Program Overview

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Overview

The University of Suffolk boasts extensive experience in administering Foundation Degrees, along with several pre-registration programmes, including Nursing Associates, Nursing, Midwifery, Radiography, and Social Work. This experience, coupled with substantial input from employers, has influenced the structure and content of our programme.

A pivotal element is the collaboration between the University and local healthcare providers within the NHS, private, voluntary, and independent sectors. This partnership allows you to learn while employed, combining classroom-based theory with practical experience through work-based learning.

Apprentices enrolled in the FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) - Higher Apprenticeship course at the University enjoy close working relationships with the teaching team and other experts in the field of health and care from our practice partners in the NHS and other local healthcare providers. You will benefit from our academic staff here taking the time to know each student individually and provide support throughout your academic journey with us, as well as earn while you learn. Apprentices of the Nursing Associate programme will gain experience across all four fields of nursing – Child, Adult, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.

For more information about the University's affiliation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), please refer to the PSRB Register.

This FdA Health and Wellbeing (Nursing Associate) - Higher Apprenticeship is offered only to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. For more information on how to apply, visit our Apprenticeships page.

The University of Suffolk has an international profile while being committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

5th

in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for Health Professions

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

6th

in the UK for spend on academic services

(Complete University Guide 2024)

2nd

in the East of England for Graduate Prospects

(Complete University Guide 2024)

Course Modules

Introduction to Professional Practice

This module introduces learners to the experience of Higher Education, providing a sound foundation for clinical practice and exploring the nursing associate role.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

This module introduces learners to human anatomy and physiology.

Inclusive Communication for Professional Practice

This module explores the fundamentals of communication and interpersonal skills that are required to facilitate effective therapeutic relationships and team working.

Foundations of Acute and Long Term Conditions

This module explores the fundamental bio-psycho-social theories of ill health and the changing health needs of a population.

Practice Learning 1

This module is designed to support learners in exploring how the theoretical components of the course relate to practice enabling learners to reflect on their development.

Supporting the Safe Management of Medicines

This module explores the principles of pharmacology, professional guidelines, legislation and ethical issues which impacts the safe management of medicines to enhance the learner’s knowledge and skills.

Holistic Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan

This module introduces the learner to the social determinants of health, health inequalities and the principles of health promotion.

Research and Leadership for Professional Practice

This module introduces the principles of research; exploring evidence-based practice and leadership skills to be able to confidently supervise, support and motivate others.

Practice Learning 2

This module is designed to support learners in exploring how the theoretical components of the course relate to practice enabling learners to reflect on their development.

Entry Requirements

UK Academic Requirements

The University will liaise with employers regarding entry requirements, but would normally expect Apprentices to meet our standard entry requirements:

• 80 UCAS Points (or above)
  • CDD (A-Level)
  • MMP (BTEC)
  • Pass A*-C (T Level)

All applicants are required to hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.

Students must be employed in the health or care sector. Any offer of a place will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

International Requirements

Apprentices must have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA or the UK for at least the three years prior to beginning the Apprenticeship. Any apprentice with non-UK qualifications will be expected to meet the equivalent entry requirements.

Students with English as a second language must also meet our English Language requirements:

• IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the students' first language.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Nursing Associate apprenticeship will be well placed to take advantage of a variety of career openings which exist in the health and social care sector. On graduation you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This provides you with an extremely marketable recognised professional qualification, giving you the opportunity to work in England in verity of health and social care environments. Graduates completing the FdA in Health and Wellbeing apprenticeship may be eligible to apply for different degree pathways, such as the Adult and Mental Health Nursing Degree Apprenticeship.

Your Course Team

Leanne Logan-Smith

Leanne is a registered adult nurse and is Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships.

Tracy Button

Practice Education Facilitator and Associate Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships at the University of Suffolk.

Alison Howard

Alison is Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships and is a Registered Nurse and a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse .

Angela Cobbold

Angela is Senior Lecturer in Operating Department Practice and has additional qualifications in the Surgical First Assistant role in the NHS and Private Sector.

Star Sibanda

Star is a Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships and a qualified General Nurse.

Abbi Davies

Abbi is a Lecturer in Health Apprenticeships. She is a registered nurse and before moving into education, worked as a Senior Community Nurse in Colchester.

Rachel Van den Brink-Budgen

Rachel is a lecturer in Health Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Funding

Degree Apprenticeships are only offered to students undertaking the course as part of their employment. Apprenticeship training will therefore be funded directly by employers or by employers in partnership with Government. Apprentices will not be required to pay any tuition or course fees, and will not be eligible for any Student Finance England maintenance support.

Facilities and Resources

The Health and Wellbeing building provides students with a variety of state-of-the-art clinical simulation facilities, including two simulated hospital wards, a midwifery birthing unit, physiotherapy teaching spaces, a sports and exercise facility and a working radiography imaging suite. The building also hosts the Institute of Health and Wellbeing Research and the Integrated Care Academy.

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship) 4 year
• BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
• BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship)
• BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship) 2 year