Course summary

Nursing associates bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses. This course is designed to equip you with the competencies and understanding you’ll need to succeed in this role. You’ll benefit from our experience, as we share techniques, values and behaviours that have helped us and our patients. Plus, you’ll also learn essential transferable skills, like problem-solving, time management, communication and effective team working. Our strong emphasis on work-based learning, means that throughout the duration of the course you’ll spend over 1,000 hours in a range of clinical settings, including hospitals, GP surgeries and hospices. You’ll be guided by practitioners, as you observe and practice your skills in real-life settings. Working closely with multi professional health care teams, you’ll see first-hand how to deliver compassionate expert care. What will I study? Nursing Associates are expected to attend University one day per week for 45 weeks of the year, and they also have three six-eight week placement blocks during the academic year. We’ll teach you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a safe, accountable and proficient nursing associate. From technical skills like taking blood pressure and an ECG to learning how to effectively communicate with patients, families and carers. You’ll learn how to prioritise and manage your own case load to meet patient’s needs safely and effectively. Every step of the way, you’ll benefit from constructive professional feedback. By learning how to evaluate your own delivery of care, you’ll become an extremely knowledgeable, reflective and self-aware practitioner. Together, we’ll explore theories and current research, which you’ll use to provide evidence-based care. We’ll teach you about all areas of care such as hygiene, nutrition and how to prevent infection. You’ll gain an understanding of how to deal effectively with safeguarding issues relating to vulnerable adults or children. This programme is delivered part-time over a course of 24 months. We offer a blended learning approach, which includes lectures, seminars, workshops, group work and clinical placements. We’ll encourage you to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning. There’s a range of assessment methods too, including essay assignments, simulated practical assignments, scenario-based presentations and professional discussions. This inspired approach to teaching and assessment, gives you a stimulating learning environment to thrive in. Work Placement We work in collaboration with a range of Trusts within the integrated care system, including private and voluntary organisations. This means our students receive a broad range of placement opportunities. These include, surgical and medical wards, children’s A&E, GP practices, acute mental health services, special needs schools and hospice care. Your clinical placement hours will give you the chance to work with a range of health professionals, from acute nursing staff to district nurses You’ll gain a valuable insight and grow in confidence, as you experience the health care sector first-hand. Every step of the way you’ll be supported by supervisors and practice assessors who will ensure you get the most out of every opportunity.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.