Nursing Associate

Are you looking to become a nurse but not sure which specialism to choose?

On this foundation degree, you will work across all fields of nursing to register as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in just two years. This programme is also the perfect stepping stone towards further training to qualify as a Registered Nurse.

You will play a vital role in the nursing team, working closely with healthcare assistants and registered nurses across adult, children's, learning disabilities, and mental health nursing. Our expert tutors will deliver theoretical teaching rooted in the latest evidence and research, and will support you throughout the programme to help you reach your full potential.

On campus, you will immerse yourself in a range of nursing scenarios using our clinical skills and simulation facilities. These include simulated ward areas, high-dependency care areas, home spaces, and our cutting-edge immersive simulation room.

This simulated learning will prepare you for clinical placements, where you will spend half of your degree gaining valuable real-world experience in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, GP surgeries, and clinics.

Course Overview
Equal value is placed on theory and practice for the duration of the FdSc Nursing Associate programme, so 50% of your time on this course will be spent on placement. You’ll cover all areas of nursing practice (adult, children's, mental health and learning disability) in the NHS as well as private, voluntary and independent sectors. Placement settings will include hospitals, nursing homes, GP surgeries, clinics, and more.

Throughout the length of the course, you will be introduced to essential knowledge that a nursing associate is required to understand to enable the delivery of effective person-centred care, including the ability to research and study independently and work with student colleagues.

At the end of this course, you'll be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and practise as a nursing associate. You'll also be able to complete further training through a top-up course or degree apprenticeship to qualify as a nurse.

On this course you will

• Spend 50% of the programme on clinical placement being supervised and assessed by practice staff.

• Learn and work alongside all fields of nursing and the multi-disciplinary team whilst on placement, and recognise the contribution of different health professionals' roles and expertise.

• Develop skills through a range of nursing placements that will be a mixture of hospital and community settings, and through skills teaching and simulated practice.

• Prepare to deliver a wide range of clinical, care and interpersonal skills underpinned by a systematic knowledge base.

• Develop and accomplish the knowledge and skills you need to practise and provide evidenced-based and compassionate care as a registered nursing associate.

What you will learn
You will spend 50% of the programme on clinical placement being supervised and assessed by practice staff. The theoretical input is delivered by expert teaching staff and is based on the latest evidence and research, using a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

The programme will equip you to deliver safe and effective care to the highest standards and ensure you practice with compassion and confidence. You will be taught to deliver a wide range of clinical, care and interpersonal skills underpinned by a systematic knowledge base in diverse settings and with different patient groups.