Nursing Associate Practice (X20)

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality, safe, and compassionate care with this Foundation Degree. The nursing associate role has been developed in England to meet workforce needs, acting as a bridge between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, and this Skills England-approved Higher Technical Qualification meets the occupational standards for this sector. To study, you must work in an appropriate healthcare setting or be supported by an NHS Trust or healthcare organisation that can provide the required practice learning experience. Upon successful completion, you can register as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Key features of the course

• Enhances your employability through a professionally regulated, Skills England-approved Higher Technical Qualification

• Enables professional registration as a Nursing Associate on the NMC register

• Provides practice-based learning – you’ll need the support of your employer, an NHS Trust, or another healthcare organisation to undertake your practice placements

• Covers all fields of nursing practice across the lifespan, including long-term conditions, mental health, children and young people, end-of-life care, learning disabilities, and primary, secondary, community and acute care

• Builds a solid foundation for further study and potential progression towards registered nurse training

Course Modules

This nursing associate practice foundation degree has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study a 60-credit module introducing health and social care, followed by a 60-credit practice-based module focused on healthcare practice. You’ll complete 770 hours in practice, including supervised learning, external placements and experience within your current healthcare setting.

In Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit theory module alongside a 60-credit practice-based module that develop your knowledge and skills for nursing associate practice. You’ll complete a further 770 hours in practice, building your experience across a range of settings and preparing you for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).