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Healthcare professionals with the right skills, qualifications and experience can take their career in a new direction by completing a degree-level nursing apprenticeship

Nursing is the UK's most employable degree subject.  What do graduates do? 2021/2022  revealed that 96% of nursing graduates were in a job fifteen months after graduation. The nursing profession was also the largest gainer of workers from those surveyed.

These promising figures show that nursing is a popular career choice for many. Those who were previously discouraged from a career in nursing for financial reasons are now being offered an alternative route thanks to degree-level nursing apprenticeships.

But what does the qualification involve, who is it intended for and how do you apply?

What is a nursing apprenticeship?

Offered as a Level 6  degree apprenticeship , you'll obtain a Bachelors degree and full  Registered Nurse status  on completion of a nursing apprenticeship.

Courses typically run for four years. 'Learning fits around the apprentice's work commitments and involves flexible learning modes, including block learning, distance or blended learning,' says Professor Debbie Porteous, head of the Department for Nursing, Midwifery and Health at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

'The apprenticeship route provides a flexible, work-based approach, combining university study and workplace learning to develop knowledge, skills and thinking while completing an undergraduate degree.'

Not only will your tuition fees be covered, but you'll also be treated as an employee and paid a wage for the duration of your course. How much you're paid will vary on where you study your apprenticeship, but you'll be entitled to at least the current  minimum apprenticeship wage rate .

Who is a nursing apprenticeship for?

Nursing apprenticeships have been developed to boost existing healthcare support workers (HCSWs) and assistant practitioners into nursing roles.

If you're not yet in the profession, consider completing a Level 3  nursing associate apprenticeship . You'll gain directly relevant skills that are transferable to a nursing position and having this qualification can reduce the length of the degree apprenticeship.

If you're unsure whether doing the apprenticeship and becoming a nurse is right for you, Debbie recommends doing some research. 'The  NHS ,  Nursing and Midwifery Council  (NMC) and  Royal College of Nursing  websites are all great sources of information,' she suggests.

Which universities offer nursing apprenticeships?

• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of Brighton
• University of Cumbria
• University of Derby
• University of Greenwich
• University of Hertfordshire (nursing associate)
• Keele University (nursing associate)
• Northumbria University
• The Open University
• Southampton Solent University
• University of Suffolk

How do I apply?

You'll be able to find out more about the opportunities available to you by speaking to your employer. Opportunities may also be advertised via  NHS Jobs  and  Find an apprenticeship .

Generally, to apply for a nursing apprenticeship you'll need to provide:

•  evidence of your current permanent employment in a healthcare setting
• certificates of relevant Level 3 qualifications, such as the nursing associate apprenticeship or at least two A-levels, one being in a science or health-related subject
• English and maths GCSEs or equivalent, to at least a C/4 standard
• a clear Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Debbie highlights the importance of demonstrating your suitability for the course with previous experience in your application. 'This could be from volunteering in different sectors, working in care homes or even having a placement in a hospital setting if possible,' she says. 'Also, think about developing skills that would be transferable into nursing, such as communication skills, how to manage or lead, or effectively handle multiple priorities.'

See  how to apply for an apprenticeship  for further guidance on what to include.

Why should I become a nursing apprentice?

Nerys Bolton, programme lead for the apprenticeship programme at The Open University, explains why aspiring nurses should consider this training route:

• Nursing apprentices put their learning into practice as they go - 'Not only will you earn as you learn, the nursing apprenticeship also has clear benefits in the application of skills,' she says. 'Unlike the traditional undergraduate route, our current cohort has the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to use in a real-life setting immediately.'
• The course offers greater flexibility than a traditional degree - 'Typically, our apprentices will spend two days a week on practice learning, one day a week on protected study time and two days a week undertaking duties within their employment setting. What this means is that both patients and apprentices have a better experience,' Nerys explains. 'Those who do a nursing apprenticeship through The Open University have the additional benefit of a national network of nursing experts, and greater flexibility through our online learning platform,' she adds.
• Applying couldn't be easier - 'With The Open University, there are no additional entry requirements to those required by the NMC,' Nerys says. 'If you're interested in the Registered Nurse degree apprenticeship or the Nursing Associate higher apprenticeship, read up on the course and what it entails, and keep an eye out for employers accepting applications.' Find out more about entry requirements at  NMC - Becoming a nurse .

Find out more

• See what else the  healthcare sector  has to offer.
• Read all about being an adult nurse .
• Take a look at the role of a children's nurse .