The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) is for healthcare workers currently employed in a healthcare setting or for those appointed specifically to undertake a registered nursing degree apprenticeship.

OR

For nurses already registered with the NMC who wish to obtain a second registration in another field of nursing, who are currently employed in a healthcare setting or for those appointed specifically to undertake a second registration nursing degree apprenticeship.

The flexibility of the RNDA at the University of Bedfordshire means that apprentices can start the course at various points depending upon their previous level of qualification. These include:

• BSc (Hons) 3 year degree apprenticeship, for employees with no previous degree or healthcare registration. UCAS points are required for this application.
• BSc (Hons) 2 year or 19 month degree apprenticeship, for employees who already hold a registered nursing associate qualification, or Assistant Practitioner qualification, who wish to become a registered nurse. This can also include RNs who wish to obtain a second registration in a different field of nursing such as RN (Adult) to RN (Mental Health or CYP).

Registered nurses play a vital role in providing, leading and coordinating care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and person-centred. They are accountable for their own actions and must be able to work autonomously, or as an equal partner with a range of other professionals, and in interdisciplinary teams. In order to respond to the impact and demands of professional nursing practice, they must be emotionally intelligent and resilient individuals, who are able to manage their own personal health and wellbeing, and know when and how to access support. For further information on this please see - Standards of proficiency for registered nurses

Programme delivery

Off-the-job learning

All nursing apprentices at the University of Bedfordshire participate in full time off-the-job training for the duration of the programme, except during the university summer break when they return to their 'home base'.

Duration

Depending on the apprenticeship route taken, it is expected that most apprentices will complete the qualification within either two or three years. Regardless of which apprenticeship, the programme of study must be completed within a maximum of five years.

Intakes

Intake dates vary depending how long the apprenticeship will be. The three year apprenticeship starts in September. However, there is an opportunity to RPL.

3 year BSc Apprenticeship:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 (or grade C if taken before 2016) including English language or English literature and mathematics (or equivalent), plus one of the following: 
  • 112 points with at least 96 points from 3 A levels or BTEC level 3 QCF qualifications and other qualifications in the UCAS tariff. AS levels and General Studies A level do not count towards this score.
  • Access to HE Diploma - a QAA recognised Access to HE course in health studies, health science, nursing or another science-based course: 15 credits at Level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 12 credits should be graded at distinction level and at least 12 credits at merit.
  • Diploma in Higher Education or BSc degree
  • IELTS Grade 7.0 overall and 7.0 in each area where English is a second language.
  • Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Advanced Highers or International Baccalaureate

2 year/19 month BSc Apprenticeship:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 (or grade C if taken before 2016) including English language or English literature and mathematics (or equivalent)
• Completion of a foundation degree leading to registration as a nursing associate

OR

• Completion of a registered nursing programme if applying for a second registration
  Applicants to this shortened programme are required to provide their PIN and evidence of registration on the NMC register at the application stage. These are reviewed against the NMC register to ensure registration is live and there are no concerns relating to their registration

OR

• Completion of a foundation degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent, which includes assessed practice and a minimum of 1100hrs practice based learning

Additional entry requirements for all Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeships:

• Applicants will currently, or on enrolment, be employed in a healthcare role for the duration of the course, ideally for a minimum of 30hrs a week.
• Applicants are interviewed jointly by the employer and the University to ensure they clearly demonstrate the required attributes to undertake this programme of study before being offered a place.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check by the employer prior to University of Bedfordshire registration.
• Occupational health screening by the employer to assess the apprentices fitness to join the apprenticeship course.

Please note: NVQ Level 3 is not accepted for any of our professional healthcare courses.