Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship Programme
Nursing Associates work as a vital part of the wider nursing team and this important role helps to bridge care between Healthcare Support Workers and Registered Nurses. The fundamental focus of the role is to deliver care for patients and the public.
This Student Nursing Associate (SNA) Apprenticeship Programme is a unique programme in Leicestershire, validated by De Montfort University and delivered at the Leicestershire School of Nursing Associates, based on the Glenfield Hospital site.
The two-year apprenticeship programme combines both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological and public health aspects of care from pre-conception to end of life.
At the end of your training you’ll have a foundation degree, and once you register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you’ll become a fully registered nursing associate.
There are opportunities to develop in this role and it also provides a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
Once you have completed your foundation degree, you have the opportunity to progress onto further education and become a registered nurse by completing a shortened nursing degree or nursing degree apprenticeship.
To apply for the programme, students must be able to meet the following criteria:
- Achievement of level 2 or GCSE English and Maths; certificates are required prior to application
- Care Certificate completion
- Have signed support from your manager and Nursing Lead via the Expressions of Interest (EOI) form
- Attend both days of the mandatory pre-programme programmes, see below for dates and how to access.
- It is expected that the employing practice will take other Student Nursing Associates when out out on placement as part of this programme.
If you meet the above criteria and would to apply for the programme, please email us at llrtraining.hub@nhs.net for an EOI form.
Cohort start dates:
The cohort start dates for this programme in January, March and October, please contact us for the next available cohort.
Pre-Programme workshops:
To register for the workshop dates, please email us at llrtraining.hub@nhs.net
Information for employing practices and PCNs
- The LLR Training Hub will help you source the levy funding via a levy transfer, this will support the full training costs (£15,000).
- If the student nursing associate is employed across a Primary Care Network, the salary can be fully reimbursed through ARRS.
- HEE offers a support package of £8,000 (£4,000 per year over two years) to support work-based learning environment of trainees.
- We are currently working on a developmental offer to support newly recruited staff with no prior experience in delivery of patient care to upskill in readiness for the programme. More inforamtion to follow in due course.
Please click here to access new resources for Primary Care Apprenticeships, there is a readiness checklist and information on setting up a levy transfer:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should GP surgeries employ a nursing associate?
Employing a nursing associate will:
- Increase the capacity of the nursing workforce and strengthen workforce
- Improve service delivery and patient care
- Bridge the gap between health care assistants and registered nurses, enabling RNs to have the time to see more complex patients
What can Nursing associates do in practice?
- Nursing associates are registered with NMC and therefore accountable for their practice.
- Registered nursing associates will have a wide set of skills from completing their training, with additional training they are able to embark on cervical screening, adult immunisation and child immunisations.
The NMC has devised this helpful graphic which highlights the main differences between a nursing associate and registered nurse:
How long is the Student Nursing associate course?
2 years
When does the course start?
There are several intakes throughout the year - February, May and October
What are the entry requirements for the student nursing associate course?
- GCSE Maths and English level 9-4 (A-C)*
- Function skills level 2 in maths and English*
- Free functional skills training and examination for candidates without these qualifications
- Commitment
- Academic ability to study at level 5 (second year)
- Attend 2-day mandatory workshop provided by UHL
- Attend an interview
* certificates are required on application
Why do we need to attend the mandatory workshops?
These workshops provide valuable information and will explain the level of commitment required to undertake this course. This also provides an opportunity to ask questions prior to starting the course. Managers are welcome to attend day 1 of the workshop but is not essential.
I do not have my Maths and English certificates; can I still apply?
To commence the programme you will need evidence of your certificates, if your certificates are lost you will need to obtain a replacement - see GOV.UK website for more information.
If you do not have level 2/GSCE Maths and English you can access this training for free, please contact us at llrtraining.hub@nhs.net for more information.
What academic level does the student study at?
For the nursing associate foundation degree candidates’ study at academic level 4 and 5.
Do student nursing associates attend University?
Yes- during the foundation degree they will be required to attend university 1 day a week
Do students need to attend external placements?
Yes. During each year, students will have 15 weeks of external placements to enable them to gain the standards and proficiencies set out in their training documents
These placements will be across all 4 fields of nursing to enable them to gain as much experience as possible
How can I support a student Nursing associate?
Make them part of the team- integrate with the MDT colleagues
Support them in practice
Enable them to have learning opportunities.
Provide them with Practice supervisors and assessors to enable them to meet their learning requirements
Allowing supernumerary time
What are the benefits of supporting a student nursing associate?
- Natural progression
- Retention of current staff
- Grow your own
- Can top up to RN
- Staff motivation
Can registered nursing associates become registered nurses?
Yes – top up is minimum of 2 years
How is the course funded?
Funding for the course is sourced via the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-Levy paying practices can apply for a Levy Transfer and the LLR Training Hub can support you with this.
NHS England also offers a support package of £8,000 (£4,000 per year over two years)
Payment is made direct to the Practice, usually within 3 months of the course start date and when student data has been verified. An Education Contract will need to be in place.
ARRS funding is available to create and support salary costs for Nursing Associate posts.
How do I apply?
To apply for the programme, you will need to complete an Expressions of Interest (EOI) form and must have signed support from the manager and nursing lead.
Contact the LLR Training Hub at llrtraining.hub@nhs.net for an expressions of interest form.
Nursing Associates in Primary Care
Here is a short video introducing you to the Registered Nursing Associate role within General Practice.
Many thanks to Carl Jessops, Senior National Programme Communications Manager from HEE for producing the video as well as Adam Kalaher (Registered Nursing Associate) and Shenaz Ismail (Nurse Manager) and team from Highfields Medical Centre, Leicester.
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