMahon CBE, former CNO for Scotland, said:

“As chair of the practice learning review steering group, it’s hugely important that we hear from nurses, midwives and those involved in educating and supporting students across the UK. These proposals will shape how future professionals are prepared for practice, so they must reflect the realities of different working environments.

“This includes devolved nations such as Scotland, where health and social care systems are organised nationally, shaping how practice learning is delivered and experienced by students and professionals alike.

“We need to understand how this review can support nursing and midwifery professionals within the context in which they work, and ensure that any changes we make deliver the best outcomes for students and indeed for patients in the future.”

Almost 290 nurses in Scotland have already responded to the consultation, making them the largest professional group of Scottish respondents so far. There has also been encouraging engagement from those supporting students in practice learning, with around 80 responses so far from practice assessors, practice supervisors and academic assessors.

Professor Donna O’Boyle MBE, Acting Executive Director of Professional Practice at the NMC, said:

“Almost 350 people in Scotland have so far contributed to our consultation, helping to shape an important UK-wide conversation about the future of nursing and midwifery education.

“Practice learning is a vital element of how the next generation of nurses and midwives develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to join the Register and go on to provide safe, high-quality care for people throughout their careers.

“This consultation is an important opportunity to hear a wide range of perspectives from across the professions and the public, including people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds. That input will help ensure our education standards are strengthened to better equip students for the realities of modern health and social care.”

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