Nursing Associate

The nursing associate role is a relatively new addition to the nursing workforce, created to bridge the gap between healthcare assistant and registered nurse and to support teams in delivering high-quality patient care across a wide range of settings. Nursing associates work across all fields of nursing, including adult, children's, learning disabilities, and mental health, contributing to direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and working as a valued member of the wider healthcare team.

At the University of Cumbria, this two-year full-time foundation degree allows you to qualify as a nursing associate and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in a shorter time than a full nursing degree. If you are not yet certain which field of nursing you wish to specialise in, the programme's breadth across all fields gives you direct experience of each before you decide on a direction. Teaching throughout the programme is rooted in the latest evidence and research, and you will be supported closely by experienced tutors as you develop both the theoretical knowledge and the clinical skills the role requires.

For those who wish to continue their career development, this qualification also serves as an effective stepping stone towards further training as a registered nurse.

Nursing associates work in NHS hospitals, community health services, mental health trusts, learning disability services, care homes, and a range of other healthcare settings. The role provides hands-on clinical experience and direct involvement in patient care, and it is a valued and permanent part of the nursing workforce. Many nursing associates go on to complete a nursing degree programme, building on their foundation qualification and clinical experience to gain full registration as a nurse.

The programme therefore represents both a meaningful career endpoint in itself and a well-supported pathway to further professional development.