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Nursing Associate Apprenticeship

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Suitable for UK applications.

The Foundation Degree in science at the Faculty of Health Studies was created in response to demand for the Nursing Associate role in the healthcare system.

The Nursing Associate supports the registered nurse in ensuring service users and families receive high-quality, compassionate care. The programme will prepare you to work as a registered nurse associate, delivering and evaluating hands-on care.

The programme starts in December and is two years in length. During the programme, you will be based in your area of work (hub) and attend placements and university. Time in university will be split into week blocks or one day per week, and you will experience practice in a variety of clinical settings from paediatrics, learning disabilities, mental health, and general adult settings, employed as a trainee nursing associate.

Professional accreditation

This foundation degree apprenticeship is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to train Nursing Associates for NHS England. That means that on successful completion of the apprenticeship, trainees will be able to register with the NMC as a qualified Nursing Associate.


Find out what course accreditations and approvals are, and how they can help you achieve your future goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are interviewed jointly by the employer and University. The recruitment interviews are centred on values in accordance with The Code (NMC, 2018). The University welcomes applications from all potential apprentices, and most important in the decision to offer a place is a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and succeed on the programme.

If successful at interview and you meet the necessary criteria to study at the University, you will be offered a job as apprentice and a place on the Foundation Degree Science (FdSc) Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme.

The minimum entry requirements for the programme are as follows:

  • Maths GCSE (grade C or above) or equivalent certificated learning (evidence of which must be provided)
  • English GCSE (grade C or above) or equivalent certificated learning (evidence of which must be provided)
  • A level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care
  • Any level 2 or 3 qualification in a health-related subject or equivalent plus a minimum of six months' current professional healthcare experience in a paid role
  • A declaration of health and good character in line with the NMC’s health and character decision-making guidance, on entry and annually, a declaration must be made
  • Currently working a minimum of 30 hours a week
  • A second reference
  • Satisfactory occupational health assessment. All places are offered subject to satisfactory occupational health screening and clearance, and an agreement to undergo appropriate blood tests and immunisations.
    This will involve completing an online occupational health questionnaire and attendance, if required, at a medical appointment.
    Occupational health screening and assessment will consider the learner's health and wellbeing and their fitness to study and practice. Progress on the course is dependent on your continued fitness.
    This screening process complies with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) requirements for the protection of the public, students, and staff working in health and social care.
    The University is committed to making reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities to enable them to fulfil the required competencies of the programme. Candidates who are concerned about health issues are strongly advised to contact us prior to applying.
  • Satisfactory criminal record checks. All places offered are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Teaching, learning and assessment

Throughout the foundation degree programme you will participate in a wide range of trainee-centred learning activities in order to help you develop the knowledge, skills and values required for practice based around core subjects.

Learning is structured in a variety of ways, to appeal to different learning styles and for the benefit of all learners. You can expect to undertake lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, team-based learning, discussions, self-directed study, simulated practice, and clinical skills workshops. You will be expected to complete and give feedback on directed activities and undertake regular self-directed study. Your learning will be supported by study skills advice, and the opportunity to submit formative assessments for feedback ahead of summative (assessed) pieces of work. You are required to submit a self-assessment for all summative assessed work.

Assessments aim to determine achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours as identified in the apprenticeship framework, with learning outcomes identified for each module. Methods used include essays, case studies, reports, work books, communications exercises, individual readiness assurance tests and team readiness assurance tests, written and clinical examinations and portfolios.

Practice experience is continually assessed with a mid-placement formative assessment and a formal summative assessment. In addition, you will complete a formative reflection on practice, and feedback will be provided by your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

Service users and carers are involved in all aspects of assessment, including setting assessments, providing evaluation and feedback in practice, and summative assessments of some presentations.

You will view course content, interact with the programme, and submit assignments online, using the University's Canvas platform, and in clinical practice you will keep an electronic portfolio on a platform called Pebblepad.

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.