Nursing Associate

The Nursing Associate role is a relatively new addition to the nursing and midwifery workforce in England, designed to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. Nursing associates work as part of the nursing team in a wide range of health and social care settings, delivering direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and contributing to the planning and evaluation of care. The role requires a combination of practical clinical skill, professional accountability, and the reflective practice that enables continuous improvement in patient outcomes.

At the University of Plymouth this two-year full-time programme prepares you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Nursing Associate. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to gather and use patient information effectively, to become an independent learner and reflective practitioner, and to provide safe, person-centred care across a range of clinical contexts. The programme combines academic study with significant supervised practice experience in real healthcare settings, giving you direct exposure to the environments in which you will work.

You will study the role of the Nursing Associate in contemporary healthcare, the principles of safe and effective care, health promotion, and the communication and interpersonal skills that are central to working with patients, families and colleagues.

Nursing Associate registration with the NMC opens pathways in NHS hospitals, community health services, mental health services, care homes and primary care, working as part of a multidisciplinary nursing team. Many Nursing Associates go on to further study, using the Nursing Associate qualification as a foundation for progression onto a top-up degree to become a fully registered nurse. The role offers a meaningful clinical career with direct patient impact and genuine opportunities for professional development within the healthcare system.