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Are you passionate about learning, developing your clinical nursing skills and the underpinning knowledge to deliver excellent patient care? Would you like to learn and earn without incurring tuition costs? 

Consider applying for a Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship

*formerly: Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA)

About the (Student) Nursing Associate role

Nursing Associate (NA) is a role that has recently been added within the NHS nursing workforce to bridge the gap between the roles of the health care support worker and the registered nurses. (Student) Nursing Associates work within multi-disciplinary teams in a variety of health care settings. They deliver hands-on, person-centred care with a holistic approach to ensure outstanding patient care. Once you've completed training, you will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside Registered Nurses, as a registered Nursing Associate.

Key benefits of partaking in a Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship

  1. Earn While You Learn

  2. Hands-On Experience

  3. Career Progression Opportunities

  4. Flexible Learning

  5. Recognised Qualification

  6. Diverse Work Settings

Key Entry Requirements

SNA Apprenticeship Programmes are open to candidates from a broad range of backgrounds e.g., previous health care experience is helpful but not required. Entry requirements can vary by provider, but typically include the following:

  • Evidence of Maths and English GCSEs (grade 9 to 4, grade A to C) or Functional Skills Level 2. Find out more about Functional Skills.

  • Have lived in the UK for 3 years or more with the right to work and study in England with no restrictions. The right to live and work in the UK must cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme.

  • Disclosure and Barring service check, and occupational health confirmation that is dated within the previous 12 months.

  • Ability to study to foundation degree level 5

  • Must be 16 years or older (though most apprenticeships are taken up by those 18+ due to healthcare environment considerations).

  • Applicants will be required to demonstrate the appropriate values and attitudes for the programme in accord with the NMC Standards.

Please note that these requirements can differ depending on the specific apprenticeship provider and region. We strongly recommend that you consult directly with your university to confirm the most current and specific admission criteria.

About the Student Nursing Associate Programme

The SNA Programme is typically a two-year foundation degree course. During this time, trainees must complete at least 2,300 programme hours, with the hours equally divided between academic and hands-on workplace training.

The programme is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which sets the standards for pre-registration Nursing Associate programmes.

While the majority of Nursing Associate training is currently delivered through an apprenticeship route, an increasing number of universities are offering direct entry programmes, for which trainees must self-fund their studies.

What universities run a SNA programme?

Middlesex University

We have had a historic and long-standing successful relationship with Middlesex university, working collaboratively across North Central London. We are highly positive about the programme and the valuable impact it has for employers. Our past collaboration has helped to establish strong relationships with various sectors, including Secondary Care.

We are aware of other universities also offering the SNA apprenticeship programme.

The key differences between the NCL collaborative with Middlesex University and other programmes include:

  • full support with finding and coordinating placements for learners

    Please see below a table which lists local universities that run the SNA Apprenticeship Programme.

Provider

Duration

Cohort start dates

Study Mode

Learning Method

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

Links

Middlesex University

2 Years

April & October

Full time

Blended

  • Functional skills in maths and English at level 2

  • Resident in the UK for the last 3 years

  • Completion of satisfactory DBS, Occupational Health and employer checks

  • Pass at interview with Middlesex University and employer partner

Click Here

BPP University

25 Months

February, March, May, August, October

Flexible

Online live teaching and performance coaching, guided self-study and work-based projects

  • Must be employed in a relevant role in a care setting

  • Five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, or equivalent, or demonstrate the ability to study a programme at academic level 4 through previously completed level 3 study, or demonstrate two or more years of experiential learning and evidence of ongoing CPD.

Click Here

The Open University

2–4 years depending on the start date

and pace of study

February & October

Full time & Part time

Distance learning

& Practice-based learning.

  • Access to an appropriate setting required for the practical component

  • Employed by a partner organisation or supported by an NHS Trust/healthcare organisation providing:

    - Alternative practice placements

    - Supervision meeting NMC requirements for practice assessors and supervisors

  • Completion of an entrance interview

  • Functional skills level 2 or equivalent (e.g., GCSE Grade C or above in English)

  • Functional skills level 2 or equivalent (e.g., GCSE Grade C or above in Maths)

  • Ability to study at academic level 4 and potential to progress to level 5

Click Here

Bucks New University

2 Years

September

Full time

Blended

  • Demonstrate appropriate values and behaviours demonstrated at selection (Values

based interviewing)

  • Demonstrate potential to study at level 5

  • Maths and English: learners must have either Level 4/grade C GCSE Maths and English or Functional Skills L2 in Maths and English prior to commencing the programme.

  • Either have completed the Care Certificate and provide evidence on admission of having done so; or complete the Care Certificate during the Course where it is embedded in the year 1 Practice Assessment Document.

Click Here

University of Hertfordshire

2 Years

September & January

Part time

Blended

  • English language and mathematics at grade four/C or above, or a University of Hertfordshire accepted equivalent qualification.

  • In current employment as a healthcare support worker (Band two, three, or four) and working under the supervision of a registered nurse/practitioner.

  • Working currently in a healthcare environment in either the NHS or private, voluntary or independent sector for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

  • Supported by their employer

Click Here

Other Higher Educational institutes

Visit the Find an Apprenticeship service to search for available nursing associate apprenticeships.

Middlesex University

Input edited MDX Video

Would you like to know more? Click the button below to view the Universities 'All you need to know' document

Candidate Readiness

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Frequently asked questions

I haven't got the right GCSE/Functional Skills. What can I do?

It is preferable for many universities for candidates to have English GCSEs (grade 9 to 4, grade A to C) or Functional Skills Level 2 prior to starting the apprenticeship. If you don't have the right qualifications, you can receive free support with your Functional Skills training - view our guide to Functional Skills. You will be able to apply once you've completed the Functional Skills training, sat your exam and received your certificates.

What will I be paid as a Student Nursing Associate?

As a Student Nursing Associate you will be paid a Band 3 salary whilst training. Once qualified, a newly registered Nursing Associate can expect to be paid a Band 4 salary. You can view pay scales and how much each NHS band pays on the NHS Employers website.

Who will pay for my university fees?

Your university fees for the programme will be paid via the apprenticeship levy so you will not have to cover any of the university tuition costs.

When can I take holidays?

Holiday requests should be arranged with your line manager but will have to take into account University weeks and clinical placements.

Candidate Readiness Checklist for the Student Nursing Associate Programme

Are you employed by a General Practice, PCN, or Care Home in North Central London?

If so, we encourage you to share the link below with your employer to explore the possibility of their support for your nursing associate apprenticeship journey.

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