How to become a nursing associate
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a nursing associate foundation degree at university. This usually takes 2 years to complete if you study full time.
Each university will set their own fees and have different funding options.
You should check that the course you choose is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
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Apprenticeship
You can do a nursing associate higher apprenticeship. This will take you 2 years to complete and combines study with training on the job.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
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Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant or care worker in a hospital or community care setting.
Once you have some experience, you could apply for a place on the nursing associate higher apprenticeship and train on the job.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some volunteering experience in health or personal care. This will help when you apply for jobs or training.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a nursing associate from Health Careers.