Nursing Associate (Apprenticeship) FD

Course overview

The Nursing Associate is a support role developed by the NHS. Nursing associates will work alongside existing healthcare support workers and fully-qualified, registered nurses to deliver hands-on care for patients.

The two-year foundation degree allows you to gain the technical knowledge, practical experience, and functional skills needed for both the nursing associate role, and your long-term career. The course is taught through a mix of academic learning at the University, days in practice at your existing place of work, and placement days in a variety of health and care settings.

You’ll be taught by experienced staff who are dedicated to helping you with all aspects of your progress. The course is designed to support your development as a nursing associate and to enable you to apply your learning directly to your work.

When you have completed the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes, and behaviours relevant to your role as a nursing associate, and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.

Accreditation

This apprenticeship programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Apprentices who successfully complete the apprenticeship will be able to register with the NMC.

Lifelong Learning Centre support

We know that as a mature and/or part-time student, you may face unique challenges including balancing academic study with family and employment commitments. Whatever your concerns or questions, the Lifelong Learning Centre offers free specialist guidance, advice and support to mature and part-time students, from pre-application through to graduation and beyond.

We’ll welcome you into the LLC community, where you’ll be taught by our friendly and supportive staff, who are experienced in working with adult learners. The nature of the course allows you to fit study alongside your work and family commitments, and we’ll support you in doing so successfully.

Specialist facilities

You’ll have access to four specialist research and student libraries on campus. As a Lifelong Learning Centre student, you’ll have access to dedicated study and social spaces that are designed to be welcoming and accessible. The areas in Beech Grove House and the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building offer computer access, reference books and the space to socialise and work with your peers.

Entry requirements

A-level: 3 A-level passes excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies or equivalent eg Level 3 Health/Social Care qualification. T-levels are accepted.

GCSE: GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C. Courses requiring a higher grade in GCSE maths or English may not accept Level 2 Functional Skills in its place. Please check with the course admissions team before applying. We welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Career opportunities

A qualification from the University of Leeds counts: our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your degree programme you will also become part of a network of highly employable graduates.

A University of Leeds degree will make you very attractive to employers and enhance your career prospects. Graduates of this course will have a solid platform for career development and further study. The course has been developed to meet workforce development needs identified by Healthcare trusts in the Yorkshire and Humber region. As a Foundation Degree graduate, you would be able to assume responsibility to deliver delegated elements of protocol-based health and social care and undertake clinical work in areas previously only within the remit of registered healthcare providers.