Nursing degree apprenticeship

CONTENTS

1. What's a registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA)?

2. Can I become a nurse without going to university?

3. Do nursing apprentices get paid?

4. How long is a degree apprenticeship in nursing?

5. Is a nursing apprenticeship hard?

6. Who’s eligible for a nursing degree apprenticeship?

7. Can I take a nursing degree apprenticeship without qualifications?

8. How to find an apprenticeship as a nurse

9. How to apply

What's a registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA)?

Only available in England, this level 6 qualification blends work-based training with classroom study at a university approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). You’ll usually spend 80% of your time working and 20% of your time studying.

A nursing associate apprenticeship is at a lower level (4 or 5) and leads to the equivalent of a foundation degree. This role bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses, delivering hands-on patient care.

Can I become a nurse without going to university?

All UK qualifications to become a nurse must meet standards set by the NMC – including apprentice standards. So if you're not sure about going to uni, a degree apprenticeship in England offers a great alternative.

Unlike university, you'll be based in a work environment such as an NHS Trust. It means from the start you'll experience how different clinical roles work together and gain practical skills working with patients in a range of settings. Although you'll be based in one main area of practise you'll experience all four fields of nursing – adult, child, learning disabilities and mental health. On successful completion of your training you'll gain a BSc Honours Degree (Level 6)/Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.

Currently this route to become a nurse is only offered in England. If you study elsewhere in the UK then you'll go to university to qualify as a nurse.

Do nursing apprentices get paid?

You'll be an employee of an NHS Trust, so you'll be paid a wage for the work you do and get paid holiday leave. Pay usually reflects at least the minimum wage rate. In addition, your employer will pay for your university fees.

If you study in England, this makes the apprentice route better value for students than a degree. In England, studying at a university to become a nurse isn't free. You'll need to take out a student loan for your living costs and to pay your tuition fees, even though you can access extra financial grants from England's Learning Support Fund.

To find out more about funding, see our Guide to NHS funded courses.

How long is a degree apprenticeship in nursing?

They usually takes four years to complete – or longer, if agreed with your employer.

If you already completed training as a nursing associate, it's possible to take an 18-month degree apprenticeship to qualify as a registered nurse, a bit like taking a degree top-up course at a university.

Is a nursing apprenticeship hard?

Whether you take a university degree or a degree apprenticeship to become a nurse, each requires many hours in practice and the same level of study. Managing these requirements can be a challenge whichever route you take.

As an apprentice, you are effectively working a full-time job while studying for a degree. Depending on the education provider, you may attend the uni one day a week or for a block of study, or sometimes only study online.

If you take your qualification at a university, you're likely to have placements after a block of study, and the placements in your first year will be shorter.

If you're currently taking A Levels, you might find the university route more familiar to you, as you'll be learning with a cohort of fellow students. You'll also have support from your school or college to apply to university via UCAS. Whereas if you've been working for a while, being employed in a hospital or other healthcare setting may suit you better.

Who’s eligible for a nursing degree apprenticeship?  

Anyone is eligible provided you’re over 16, a UK resident and meet the entry requirements. There are minimum entry standards, but employers or the university providing their education may have higher requirements.

In general, you'll need GCSE maths and English, and a level 3 qualification such as A Levels.

If you have a related degree, and want to change career, you can also apply. You'll follow the same training but qualify with an MSc (Level 7)/Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship.

Can I take a nursing degree apprenticeship without qualifications?

The entry requirements are the same as for taking a degree in nursing. You need at least a pass in GCSE maths and English, or equivalent.

You usually also need a level 3 qualification, but this doesn't have to be A Levels – it could be a related level 3 apprenticeship. Some programmes may accept applicants with relevant prior experience, if the employer thinks they are capable of the academic learning required.

How to find an apprenticeship as a nurse

Unlike a degree, apprenticeships are only advertised by employers when a vacancy is available – meaning they can be harder to track down. They may also only be available to current employees.

To find a vacancy near you, you can use the NHS jobs website, selecting apprentice as a keyword and the geographical area you’d like to work in.

How to apply  

Before you apply, it'll help if you can get relevant experience. This could be a short-term placement, shadowing a nurse or volunteering. Find out as much as you can about a career as a nurse and what the role involves.

Once you have found a role you’re interested in, you can apply online via the NHS jobs website. Show why you want the job, that you have a sound understanding of what your responsibilities might be, and how you’ll meet those tasks.

NHS apprentice routes are often very popular so there’s a lot of competition for places. Use your application and interview to demonstrate that you’re the right person for the vacancy.

The shortcut to your uni shortlist

Make your university search faster and less stressful.
Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you.

GET STARTED