Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme launched at Middlesex University
Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme launched at Middlesex University
10/12/2018
A pioneering apprenticeship for Nursing Associates launches at Middlesex University in collaboration with local employers
Middlesex University is collaborating with four hospital trusts - the Royal Free, Whittington, North Middlesex and University College London - Barnet, Enfield and Haringey and Camden and Islington NHS Trusts, Marie Curie and several general practices and nursing homes to launch a new Nursing Associates apprenticeship programme.
The project also has the backing of Health Education England as it provides career pathways for healthcare assistants who previously encountered significant barriers to career progression.
Around 147 apprentices began their two-year Diploma HE Nursing Associate today. They are employed by their organisations as Trainee Nursing Associate Apprentices (TNAs). The programme is designed to prepare them to meet national professional standards so that they will be fully qualified as Nursing Associates when they successfully complete the apprenticeship and achieve Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration.
The programme involves on and off-the-job training with at least four placements in different healthcare settings every year. Apprentices will attend theory weeks in university as well as undertaking practical training. Mentoring, assessment and progress reviews will take place throughout the course.
The majority of the students are currently healthcare assistants. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, Nursing Associates will be eligible to progress to the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, subject to employment opportunities being available. Professor Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University has said:
“Degree apprenticeships for the public sector professions have particular potential to open doors to professional careers for a wider range of people. The Nursing Associate apprenticeship is a stepping-stone to the Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship for people who may not have originally achieved what was needed for a nursing degree.”
“This course presents a fantastic opportunity for many NHS workers who have the ability and experience to develop their career and become Nursing Associates. Now, for the first time, they can study while learning on the job and be paid." Associate Professor Marion Taylor, Middlesex University
Associate Professor Marion Taylor added: “It’s also a win-win for NHS employers because they are upskilling and retraining their own staff to the new role of Nursing Associate, which aims to support the role of the Registered Nurse."
Middlesex University was one of 11 pilot sites in England to be awarded a contract in January 2017 to develop the Nursing Associate Programme. This has been successful and this cohort of students will complete their programme in February 2019.
Click here to find out more about training for a career in Nursing at Middlesex.
Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme launched at Middlesex University
The project also has the backing of Health Education England as it provides career pathways for healthcare assistants who previously encountered significant barriers to career progression.
Around 147 apprentices began their two-year Diploma HE Nursing Associate today. They are employed by their organisations as Trainee Nursing Associate Apprentices (TNAs). The programme is designed to prepare them to meet national professional standards so that they will be fully qualified as Nursing Associates when they successfully complete the apprenticeship and achieve Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration.
The programme involves on and off-the-job training with at least four placements in different healthcare settings every year. Apprentices will attend theory weeks in university as well as undertaking practical training. Mentoring, assessment and progress reviews will take place throughout the course.
The majority of the students are currently healthcare assistants. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, Nursing Associates will be eligible to progress to the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, subject to employment opportunities being available. Professor Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University has said:
“Degree apprenticeships for the public sector professions have particular potential to open doors to professional careers for a wider range of people. The Nursing Associate apprenticeship is a stepping-stone to the Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship for people who may not have originally achieved what was needed for a nursing degree.”
Associate Professor Marion Taylor added: “It’s also a win-win for NHS employers because they are upskilling and retraining their own staff to the new role of Nursing Associate, which aims to support the role of the Registered Nurse."
Middlesex University was one of 11 pilot sites in England to be awarded a contract in January 2017 to develop the Nursing Associate Programme. This has been successful and this cohort of students will complete their programme in February 2019.
Click here to find out more about training for a career in Nursing at Middlesex.
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