Start Your Nursing Journey: Apprenticeships That Let You Earn, Learn, and Register

Thinking of a career in nursing but want to avoid the traditional full-time university route? Whether you’re new to healthcare or already working in a support role, nursing apprenticeships offer a practical way to qualify while you work.

From the entry-level Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship to the fully-fledged BSc(Hons) Nursing Degree Apprenticeship, The University of East Anglia have designed flexible programmes – including online and on-campus options – to help you gain real clinical experience, earn a salary, and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Read on to find the right path for you.

Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship (TNA)

Course Overview

The Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship offers individuals working in health and social care, or those looking to start a career in the sector, the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in nursing. Over two years, apprentices will work towards a Foundation Degree in Health Studies, covering all four nursing fields: Adult, Mental Health, Learning Disability, and Children and Young People’s Nursing. The program includes both clinical placements and work-based learning, alongside one university study day per week. Apprentices will gain practical experience in a range of healthcare settings, ensuring they can apply their learning directly to patient care.

The Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship has two intakes per year, September and February. Both intakes consist of a hybrid approach to learning and teaching with September cohorts being a blend of on campus and online teaching, whereas the February intake is predominantly online, making it more suitable for distance learning.

Upon completion, apprentices will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Nursing Associate, a qualification that opens a variety of career opportunities within health and social care. The course provides a balance of theory and practical learning, enabling apprentices to grow in confidence and competence over the two years. The apprenticeship also provides a pathway to further nursing qualifications, and successful graduates can continue their professional development within the nursing field, whether in the NHS or other healthcare settings.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Personal and Professional Development
• Fundamentals of Person Focused Care
• Working Effectively with People and Professionals to Provide Care
• Practice and Simulation Part 1

Year 2

• Concepts of Health and Illness Across the Lifespan
• Evidence-based Practice and Pharmacology and Medicines Management for Nursing Associates
• Supervision, Leadership and Employability for Nursing Associates
• Practice and Simulation Part 2

Entry Requirements

• GCSE English at Grade C/Level 4 or above, OR Functional Skills Level 2, OR any qualification that is listed on the ESFA approved equivalent qualification list.
• GCSE Math at Grade C/Level 4 or above, OR Functional Skills Level 2, OR any qualification that is listed on the ESFA approved equivalent qualification list.
• The Care Certificate
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) & Occupational Health clearance (required prior to course commencement)

*If you studied English as a second language overseas, please email apprenticeships@uea.ac.uk for advice.

For further information, contact hsc.apprenticeships@uea.ac.uk

BSc(Hons) Nursing Degree Apprenticeship

Course Overview

The Nursing Degree Apprenticeship (NDA) offers a two-year pathway for individuals who wish to become registered nurses while gaining practical experience in the healthcare sector. Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices will work towards a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Adult Nursing, while also engaging in clinical placements and work-based learning. The program integrates theoretical study with hands-on experience, ensuring apprentices develop a comprehensive understanding of nursing practice and patient care. Apprentices will attend university study days and be mentored by experienced professionals, helping them grow in clinical competence and confidence. The Nursing Degree Apprenticeship has two intakes per year, October and February. Both intakes consist of a hybrid approach to learning and teaching.

By the end of the apprenticeship, graduates will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a nurse, qualifying them to work as a Band 5 registered nurse. The program emphasises patient-centred care, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills, preparing apprentices for a wide range of nursing roles in both hospital and community settings. The NDA provides a solid foundation for career progression within nursing, with opportunities for further study and professional development once registered.

Course Modules

Part 2B

• Managing Care
• Nursing Practice and Simulation 2B

Part 3A

• Innovation within Complex Nursing Practice
• Nursing Practice and Simulation 3A

Part 3B

• Preparation for Professional Registration
• Nursing Practice and Simulation 3B

Entry Requirements

• A Foundation Degree in a subject such as health, care, mental health or equivalent, with an overall average of 40% or above.
• GCSE English at Grade C/Level 4 or above, OR Functional Skills Level 2, OR any qualification that is listed on the ESFA approved equivalent qualification list.*
• GCSE Math at Grade C/Level 4 or above, OR Functional Skills Level 2, OR any qualification that is listed on the ESFA approved equivalent qualification list.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Occupational Health clearance.

*If you studied English as a second language overseas, please email apprenticeships@uea.ac.uk for advice.

For further information, contact hsc.apprenticeships@uea.ac.uk