Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship FdSc

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Course Summary

Registered Nursing Associate roles are in a variety of health and social care settings. This Foundation Degree underpins Registered Nursing Associate development, and the course content includes both theory and practice which adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2018) Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates and the Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship Standards (2021).

We provide students with amazing subject-specific facilities and a practical approach to learning. Our experienced team of staff work hard to help you realise your potential through a variety of teaching methods, including practice placements.

As an apprentice you will need to be employed for at least 30 hours per week to be considered full time and be paid at least the minimum wage. However, the course requires you to work 37.5 hours a week. Within your working hours, you will attend one full day at the University of Chester. Your employer will commit to supporting you in practice to achieve work-based learning, development in your role and the application of theory to practice during the remainder of your working week. This will be implemented in varying ways, dependent upon your employing organisation.

Why you'll Love it

Learn in state-of-the-art simulation suites

Our new simulation suite emulates diverse healthcare spaces, ranging from a patient’s home and community clinic settings to acute care settings, including a Triage Assessment Area, Maternity Delivery Suite, Children’s Ward and General Ward. Patient simulators and virtual reality technology will immerse you in the learning experience, and support the development of your skill set.

students in nursing simulation suite

Gain experience on placements

You will experience three placements per year, which cover Adult, Learning Disability, Mental Health and Children, as well as people at home, close to home and in hospital. We are well positioned within the North West to network and collaborate with key influencers, including local NHS Trusts and Local Authorities.

nursing student talking with people

Kick-start your career

We have the contacts and expertise to kick-start your career in one of the vital services that are the backbone of every community. Specialising in delivering innovative employment-focused courses in a professional learning environment, this university experience will enable you to develop the skill set and the confidence to become a graduate with a valuable role to play in society.

BN adult nursing

What you'llStudy

Year 1 (Level 4): the following key themes are covered throughout your first year, including: introducing professional and academic lifelong learning; promoting health and preventing ill health across the age continuum; providing and monitoring person centred care; applied anatomy, physiology and integrated pharmacology; practice learning.

In Year 2 (Level 5), you will continue to study the ethos of person-centred care as well as developing your skills to become a registered practitioner, including: enhancing professional and academic learning; medicines management; working in teams; practice learning; integrated care; trans-professional research and innovation.

Who you'll Learn from

Kate Mansfield-Loynes

Programme Leader
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How you'll Learn

You will experience a variety of teaching methods

There are a range of assessment methods on this course

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods designed to facilitate achievement of learning outcomes and to foster your development. These include:

  • formal group-based learning sessions
  • e-learning/blended learning opportunities
  • learning through practice
  • private directed study.

Assessment methods include:

  • portfolios
  • learning logs
  • practical examinations
  • practice-based assessment
  • case studies
  • assignments.

Beyond the Classroom

On this apprenticeship, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in healthcare settings, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must possess:

GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above OR Grade 4 or above OR a Level 2 equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills)

Applicants must also possess ONE of the following (or equivalent):

  • NVQ Level 3 in Care or related subject
  • A/S Level: Two A/S Levels, one of which must be in an appropriate subject area
  • A Levels: One A Level in an appropriate subject area
  • AVCE or BTEC National Diploma
  • Access: A pass from an appropriate kite-marked access course
  • Portfolio of evidence which demonstrates ability/ potential to work and study at Level 4 Fees and Funding

When submitting your application, you will need to provide the following documents to meet the apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements:

  • ID/Residency evidence
  • Change of name evidence and Birth Certificate
  • Level 2 Maths Certificate (GCSE A*-C or 9-4, equivalent or higher)
  • Level 2 English Certificate (GCSE A*-C or 9-4, equivalent or higher)
  • Level 3 certificates
  • Degree and Post-grad certificates
  • Job Description
  • Workplace mentor

Safeguarding / Suitability

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. 

A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults.  You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body, there will be a charge for this.

Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service.

For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages

Where you'll Study University Centre Warrington

Time Square

Our Time Square Warrington site provides a vibrant learning environment at the heart of a bustling town centre. Conveniently located, offering small lecture spaces, study zones, and social areas.

Warrington Life

Located in the North West, Warrington has been welcoming visitiors for over 2000 years. Chester, Liverpool, and Manchster can be easily accessed from nearby motorways and fast frequent rail links.

Warrington indoor market

Remond House

With its bespoke, state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative learning environment and flexible teaching spaces, Remond House is set up perfectly to deliver practical, industry-focused courses and empower students with real-world skills.

Fees and Funding

Maximum funding for this apprenticeship at the University of Chester is currently £15,000.

Apprenticeships are funded by employers. For levy paying employers (organisations with a pay bill of over £3m per year), the total cost of the course will be directly met through levy contributions in the employer’s digital account.

For non-levy employers (organisations with a pay bill of less than £3m per year) there are other funding options. Please contact us for support and guidance on the options available.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

There are no hidden extra costs for the apprenticeship, but if your chosen career requires professional body registration there could be additional costs in relation to initial registration and retaining professional body status which are not funded as part of the apprenticeship.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a registered practitioner. It is anticipated that you will be employed within a health or social care setting as a Registered Nursing Associate.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.