Nursing Associate (Higher Apprenticeship) - FdSc *
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The FdSc Nursing Associate (Higher Apprenticeship) programme aims to produce compassionate, competent, and confident nursing associates at academic level 5 qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical, care and interpersonal skills underpinned by a systematic knowledge base....
- Level Apprenticeship
- Study mode Full Time
- Award FdSc
- Start date October 2027, April 2028
- Subject
- Location City South
This course is:
Overview
The FdSc Nursing Associate (Higher Apprenticeship) programme aims to produce compassionate, competent, and confident nursing associates at academic level 5 qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical, care and interpersonal skills underpinned by a systematic knowledge base. They will be able to practice safely and effectively within their parameters of practice, demonstrating appropriate values and behaviours in a wide range of health and care settings.
To support your learning and development during this course, you will be supported by academic assessors, practice assessors and practice supervisors (NMC, 2023). You will demonstrate the development of your knowledge, skills and behaviours by achieving the NMC Standards of Proficiency for nursing associates (NMC, 2018) reflecting the six platforms:
- Platform 1 – Being an accountable professional.
- Platform 2 – Promoting health and preventing ill health.
- Platform 3 – Provide and monitor care.
- Platform 4 – Working in teams.
- Platform 5 – Improving safety and quality of care.
- Platform 6 – Contributing to integrated care.
As work-based learning remains central to the successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to combine your previous experience with your newly acquired knowledge and apply this immediately into your practice. Collaboration between the University and work-based partners is fundamental to the programme and ensures attainment of the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) Occupational Duties and therefore acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs).
For more information, see the course specification below:
Download the course specification
How to apply
You cannot apply directly to the University for a degree apprenticeship. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you need to be employed in a suitable and relevant job and meet the entry requirements.
If you are currently working at an employer who is offering an apprenticeship, your employer would need to contact apprenticeship-enquiries@bcu.ac.uk to nominate you, and they will then be provided with the relevant documents and paperwork.
If you are not currently employed in an organisation that offers apprenticeships, you can search for opportunities on the Find an Apprenticeship website.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this apprenticeship route, please contact our Apprenticeships team at apprenticeship-enquiries@bcu.ac.uk.
What's covered in this course?
The FdSc Nursing Associate is a full-time course delivered at City South Campus.
You will attend university one day a week and also attend a placement in a variety of settings across the four fields of nursing, as well as working in your permanent work base area.
You will study six level 4 modules in the first year, which cover key theory and practice knowledge and skills to include person and family-centred care, professional values, the parameters of a RNA’s role and safe administration of medication. The second-year modules build on the theory and practice acquired in year 1 to support the development of knowledge and skills to produce competent and reflective practitioners.
Successful completion of the course leads to a registrable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and professional recognition as a nursing associate.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Entry requirements
GCSE grade C or new grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics. GCSE equivalents e.g. key skills level 2 or functional skills maths and English level 2 are currently accepted.
Plus one of the following:
- One A Level grade D or above
- Two AS Level grade D or above
- BTEC National Award grade M
- BTEC National Certificate grade PP
- BTEC National Diploma grade PPP
- Access to HE Diploma
- NVQ Level 3 Full Diploma
- NVQ Level 2 plus written paper – essay (1,500 words)
- Portfolio of evidence if no level 2 qualification achieved. A portfolio route has been devised for those applicants who are already working in a health or social care setting and who do not meet the formal entry requirements. To follow this route you are still expected to possess GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
The portfolio should include:
- Two written testimonies (one of which must be from your employer) supporting your application
- One reflective piece that draws on your current practice (1,500 words)
- All pieces of work should be endorsed by your line manager
You will also be required to work 30 or more hours a week.
Why Choose Us?
- We have been shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year (pre-registration) 2022.
- Apprenticeships offer work based learning – the opportunity to build on existing knowledge and skills.
- You will be supported by highly experienced tutors and work based clinical educators to support you both with your studies and in practice.
- We have excellent facilities on campus including state-of-the-art equipment, study spaces and an extensive library of learning resources to support you with your studies.
- Study alongside other individuals who have experience within your industry. You will be able to build valuable networks, sharing best practice and supporting you with your future career opportunities.
- At the end of the course, you will have two years work experience, and an additional qualification, without taking on any student debt.
Facilities & Staff
Nursing and Midwifery facilities
Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Nursing and Midwifery student at BCU.
Our staff
Pamela Perks
Lecturer / Admissions Tutor
Pamela has worked in health care since the eighties starting her career on a children’s ward. The majority of her career though has been in Critical Care working in a variety of settings and specialties at Grimsby, Leeds and Papworth hospitals before coming to Birmingham’s Major Injuries Unit in the early nineties.
More about Pamela