The Open University
Nursing Associate Practice (X20) FD
The Open University

Course modalities offered
  • online
  • Feb 1, 2023 Part-time
  • online
  • Oct 1, 2022 Part-time

Course Description

In England, the nursing associate role has been developed in response to workforce needs and acts as a bridge between healthcare support workers and registered nurses within healthcare teams. The Open University's Foundation Degree in Nursing Associate Practice helps you to develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high quality, safe and compassionate care in preparation for this new role in healthcare.

You'll need to be employed in an appropriate healthcare setting to study this practice-based qualification. With healthcare employers keen to develop their workforce, it is anticipated that the employability of students who complete this qualification will be high, with successful completion allowing you to register as a nursing associate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Key features of the course

  • Only available to students resident in England.

  • Practice-based learning – you’ll need the support of your employer to study and undertake your practice placements.

  • Enhances your employability through a professionally regulated qualification.

  • Essential preparation/underpinning knowledge and skills for the role of nursing associate.

  • Builds a solid foundation for further study and potential progression to study to be a registered nurse.

  • Covers all fields of nursing practice across the lifespan including long term conditions, mental health, children and young people, end of life care, learning disabilities, primary, secondary, community and acute care.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)


Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Nursing Associate Practice (X20), FD, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of The Open University in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

See all 16 university rankings of The Open University

About The Open University

The Open University was established in 1969 in Milton Keynes, and is the largest university in the UK for undergraduate education. The OU is among the most prestigious distance-learning institutions in the United Kingdom, enjoying numerous awards and accreditations, including Triple Crown status for their Business School.

Student composition of The Open University

Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
undergraduates:
78245
postgraduates:
3325
Total:
81570
Source: Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
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List of 436 Bachelor and Master Courses from The Open University - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Distance Learning
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