If you’re looking to pursue a career in nursing, then the Nursing Associate pathway could be for you.
Nursing Associates are vital members of the nursing team, providing person-centred care across a range of different health and care settings.
The role has been introduced to bridge the gap between healthcare assistants (HCAs) and Registered Nurses, helping to build a skilled and sustainable nursing workforce for the future.
Becoming a Nursing Associate
Training to become a Nursing Associate takes a minimum of two years and includes completing a Foundation Degree, approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The apprenticeship degree course is fully funded by the Trust’s Apprenticeship Levy.
As a Student Nursing Associate, you will:
- Work a standard 37.5-hour week, including a mix of shifts such as early mornings, nights, evenings and weekends
- Receive pay at Band 3 under the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system.
During the course you will dedicate two days a week to academic learning and the remaining days to work based learning.
Academic progress will be assessed through a combination of assignments and formal assessments. While on clinical placement, you will demonstrate your learning through the completion of a practice assessment document.
You will be employed in a healthcare setting, which could include:
- A mental health inpatient hospital
- A secure care unit
- A community clinic or setting.
Graduates will gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to work as a Registered Nursing Associate (RNA). They can continue their training and become a Registered Nurse by completing a shortened nursing degree or Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA).
Graduates will gain the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to work as a Registered Nursing Associate (RNA). They can also choose to further their training and become a Registered Nurse by completing a shortened nursing degree or a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA).
To apply for the Student Nursing Associate course, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths
- have an NVQ Level 3
- have 12 months relevant experience in a care setting
- be capable of studying at Level 5 and commit to completing the foundation degree programme
- have been a UK resident for at least three years before the course begins. If you’re on a visa, it must remain valid for the full duration of the course
Mersey Care recruits to the Student Nursing Associate programme twice a year, aligned with the March and September university intakes.
We work in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and Edge Hill University to provide this programme.
Nursing Associate and Student Nursing Associate roles are advertised on Our current vacancies page.
If you're interested in joining Mersey Care as a Student Nursing Associate, complete our online form to receive alerts when vacancies go live. You'll also get information about support and readiness sessions to help with your application.
