Nursing Associate

This course is now closed for January 2026 and June 2026.

The Nursing Associate role developed by the Department of Health, aims to deliver high quality, holistic, person-centred safe and effective nursing care in and across a wide range of health and care settings.

Nursing associates work across all fields of nursing including adult, children, mental health and learning disability, alongside healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. In the role you'll discuss and share information with registered nurses on a patients’ condition, behaviour, activity and responses. You’ll support individuals and their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses. You’ll also undertake and record clinical observations including blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse, as well as recognising issues relating to safeguarding.

This Nursing Associate Foundation Degree course is a full-time two year undergraduate course consisting of Foundation (Year 1) and Intermediate (Year 2) Level study at Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Levels 4 and 5 respectively, which is in keeping with the Framework for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2008). The course is designed to be progressively demanding between levels. Once qualified, Nursing Associates will be regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Why study Foundation Degree - Nursing Associate?
On this course, you’ll learn how to respond to the physical, cognitive, and mental health needs of all patients and service users across their lifespan. You’ll have the opportunity to practice and develop your skills through clinical placements in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, helping to prepare you to pursue your career.

You’ll be taught and supported by experienced team who really understand the role of a nursing associate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn through face to face and online lectures, seminars, group work, simulation and role play. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

Reasons to study Foundation Degree - Nursing Associate

1. You’ll hear first-hand experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group to enhance your learning.
2. You’ll be taught and supported by experienced team who really understand the role of a nursing associate.
3. You’ll have the opportunity to apply and develop your skills on placement in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, in order to prepare you to pursue your career.