Nursing Associate (Apprenticeship) FD

The Nursing Associate is a new 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 Nursing Associate 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 will 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 will 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 programme is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), apprentices who successfully complete this programme will be able to register with the NMC.

Learning outcomes for this course address the six key standards of proficiency set out by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). These are:

• Being an accountable professional
• Promoting health and preventing ill health
• Providing and monitoring care
• Working in teams
• Improving safety and quality of care
• Contributing to integrated care

There is a strong emphasis on your development of clinical practice coupled with acquiring skills for successful study at university. Half of each year of the course is clinically based, and teaching across modules is designed to help and support you in your learning.

This course is delivered under the apprenticeship model with 20% comprised of off the job learning taught in week blocks to provide greater flexibility for employers and apprentices. The Foundation Degree is awarded by the University of Leeds, after which an end point assessment will be required by your employer to achieve the apprenticeship.

Course structure

Details of typical modules/components for our courses will now be published after July 1st (instead of May 1st), due to current limitations as a result of covid-19. These details may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Entry requirements

GCSE: GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

Other course specific tests:

Level 3 health/social care qualification, or equivalent.

Alternative entry

Alternative entry for Mature Applicants
If you are a mature applicant (over 21 at the point of entry) and you don't have the required Level 3 or GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

It is a requirement of the Higher Apprenticeship that applicants who do not already hold GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 (or equivalent) will need to achieve Level 2 English and maths prior to taking their end point assessment. Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component..

How to apply

You must be currently employed in a healthcare setting in a levy-paying institution and have the support of your employer. Application for this course should be made via your line manager in the first instance. Employers should contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

The selection process will include an interview with your employer and the Lifelong Centre to assess suitability. If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme you’ll be sent details after the interview.

Admissions policy

Lifelong Learning Centre Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

The fees for this course are paid by your employer through the apprenticeship levy. Please note you will not be eligible for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loan Company.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

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.

Careers support

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

The University and the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) provide a range of activities to support LLC students looking to:

• explore their career options
• develop or enhance their employability skills
• gain work or voluntary experience
• prepare for promotion, review or a role change at work
• find and apply for jobs

Read more on the University’s Careers website.