FdSc Nursing Associate via Employed Apprenticeship
FdSc Nursing Associate via Employed Apprenticeship
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FdSc Nursing Associate via Employed Apprenticeship
About the course
Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Nursing Associates are highly trained support professionals who work under the leadership of Registered Nurses. You will learn to deliver effective, safe, and responsive care to people of all ages, from pre-life to end-of-life, across a wide range of settings.
During the apprenticeship, you will build a broad, portable skill set so you can support local health populations in hospitals, community services, and social care environments.
Responsibilities and duties
As a Nursing Associate apprentice, you will:
Provide high-quality, person-centred care in health and social care settings
Support individuals, families, and carers using a holistic approach
Work through the full nursing process: assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation
Contribute to care plans within agreed boundaries and under Registered Nurse supervision
Delivery and learning
This apprenticeship uses a blended (mixed) delivery model that combines university learning with workplace training.
You will:
- Attend UEL one day per week at the Stratford campus
- Complete practice rotations across the four fields of nursing to meet the NMC Nursing Associate Standards
- Undertake external placements alongside your usual place of employment, so you gain experience in different settings
We agree on a delivery plan with each employer to ensure it meets service needs and supports apprentice success.
Entry requirements
You must:
- Be employed in a relevant health or care role (see occupational profile)
- Have GCSE English and Maths at grades A–C / 4–9, or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalents
If you are unsure whether your role or qualifications meet requirements, contact the Apprenticeships team for guidance.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
When you successfully complete the FdSc and meet the gateway requirements agreed with your employer, you will progress to the EPA.
The EPA includes:
- Two professional discussions
- Assessment by an independent body (separate from UEL and your employer)
- Evidence that you meet the Nursing Associate apprenticeship standard
Fees and funding
Total apprenticeship cost: £15,000 (paid monthly by the employer).
- Levy-paying employers: pay through the apprenticeship levy
- Non-levy employers: funding available; contact us for costs and support
- Apprentices pay: £0
Email degreeapprenticeships@uel.ac.uk or call 020 8223 2337 for employer funding advice.
Course content
For full module details, please see the Nursing Associate programme specification.
Progression
After completing the programme and with employer consent, you can apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) onto UEL’s BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing programme.
For employers
This apprenticeship is designed with employers to meet workforce needs. We can support you to:
- Upskill existing staff into regulated Nursing Associate roles
- Recruit new apprentices through your service
- Plan rotations and placements that meet NMC standards
- Explore new apprenticeship pathways with UEL trailblazer groups
How to apply
- Talk to your employer about applying as an employed apprentice.
- Employer contacts UEL to confirm eligibility and start date.
- Submit application and supporting documents (UEL will guide you through this).
If you want to start a new cohort or discuss workforce planning, contact us early so we can schedule intake and placements smoothly.
Contact us
Degree Apprenticeships Team
Email: degreeapprenticeships@uel.ac.uk
Call us: 020 8223 2337
University of East London
Academic Partnerships Office
Docklands Campus, University Way
London E16 2RD
uel.ac.uk/apprenticeships
The information on this webpage reflects the course details as they are at the time of publication and is subject to change. The information is included as a guide to course content only.
FdSc Nursing Associate via Employed Apprenticeship FAQs
Who is this apprenticeship for?
It’s for people already employed in a relevant health or care role who want to train as a Nursing Associate while working.
Do apprentices pay any fees?
No. The apprentice pays £0. The employer funds the programme through levy or non-levy funding.
How long is the apprenticeship?
Two years, plus around three months for the End Point Assessment (EPA).
How often do apprentices attend university?
One day per week, alongside workplace learning and placements.
How do placements work if I’m already employed?
You stay employed in your usual role, but you also complete external placements and practice rotations so you meet NMC Nursing Associate Standards. UEL and your employer plan these together.
What job will I be qualified to do after finishing?
You’ll be eligible to work as a Nursing Associate within your employer’s service, under NMC standards and scope of practice.