Program Overview

Higher Apprenticeship Undergraduate: FdSc Nursing Associate Nursing Associate

Introduction

Enhance your nursing skills and confidence to meet a wide range of healthcare needs with our Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship. Study for a nursing associate foundation degree while you work, with no tuition fees.

Course Highlights

• Successful completion will meet the education requirements for registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)
• Work-based approach allows you to deliver impact in the workplace as you learn
• Study while you work, with no tuition fees

Key Facts

• AWARD: FdSc Nursing Associate
• LEVEL: Undergraduate
• STUDY OPTIONS: 20-24 months
• START DATES: March, September
• LOCATION: Cambridge, Chelmsford, ARU Peterborough
• ACCREDITATION: Approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)
• FEES: Degree apprenticeships are fully funded by your employer and the Government

Delivery and Assessment

• 20-24 months
• An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
• At least 20% of your contracted working hours will be classed as 'off-the-job'. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore are not part of your usual work duties.
• The off-the-job learning will be set out in a block plan that details when you will attend full days of university teaching, the dates you will be assessed or need to submit an assignment, and the weeks you will be putting your new learning into practice in your usual work setting, or in external placements to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements.
• The off-the-job learning for our Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship is delivered from our Cambridge, Peterborough, or Chelmsford campuses.

Assessment

• You will be assessed at the end of each module you undertake (on-programme assessments) which will contribute towards the final award of your qualification.
• The assessments have been designed to enable you to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and behaviours using a range of strategies that reflect activities you will carry out through your professional career. These include reflective writing, clinical and non-clinical exams, presentations and practice assessments.
• You will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship.
• The EPA for this apprenticeship is integrated into the on-programme assessments. Therefore, on successful completion of your degree, you will also complete the apprenticeship and be ready to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Modules

Core Modules

• Foundations of Communication and Professionalism
• Fundamental Nursing Skills and Procedures
• Applied Health Science across the Lifespan
• Health and Wellbeing across the Lifespan
• Contemporary Nursing Associate Practice 1
• Enhancing Integrated Care in Interprofessional Settings for Nursing Associates
• Supporting Learning and Professional Development
• Supporting a Patient Safety Culture
• Developing Communication and Professionalism for Nursing Associate Practice
• Contemporary Nursing Associate Practice 2

Facilities

Nursing Skills Labs

Our Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough campuses all offer purpose-built nursing skills labs. The labs simulate many aspects of a working hospital ward and allow you to use sophisticated healthcare equipment.

Accreditation

Approved by the NMC

This course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council which demonstrates that the skills, knowledge and attributes you’ll develop are aligned to the NMC professional standards. This means that on successful completion of the apprenticeship you’ll be able to register as Registered Nursing Associate.

What Our Apprentices Say

• HALIMAH: "I would advise you to apply to come and study at ARU because it is a family here and there's a whole host of support."
• Lucy: "Training through an apprenticeship has been extremely beneficial to me, it has given me the opportunity to gain real hands-on experience. It has given me a real kick start into my career and an amazing opportunity to gain a real insight into the work I will be doing in the future."
• Danielle: "I have been given a fantastic opportunity with the apprenticeship and have gained skills and knowledge from the course that will shape me into the Nursing Associate that I will become. It has shown me the value of care and compassion."

Careers

Successful completion of the Level 5 Nursing Associate course will now permit you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) on a Band 4 salary with your employer. Find out more about how the NMC regulates Nursing Associates.

Entry Requirements

• Employment in a suitable role on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week
• Employer support to undertake this course
• Confirmed eligibility to be funded as an apprentice as set out within the ESFA’s Funding Rules
• A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion, post interview
• Evidence of Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English e.g. GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills, or ESFA-approved equivalents

Current Vacancies

To be eligible to apply for one of our apprenticeships, you’ll first need to be in a full-time position with one of our partner employers. Find out about current vacancies.