Offers support and guidance for practices to access the Student Nursing Associate apprenticeship (previously known as Trainee Nursing Associate/ TNA), develop a Nursing Associate and access funding.
When is it available?
Applications are ongoing subject to university course availability, please ask for the latest details
Upcoming University cohort dates:
- University of Hull – September 2026
- University of York – September 2026
- Coventry University Scarborough – January 2026
- Open University (distance) – TBC
How do we apply?
- University of Hull and University of York usually open annually for applications for the Student Nursing Associate apprenticeships to start in September. Applications should made by April and the interviews are June.
- Coventry University Scarborough’s next cohort will be January 2026, applications can be made any time.
- Please email hnyicb.traininghub@nhs.net if you would like any application forms this will enable the training hub to support you and your candidate.
All applicants need to have evidence of their Maths and English grades at 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification such as Functional Skills Level 2. It is suggested they should be a HCA with at least 6 months experience.
Please see information booklet for further information and funding confirmation.
Alternative provision could be Open University or another distance learning University – there is a different process via NHSE for applications.
- Open University have a video (link below) which explains their process, course requirements and applications: https://youtu.be/WYXYqwTC47o
Where can we access more information?
Useful information on the NA role can be found on the below links:
- https://www.nmc.org.uk/education/becoming-a-nurse-midwife-nursing-associate/becoming-a-nursing-associate/
- https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/roles-nursing/nursing-associate
- https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/nursing-associates
- https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/nursing-associate-roles-health-and-care
For support with applications please contact us at the training hub on hnyicb.traininghub@nhs.net
How long is it?
2 year apprenticeship
What’s involved?
The Nursing Associate is a relatively new nursing role developed to support the Registered Nurse. The role was developed because a gap was identified in the Shape of Caring Review (HEE, 2015) in care delivery between the Graduate Registered Nurse and the Health Care Support Worker/ Health Care Assistant (HCSW/HCA). Further information can be found here:
- Nursing associates | Health Education England
- Shape of caring review | Health Education England
- Nursing associate | Health Careers
- Resources | NHS Employers
- Becoming a nursing associate | The Nursing and Midwifery Council
All programmes must now be NMC approved and meet the NMC standards:
Nursing-associates-proficiency-standards.pdf
For full information, please download our Info Pack below.
What funding is available?
There is currently a bursary available for practices supporting a Student Nursing Associate, this is confirmed annually by NHSE.
The course is an apprenticeship and there are 3 ways this may be funded – for more information on this please see the Apprenticeship Information page.
How can I find out more or express interest?
Email – hnyicb.traininghub@nhs.net
Phone – 01482 303986
