Expanding healthcare qualifications: NMC approves new Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice

The latest addition to The Open University’s selection of nursing and healthcare practice programmes has received approval from the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). Our new Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice provides an alternative qualifying route, further expanding our offer to suit even more aspiring nurses and employers.

In partnership with us, and with the support of their employers, more than 2,000 nurses have already qualified with the OU. We’ve been successfully delivered qualifying nursing programmes since 2002.

Gemma Ryan, Lecturer in Nursing and Nursing Associate qualification lead says: “developing the essential knowledge and skills needed for high quality, safe and compassionate care, our new Foundation Degree embraces the need for the nursing associate role and truly bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses.”

Designed for Healthcare Support Workers and Healthcare Assistants, the course covers all fields of nursing practice across the life course, and upon completion learners will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Nursing Associate.

“We’re incredibly excited to further widen the prospects for aspiring healthcare professionals and their employers through our new foundation degree. It’s a great addition to our flexible qualifications, and more accessible than some other routes for self-funded students and smaller non-levy paying healthcare organisations.” - Jan Webb, Associate Head of School (Nursing and Health Professions, School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care)

An apprenticeship option is also available in England, providing employers with an opportunity to develop existing talent from within their organisation, recruit apprentices externally, and to make use of their apprenticeship levy.

Find out more about our Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice, our established nursing and healthcare qualifications, or about how we can work in partnership with your organisation.