Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship


Institution code	H36
Start date	March; September
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions, and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS Points	A-Levels	GCSE Equivalent
48 points	DD grades at a minimum BTECS: PPP grades at a minimum	English language and mathematics at grade four/C or above, or a University of Hertfordshire accepted equivalent qualification.

Additional requirements

Applicants must be:

In current employment as a healthcare support worker (Band two, three, or four) and working under the supervision of a registered nurse/practitioner.

Working currently in a healthcare environment in either the NHS or private, voluntary or independent sector for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Supported by their employer who must provide:

An employer's reference in support of the application;
Evidence from their employer confirming that the student can be released from work duties to attend place of study one day a week for scheduled classes;
Evidence confirming availability of a mentor (apprenticeship requirement)/Practice Assessor / Practice Supervisor support;
Evidence that satisfactory (i) occupational health clearance and (ii) the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) clearance have been undertaken prior to the commencement of the programme;
Confirmation of content of mandatory training and date completed.

The recruitment process consists of short-listing followed by a selection day comprising an English and numeracy test and a values based interview. The interview panel will normally include a Trust and an Academic member of staff. Successful applicants will demonstrate:

The potential to manage work and study commitments;

A commitment to the NHS constitution's 'Values and Behaviours';

An ability to discuss current health care issues;

An interest in broadening and building on prior experiences;

Good written and verbal communication skills.

The Nursing Associate Degree Apprenticeship programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures. These will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).

About the course

Apprenticeship Standard: Nursing Associate

Final Award: FdSc Health Care Practice

The Nursing Associate is a new nursing occupation, introduced into the health and care workforce to bridge the gap between health and care assistants and registered nurses. Our Nursing Associate Apprenticeship functions as both a stand-alone, as well as a progression route into the Registered Nurse role.

A Nursing Associate is a highly trained support role to deliver effective, safe and responsive nursing care in and across a wide range of health and care settings. Apprentice Nursing Associates will work as part of the nursing team supporting registered nurses and delivering and monitoring care. They will have gained a breadth of knowledge and a flexible, portable skill set to enable them to serve local health populations covering pre-life to the end of life.

The programme covers all aspects of the nursing process, taking account of the perspectives and pathways of individuals, their families and carers, teaching holistic care and how to support the registered nurse in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care.

Why choose this course?

Students on our Nursing Associate Degree Apprenticeship will benefit from a variety of placement experiences which will enhance their skills set
Apprentice Nursing Associates will have the ability to provide quality patient care to people of all ages in a wide variety of health and social care settings
Access to simulation facilities at the University as part of your learning will enhance your real-world experience.

What will I study?

Our Nursing Associate Degree Apprenticeship will teach you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a safe, accountable and proficient Nursing Associate. From technical skills like taking blood pressure and an ECG to learning how to effectively communicate with patients, families and carers. You’ll learn how to prioritise and manage your own case load to meet patient’s needs safely and effectively. Every step of the way, you’ll benefit from constructive professional feedback. By learning how to evaluate your own delivery of care, you’ll become an extremely knowledgeable, reflective and self-aware Nursing Associate.

Together, we’ll explore theories and current research, which you’ll use to provide evidence-based care. We’ll teach you about all areas of care such as hygiene, nutrition and how to prevent infection. You’ll gain an understanding of how to deal effectively with safeguarding issues relating to vulnerable adults or children.

This programme is delivered part-time over a period of 24 months. We offer a blended learning approach, which includes lectures, seminars, workshops, group work and clinical placements. We’ll encourage you to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning. There’s a range of assessment methods too, including essay assignments, simulated practical assignments, scenario-based presentations and professional discussions. This inspired approach to teaching and assessment, gives you a stimulating learning environment to thrive in.

Apprentice Nursing Associates are expected to attend University one day per week for 45 weeks of the year, and they also have three six-eight week placement blocks during the academic year.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Professional Practice for Nursing Associates 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit, level 4, interactive and practical based module has simulation, practical exercises and reflection which aim to explore students' knowledge and understanding of current best, evidence-based professional practice. This module also provides students with an opportunity to practice, challenge, question, refine and enhance their nursing associate skills in a safe environment.
Academic Skills for Nursing Associates	15 Credits	Compulsory
This 15-credit, level 4 module is designed to assist students in preparing for the programme and identifying their academic strengths and needs. This module has a focus on the development of fundamental study skills, self-awareness and reflective skills to achieve maximum potential.
Communication and Relationship Management for Nursing Associates	15 Credits	Compulsory
This 15-credit, level 4 module will enable students to build on their existing communication skills and explore theories around communication that are relevant to caring for patients, service users and their families in a wide variety of practice settings.
Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit level 4 module aims to introduce students to fundamental bioscientific principles that underpin person centred, safe and effective care delivery. Human development from conception to death including the effects of aging will be discussed.
Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit, level 4 module provides a comprehensive overview of core principles of health promotion and how to prevent ill-health using contemporary approaches. Students will develop an understanding of the factors that impact health and wellbeing. Including, inequality, environment, long term health conditions and culture and behaviour.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Integrated Care for Nursing Associates	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit level 5 module will develop the students' ability to use theory to consider the healthcare needs of people utilising the breadth of services. Students explore how underpinning theories of causation help explain variety of commonly occurring mental, physical, behavioural health conditions. The difference between acute illness and long-term conditions is explored and students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to identify and report acute deterioration and improvements in a person's condition.
Professional Practice for Nursing Associates 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30 credit level-5 interactive, practical based module includes simulation, practical exercises and reflection. There are opportunities to practice, question, and enhance nursing skills in a safe environment. Students will be supported in their development to understand the effects of their own lifestyle, fitness, emotional intelligence, and resilience on professional care delivery.
Evidence Based Practice for Nursing Associates	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit level 5 module focuses on research related to nursing associate practice. Students will be introduced to research processes and a range of research methods. Students will develop abilities in accessing, searching and appraising evidence. Participation in this module will be via active engagement in interactive enquiry-based research.
Being an Accountable Professional	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit, level 5 module aims to prepare students for registration as a Nursing Associate. The module explores professionalism, accountability and team working to develop the knowledge and skills required of a newly registered Nursing Associates.

Professional Accreditations

The Nursing Associate role is a professional role regulated by the professional and regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Careers

On successful completion of the Nursing Associate Degree Apprenticeship, you will be eligible to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register and there is an opportunity for progress onto the BSc in Nursing degree and apply for any field.

What job can I get?

As an Apprentice Nursing Associate, typical career paths after graduation include:

Assistant Practitioner
Registered Nurse
Community Nursing Associate
Mental Health Nursing Associate

Preparing you for a long-term career is at the heart of our apprenticeship. Everything, from our teaching methods to placement opportunities, is carefully tailored to help you become a skilled professional who has the experience to operate in a range of settings, deliver quality care and effectively support Registered Nurses.

Key staff

Ceri Baker
Programme Lead
Find out more about Ceri Baker
Melissa Wilton
Admissions Tutor / Apprenticeship Tutor
Find out more about Melissa Wilton

Programme specifications
FdSc Healthcare Practice (Higher Apprenticeship)	Download
FdSc Healthcare Practice Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship - Full Time, Sem A	Download
FdSc Health Care Practice (Higher Apprenticeship) - Full Time, Sem B	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

Find out more

Apprenticeship events Employ an apprentice

Apprenticeship events

Employ an apprentice

What type of applicant are you?

Sign up for Clearing VIP Access

Get info and updates

Sign up for updates