Nursing Associate (NA) is a role that has been added within the NHS nursing workforce to bridge the gap between the roles of the health care support worker and the registered nurses. (Student) Nursing Associates work within multi-disciplinary teams in a variety of health care settings.
They deliver hands-on, person-centred care with a holistic approach to ensure outstanding patient care. Once you’ve completed training, you will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside Registered Nurses, as a registered Nursing Associate.
The SNA Programme is typically a two-year foundation degree course. During this time, trainees must complete at least 2,300 programme hours, with the hours equally divided between academic and hands-on workplace training.
The programme is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which sets the standards for pre-registration Nursing Associate programmes.
While the majority of Nursing Associate training is currently delivered through an apprenticeship route, an increasing number of universities are offering direct entry programmes, for which trainees must self-fund their studies.
For candidates
Are you passionate about learning, developing your clinical nursing skills and the underpinning knowledge to deliver excellent patient care? Would you like to learn and earn without incurring tuition costs?
Consider applying for a Student Nursing Associate Apprenticeship
*formerly: Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA)
Key benefits of partaking in a Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship
- Earn While You Learn
- Hands-On Experience
- Career Progression Opportunities
- Flexible Learning
- Recognised Qualification
- Diverse Work Settings
Key Entry Requirements
SNA Apprenticeship Programmes are open to candidates from a broad range of backgrounds e.g., previous health care experience is helpful but not required. Entry requirements can vary by provider, but typically include the following:
- Evidence of Maths and English GCSEs (grade 9 to 4, grade A to C) or Functional Skills Level 2. Find out more about Functional Skills.
- Have lived in the UK for 3 years or more with the right to work and study in England with no restrictions. The right to live and work in the UK must cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme.
- Disclosure and Barring service check, and occupational health confirmation that is dated within the previous 12 months.
- Ability to study to foundation degree level 5
- Must be 16 years or older (though most apprenticeships are taken up by those 18+ due to healthcare environment considerations).
- Applicants will be required to demonstrate the appropriate values and attitudes for the programme in accord with the NMC Standards.
Please note that these requirements can differ depending on the specific apprenticeship provider and region. We strongly recommend that you consult directly with your university to confirm the most current and specific admission criteria.
For employers
A Nursing Associate (NA) is a registered healthcare professional who can bring valuable skills and support to your healthcare team, bridging the gap between Healthcare Assistants and Registered Nurses. If you are looking to enhance your team and strengthen you workforce, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of a Nursing Associate.
Join many other employers who have successfully integrated Nursing Associates into their teams and discover how they can make a positive difference in your healthcare setting.
Key benefits of hosting Student Nursing Associate (SNA):
- SNAs apply what they learn on placements and in academic settings which benefits the practice/PCN/care home from the start.
- In the shift from HCA/care assistant to NA there is a fundamental change in their professional identity and clinical capabilities including taking cervical smears and doing childhood vaccinations – outside the scope of a HCA.
- NAs are registered with the NMC and work to a code and standards of proficiency – view Standards of proficiency for registered nursing associates (NMC).
- SNA/NA roles are becoming an important part of a new future proof model way of working for PCN/practice/care home in developing their multi-professional and multi-disciplinary team.
- Long-term: freeing up capacity for your registered nurses to undertake more advanced roles.
How to hire an SNA?
Due to the shortage of registered nursing associates, the best route to hiring one is by employing a student nursing associate and supporting their training via an apprenticeship route. You can employ:
- An existing member of staff – staff members, e.g., HCAs, receptionists, who can apply to start a SNA apprenticeship.
- NB They will need to have GCSE pass in Maths and English or functional skills level 2, be willing to work full-time for the duration of the programme, and to have lived in the UK for three years.
- NB Apprentices aged 19+ are no longer required to complete functional skills. *Subject to ARRS roles
- More information on how to obtain the correct Functional Skills qualifications is available at Functional Skills
- An external applicant – you can also hire a new SNA apprentice from outside your organisation independently if you have no internal candidates at this time.
EMPLOYER GUIDE TO THE PROGRAMME
Step 1 – Assess Workforce Needs
Determine whether to recruit an external candidate or develop an internal employee, such as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA), for the Student Nursing Associate (SNA) role.
Step 2 – Understand Apprenticeship Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the SNA programme details, including eligibility criteria and training commitments.
Step 3 – Evaluate Organisational Readiness
Ensure your practice/PCN has the necessary infrastructure, including a supportive nursing workforce and the capacity to host an SNA.
Step 4 – Select a Training Provider
Choose a university that offers the SNA Apprenticeship, considering factors such as placement support and programme structure.
Step 5 – Eligibility Check
Verify that your candidate meets the apprenticeship criteria, including educational background and right-to-workstatus.
Step 6 – Facilitate Candidate Application
Assist your chosen candidate in completing the application process for the SNA apprenticeship programme.
Step 7 – Practice/PCN Levy Funding
Begin the process of securing levy funding for your candidate’s enrolment to ensure the apprenticeship is fully funded.
Step 8 – Explore Funding Opportunities
Inform NEL Training Hub (thgpcg.neltraininghub@nhs.net) of your successful candidate to identify any additional available funding and resources that may be available.
Step 9 – Confirm Programme Commencement
Finalise employment contracts, set a start date, and coordinate with the training provider to initiate the apprenticeship.
To request support from NEL Training Hub, please email thgpcg.neltraininghub@nhs.net