Health and Care Practice

The nursing associate role is a relatively new addition to the nursing workforce in England, designed to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. Nursing associates deliver fundamental care across a range of settings, working under the supervision of registered nurses and contributing to patient care with a level of clinical skill and professional accountability that support worker roles do not carry. The introduction of the role reflects wider changes in how health and social care services are designed and delivered, including integration of health and social care and the devolution of health governance in areas such as Greater Manchester.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, this three-year programme prepares you for registration as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to deliver safe, compassionate, evidence-based care across a range of settings, including hospitals, community services and care homes. The programme engages with the evolving landscape of health and social care, preparing you to work effectively within changing models of service delivery.

Substantial clinical placement hours are central to the degree, giving you direct experience of nursing associate practice across different care environments.

Graduates from this programme are eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and can work as nursing associates in a wide range of NHS and independent sector settings. The nursing associate qualification also provides a recognised pathway towards further study and registration as a registered nurse, and many nursing associates go on to top-up programmes that allow them to achieve full nursing registration. The role plays an important part in meeting the workforce needs of a health service under sustained pressure, and career development opportunities are well supported within both the NHS and independent sector.