ApprenticeshipNursing Associate (NMC 2018) Apprenticeship
- 2026
- 2027
Course overview
Learn from the latest technologies and dynamic education methods to develop the care, compassion and clinical skills required to become a Registered Nursing Associate. If you think you have the values and qualities to become a caring, effective, professional and safe practitioner, this apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to fully explore what it means to be an accountable nursing associate.
The Nursing Associate Apprenticeship is grounded in our experience of the value that nursing associates bring to patients and the importance of work-based learning for individuals and teams. Our nursing associates are confident in their role as professionals in their own right, with a unique and clearly defined scope of practice within teams. We develop in our apprentices the foundations of evidence-based practice and lifelong learning, enabling them to practise to the fullest extent of the Nursing Associate role and to succeed should they choose to progress in higher professional training.
This apprenticeship is underpinned by the foundation degree programme which equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for modern nursing associate practice. This includes fostering a broad global outlook on health, applied to the neighbourhoods and systems in which nursing associates practice. Awareness of global public health, environmental sustainability, and cyber security are key themes applied to work in clinical placements, through simulation and in learner’s own workplace. We prepare you for a healthcare environment where electronic health records, telehealth systems, digital medicines management platforms, and data security are already integral to the nursing associate role.
To support and demonstrate the development of both digital competence and professional compassion and care, this apprenticeship incorporates a range of authentic assessments across both theory and clinical placement settings. These assessments are designed to prepare students for modern professional nursing associate practice and include activities such as practical medicines management assessments, case presentations and debates as well as traditional academic assessments like exams, essays and reflections.
Solent nursing associates are aware of their responsibilities as registrants and uphold the NMC Code, demonstrating professionalism and accountability in their practice. They have a clear understanding of the nursing associate role and act as positive ambassadors for the profession. We aim to develop both practical skills and underpinning theoretical knowledge through an equal balance of theory and practice-based learning, with simulated practice integrated proportionately throughout the programme, alongside apprentices working and applying their learning in their own workplace.
To ensure the needs of patients and service users remain central to nursing associate practice, this programme has been co-produced with people with lived experience of healthcare. People with lived experience and carers are also actively involved in teaching and in providing feedback to students throughout the course.
This curriculum is aligned with the Nursing & Midwifery Council Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates (2018), the NMC Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (2023) and the Nursing Associate (NMC 2018) Apprenticeship Standard ST0827 (Skills England 2026).
Hear from out students
Read graduate, Peter Abbs-Fortnum's experience studying this apprenticeship
Any questions?
Contact the apprenticeships team
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For employers
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development.
For apprentices
Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:
- A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
- A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
- A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
- A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
- An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
What does this course lead to?
On successful completion of your foundation degree you will be invited to join the NMC register as a nursing associate enabling you to start your health or social care career in the hands-on and rewarding role. Nursing associates work in a wide and growing range of health and social care settings as an integral part of the nursing team.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for anyone who wishes to pursue a career to become a Registered Nursing Associate within any health or social care setting that nursing teams work in.
Prospective apprentices should currently be employed in a healthcare role. For more information about the professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates, please refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code.
Facilities
We have a dedicated clinical skills suite with a six bed ward, GP consulting room, nurse’s treatment room, waiting area/break out space, care home bedroom and working kitchen and bathroom. There is a wide range of clinical equipment including simulation manikins to facilitate a number of simulated scenarios.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
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Meet the team
Your course is primarily delivered by Registered Nurses who bring with them a breadth of experience from across health and social care to ensure you are taught by those who are up to date with current methods and strategies underpinning the health and social care workforce.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
What you'll study
Core modules
Foundation Skills to Support Practice
As a foundational introduction to higher education, this module provides an opportunity for you to develop skills in academic reading and critical writing. It also provides knowledge, and promotes understanding, of key concepts in health and social care practice such as effective communication and equality in care settings. This knowledge underpins your practice and helps with skills development to enable you to work in a wide range of health and social care settings.
Anatomy and Physiology to Support Practice
You will learn about the biology of the main body systems, focusing on anatomy, physiology and pathology. You will also explore how the body systems interact to maintain homeostasis and gain an understanding of cellular function within the human body.
Long-Term Conditions
This module aims to support development of your knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours when caring for people with long-term conditions. You will explore the pathophysiology and aetiology of commonly occurring long-term conditions, the impact of the condition on an individual’s and family life, consider patient needs in community settings and explore patient transitions between different healthcare settings.
Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion
This module will explore contemporary approaches to public health and examine the historical origins of the discipline in Britain which lie in the 19th century industrial age and the movement of populations from countryside to crowded cities. Public health utilises epidemiological and demographic data, and you will be introduced to the calculation of simple public health measures. Understanding the social determinants of health and the contribution of these to health inequalities entails new ways of thinking about social and economic organisation and governance in Britain. Public health expertise is increasingly important in diverse and complex 21st century societies and this module will help you to develop this expertise and apply it to your workplace role.
Developing Professional Practice
The module will explore accountability within health and social care by examining lessons learned from public inquiries and critical practice incidents.
Developing Practice-based Learning Year 1
This module aims to promote your understanding of the responsibilities, challenges and limitations of your professional role as a trainee nursing associate (TNA).
Successful apprentices will graduate with a:FdSc Nursing Associate
How you'll study
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Essays
- Practical activities
- Reflective accounts
- Written exams
- Practical exams
- Oral presentations
- Poster presentations
- End-point assessment
As well as learning skills that are directly relevant to your day-to-day job, the course also offers an opportunity to improve critical thinking and academic writing skills. Throughout the course you'll develop your skills in interpersonal communication, management and leadership, as well as teamwork and presentation skills.
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Fees and finance
Businesses with an annual payroll above £3million will be classed as a levy paying employer and will be able to use funds accrued in their digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account for payment of the training. Please contact us for guidance on fees if you are a non-levy employer which will cover at least 95% of the costs.
- The maximum funding drawdown for this course is: £15,000
Apprentices pay nothing towards their course fees
The course fees will be covered by your employer.
Extra course costs
The 2026/27 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Optional costs
Uniform (2 x dress or 2 x top and 1 trouser) can be provided but you are likely to require additional uniforms which cost in the region of £30
Compulsory costs
- DBS – Enhanced DBS fee - met by the apprentice employer
- The apprentice employer will pay for an occupational health assessment/any immunisations if they are not covered by your GP
- You will need a pair of suitable comfortable shoes while on clinical placement and studying in our simulation settings (estimated cost £40-£60)
- You may need to purchase some of your own clinical items, for instance a stethoscope and fob watch (estimated cost £30)
- You will need to be able to travel to study at our partner NHS trusts and to your placement - travel costs will be associated with this
Optional Costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Earn while you learn
As an apprentice you'll earn while working and studying towards your degree.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Entry Requirements
To study for an apprenticeship, you must be employed and have a contract that will cover the duration of your apprenticeship.
All apprentice applications need to go through apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk in the first instance. Applicants will be expected to provide the following documents during the onboarding process:
- CV
- Job description
- Maths and English certificates - GCSE/GCE/Functional Skills*
- A level 3 qualification in a health related subject would be beneficial, although other subjects will be considered
- Completed skills assessment (template provided by Solent's apprenticeships team)
- Passport/visa (showing access to public funds if non UK passport), or birth certificate
- Share code to show immigration status if applicable
Please note: if any certificates are from outside of the UK, you will need to have a Naric Equivalency Statement alongside the certificates.
* Maths and English delivery to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 can be provided for some courses and should be discussed at onboarding stage if you do not have Maths and English certificates at Grade 4/C and above.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:
- have a contract of employment that spans the length of the apprenticeship
- hold a UK passport, or if you are a non-UK national, have valid passport and Share code to demonstrate residency
- have lived in the UK for the past three years
- have access to public funds (residency status/visa status)
Ready to apply?
If you are an employer or a potential apprentice and would like to have an in-depth conversation with us about potential opportunities, please email apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment that must cover the duration of the programme being studied. Apprentices have guaranteed time from their employer to complete their studies - for this course it is two days (12 hours) per week for theory at the University alongside 1,150 practice hours, which are complete in placements throughout your course.
The University will provide each apprentice with a tracker to ensure these off the job hours are logged to demonstrate compliance with this funding rule.
Higher apprenticeships
Solent offers a diverse range of higher and degree apprenticeships, some of which will include an additional qualification that will be studied within the Apprenticeship Standard, eg: HNC, BA or BSc.
Our apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field or retrain for a new career while working.
Employers will see an increase in knowledge and skills, improved productivity, and a boost in the expertise of the workforce.
Find out moreThinking of applying?
Visit us on campus and explore Solent University by registering for one of our apprenticeship events.
Come to an open daySupport at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
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