Changes to membership categories from January 2012

The RCN has introduced a simplified membership structure. From January 2012 there will only be three categories of member: nurses, health practitioners (such as health care assistants and assistant practitioners) and students.

The changes follow a thorough review of arrangements and have been led by the Membership and Representation Committee, a sub group of the RCN's governing Council. The new categories do not alter the eligibility criteria for RCN membership and the vast majority of members will notice no change.

The new membership categories are accompanied by straightforward subscription payment plans whereby the amount each member pays is calculated on the basis of their category and as a percentage of the headline membership rate. See the diagram below for more details. Nursing students and retired members will pay £10 per year as a flat fee.