FDArts Nursing Associate

About this course

The nursing associate role was created to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, providing a skilled and trained workforce member who can work alongside nurses to deliver high-quality, safe, person-centred care. Nursing associates are able to perform a wide range of clinical tasks and to work with patients across care settings under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals, and they play an important role in the delivery of care in NHS and independent sector environments. At the University of St Mark and St John this two-year, full-time Foundation Degree programme provides the academic and clinical training needed to become a knowledgeable and skilled member of the nursing team. You will study the theoretical foundations of nursing care, patient assessment, and the skills required to support registered nurses in a range of clinical settings, while also gaining substantial clinical placement experience that develops your practical competence under supervision. On successful completion of the programme you are eligible to apply for registration as a Nursing Associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Nursing associates work in NHS hospitals, community settings, care homes, mental health services, and primary care, working under the supervision of registered nurses as part of integrated care teams. The role is increasingly recognised as a valuable career in its own right, and many nursing associates also use the qualification as a stepping stone to full registered nurse status through top-up programmes that build on the foundation degree. This progression route allows people who want to enter the nursing profession without the time or resource commitment of a three-year undergraduate degree to begin contributing clinically while working towards full registration. The qualification is particularly relevant to people who are already working in care settings and want to formalise and extend their skills and professional status.

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