We are delighted to announce that applications for our March 2021 Nursing Associate Apprenticeship are now open.To apply please request a copy of the Initial Needs Analysis (INA) by emailing apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk. Please note that whenever possible the Employer should request the INA.
This popular University of Plymouth Pre-registration Nursing Associate FdSc Programme is approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and leads to eligibility for entry to the NMC professional register upon successful completion of the programme.
The programme is delivered as an apprenticeship and also meets the requirements of the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education for the Nursing Associate (NMC, 2018) Standard (2019).
Our programme gives both new and existing healthcare staff the opportunity to study for a fully-funded FdSc, and obtain a professional qualification and registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (provided all requirements are met).
The programme also helps employers with workforce planning to meet current and future healthcare needs. Through the Nursing Associate higher apprenticeship, new and existing staff substantially increase their clinical knowledge, skills and professional attributes by meeting the NMC (2018) Standards of proficiency for nursing associates and practising within The Code (NMC, 2018). Through their increased capability and capacity, they positively contribute to nursing teams and patient care.
Delivered by experienced Registered Nurses, the flexible, work-based programme provides apprentices with the clinical knowledge and skills to support the provision of safe, quality care across a range of healthcare settings.
Apprentices will become an important part of the nursing family, supporting registered nurses and helping to make a difference to individuals, their families and communities.
The potential apprentice will be
required to complete an Initial Needs Assessment (INA) with the support of
their employer and the University to ensure the Apprenticeship programme is an
appropriate solution to their skills development needs. On completion of the
INA the University will assess the information provided and determine the next
steps.
The employer must request the Initial Needs Assessment by emailing apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk.
Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer
Fully-funded
If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.
Employer contribution: Employee salary only
Apprentices contribution: £0
Co-funded
If you are a non-levy paying
organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million)
or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will
financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95
per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute 5 per cent.
Government contribution £14,250
Employer contribution £750
Apprentice contribution £0
“These new ways of entering nursing offer some really exciting opportunities for people wanting to have a rewarding career but can’t afford to study for a degree in the traditional way. The University of Plymouth is building on its established close relationships with NHS and private healthcare partners to create a ‘win-win’ for all – offering employment support, work-based learning, and the ability to gain a nursing registration in two years for healthcare employees who show talent and want to develop their nursing career.”
Professor Bridie Kent, Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth
Billy Patterson first year Nursing Associate Apprentice explains how his studies are benefitting the residents he cares for at Sanctuary Care’s Fernihust Nursing Home in Exmouth.
"It’s great for Fernihurst because the nurses can focus on their role, with me picking up these clinical tasks. It’s about having that clinical knowledge to be able to interpret results myself which I love."
One of the highlights of our apprenticeship is that students can continue to learn while working. Modules covered include anatomy and physiology, holistic assessment and managing medicines. Students learn key clinical skills such as wound dressing, taking vital signs and administering medication.
"My experience so far has been excellent. I would say to anyone considering an apprenticeship to do it! It gives you the opportunity to progress your career.”
On successful completion of the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree, employees may be interested in becoming a registered nurse. The Nursing Degree Apprenticeship is a flexible, work-based route for both new and existing healthcare practitioners.
The BSc (Hons) Nursing apprenticeship provides the opportunity to remain in employment whilst studying for a degree in adult or mental health nursing
Find out more about degree apprenticeships in nursing