Pathways to Registered Nurse from Nursing Associate / Assistant Practitioner
Top up route for Assistant Practitioners and Nursing Associates
It is possible for Nursing Associates (NA) and Assistant Practitioners (AP) to undertake a top up degree to obtain their nursing qualification using the apprenticeship route.
Employers need to be aware that this is unlike other apprenticeships and that if an employee is registered on the full-time courses, they will be away from the practice for the duration of the course, there is however a part time option that would mean they were in practice 15hrs a week, this option takes 23 months to complete.
- Full time top up option – Trainee will be out of practice for 19 months. The full-time programme is 37.5 hours in blocks of theory and practice so this is a full-time commitment. The students will need to attend university for up to 3 times a week for theory and the rest of the week will need to embark of self-study and highly directed study and then when on placement they will need to complete 37.5 hours in practice each week. This option takes 18 months plus end point assessment (EPA) approx. 1 month.
- Part time top up option – Trainee will be out of practice 23 months but will work 15 hrs a week in practice and 22.5 hours at university. The part time route means released for 22.5 hours per week to come to university over 3 days for theory and 22.5 hours per week worked in clinical placement during placement blocks. The remainder of the apprentices contracted hours (usually 15 hours) is then worked in their substantive role as an AP or NA with their employer. This option takes 22 months plus EPA (approx. 1 month).
Training grant
NHSE will pay practices an annual training grant of £8,808 Per Annum for 2 years to support this training.
Apprenticeship route – Course cost £18,000 (Course cost 95% paid by Gov 5% by practice (£900), it is possible to get levy transfer that would cover 100% of course cost).
Full time employment is required throughout these courses (37.5hrs week)
Annual salary costs for band 4 2025/6 £27,485 to 30,162 37.5 hours per week
On costs @ 30% £8,245- 9,048
Salary cost including oncosts – £35,730 – 39,210
Full time route cost
Salary cost including oncosts – £35,730 – 39,210
Salary with on costs minus NHSE £8808 training grant per year
Total cost £38,959 to £44,466
Part time route cost
Salary cost including oncosts – £35,730 – 39,210
Salary with on costs minus – £8808 training grant per year and discounting 2 days working in practice over 23 months.
Total cost of course £23,473 to £27,475
NB – Placements are arranged by the University and will not be in the host practice.
Entry Requirements (Plymouth University)*
It is sensible to start 4-6 months before course start date to make applications to education provider and arrange for levy transfer and NHSE funding approval.
* For the entry requirements for Truro & Penwith please visit their webpage here.
Applicants for the apprenticeship route should demonstrate evidence of:
- Values in accordance with The NMC Code.
- Capability to learn behaviours in accordance with The NMC Code.
- GCSE profile – grade C/4 or above including Maths and English or Level 2 functional skills in Mathematics and English will be considered as an alternative to GCSE Maths and English as specified by ESFA.
- 104 -120 UCAS Tariff points – depending on field applied for, to include 64 UCAS Tariff points from 2 A Levels. General Studies is not accepted. Health or Science profile is preferred, but not essential.
- Evidence of academic study within the last 5 years.
Other qualifications will be considered including:
- Extended BTEC in a science or health-related subject.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction including 15 level 3 credits in Science or Social sciences.
- Extended Science Foundation Degree.
- Other relevant non-traditional criteria are considered on an individual basis.
Experienced Health Care Professionals – shortened degree apprenticeship
- GCSE’s: GCSE grade C/4 (or equivalent) in mathematics and English or Functional skills level 2 mathematics and English will be considered as an alternative.
- Foundation degree: Completed a relevant FdSc programme leading to Assistant Practitioner/Nursing Associate status (or equivalent).
- Experience: 750 – 1150 hours in a relevant clinical practice.
- Evidence of learning within the last five years.
- Please note: equivalent qualifications may be considered, please contact the education provider to enquire.
How to apply
- Contact the Training Hub for help and support, also advice on accessing NHSE funding and levy transfer
- For top up route review of training transcript to check module appropriateness. Maximum recognition of prior learning (RPL) is 50%
- Complete application form
- Attend interview
Start dates for RN top up degree apprenticeship
Plymouth are twice yearly and Truro and Penwith annually.