Foundation Degree - Nursing Associate (Apprenticeship)

This apprenticeship course has been designed to enable Healthcare Assistants to become Nursing Associates, in order to bridge the gap in care delivery as identified by the Shape of Caring Review (Willis, 2015). The Nursing Associate role developed by the Department of Health, aims to deliver high quality, holistic, person-centred safe and effective nursing care in and across a wide range of health and care settings. In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach.

Whilst undertaking the course you'll remain employed by your host organisation and will spend 60% of your time in your current workplace, 20% of your time will be spent accessing alternative placements and the remaining 20% will be spent undertaking theory work. This Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Foundation Degree course is a full-time two year undergraduate course consisting of Foundation (Year 1) and Intermediate (Year 2) level study at Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Levels 4 and 5 respectively, which is in keeping with the Framework for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2008). The course is designed to be progressively demanding between levels.

Once qualified, Nursing Associates will be regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). If you’re thinking of studying an apprenticeship course or are an employer looking for an apprenticeship for your employees, you’ll also find useful information on our Degree Apprenticeship webpages. On this course, you’ll learn how to respond to the physical, cognitive, and mental health needs of all patients and service users across their lifespan.

You’ll have the opportunity to practice and develop your skills through clinical placements in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, helping to prepare you to pursue your career.