Career Pathway: Nursing Associate

Currently most Nursing Associate training programmes are being delivered through the apprenticeship route (24 months.) On completion of the programme, individuals will be qualified at foundation degree level as a Nursing Associate. Trainees are usually recruited from existing roles as Healthcare Assistants. 

What are the entry requirements to train as a Nursing Associate?

  • No prior experience needed
  • Maths & English GCSE (Grade C/4 or above) or Functional Skills Level 2 Maths & English
  • Ability to study at level 5 foundation degree 
  • Commitment to completing the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme

What training courses are available in South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw?

How much are the course fees for the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship?

  • £15K over 2 years. This can either be:
  • Co-invested (practice only pays 5% of the costs)
  • Fully-funded by the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer

How much time out of practice will my Trainee Nursing Associate need?

The TNA is out of practice for 2 days a week for 80 weeks (over 2 years.) This includes:

  • University for 1 day per week
  • Alternative placement for 1 day per week

What are the requirements of the practice when training a Nursing Associate?

  • TNA must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week for the course duration
  • Apprenticeship agreement
  • Practice needs to provide an appropriate named supervisor and an appropriate named NMC registered assessor

Download the NMC guidance on protected learning time for Nursing Associate Programmes here:

Is there any funding/ support available for the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship?

Please visit the Initiatives/Support available link at the bottom of this page to find out more.

What is the recommended salary for a Trainee Nursing Associate?

Trainee Nursing Associates are recommended to start on Agenda For Change Band 3 equivalent. The starting salary for qualified Nursing Associates is Agenda for Change Band 4 equivalent.

Where can the Nursing Associate role lead?

Qualified Nursing Associates can go on to train as a registered nurse by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or completing a degree-level nurse apprenticeship. 

Find out more about training as a registered nurse here:

Click below to find out more about the role: