For people who know they want to make a difference in healthcare but aren’t sure where their journey will take them, our FdSc Nursing Associate offers a unique opportunity to build a rewarding career while exploring the many pathways available within health and social care.
A crucial role at the heart of healthcare
Nursing Associates play a vital role within healthcare teams across England, helping to bridge the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. They provide high-quality care, support patients through some of life’s most challenging moments, and make a meaningful contribution to healthcare every day.
Importantly, becoming a Nursing Associate is not simply a stepping stone to another profession; it is a respected and rewarding career in its own right. Qualified Nursing Associates progress into a wide range of roles across health and social care, including clinical specialisms, leadership, education and management.
Our graduates have gone on to secure senior positions in areas such as tissue viability, safeguarding and care home management, while others have progressed into lecturer roles within higher education, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available.
Why this degree gives you a strong foundation
One of the distinctive features of the programme is the opportunity to experience all four fields of nursing: adult, child, learning disability and mental health. As Nursing Associates are trained as generic practitioners, students develop skills and knowledge across a wide range of healthcare settings, supported by a substantial number of assessed placement hours across hospitals, community services, GP practices, care homes, schools, hospices and specialist services. This breadth of experience provides a unique insight into contemporary healthcare and helps inform future career decisions, whether students choose to remain in role or progress into registered nursing.
Students also benefit from Edge Hill University’s award-winning placement learning, recognised through a Nursing Times 2026 Healthier Societies Placement award. These experiences are designed to broaden understanding of the wider determinants of health and wellbeing, enabling students to learn alongside a diverse range of services and community organisations.
The programme is delivered by an experienced academic and practice team whose expertise spans all fields of nursing, supported by a practising Nursing Associate and Honorary Lecturers currently working in clinical practice. Their combined experience ensures students are exposed to current, real-world insight throughout their studies.
Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, including college leavers, career changers and those progressing from healthcare support roles. The programme is particularly proud of supporting students from non-traditional backgrounds to succeed. One student, the first in their family to attend university, said:
“I am achieving a lifelong dream and am even thinking it’s possible I could do the top up too, which I never thought I would hear myself say. It’s all thanks to the support from Edge Hill University and the practice and programme teams.”
Experiences that opens doors
Demand for Nursing Associates continues to grow across England, creating strong employment opportunities for graduates. With apprenticeship and direct-entry routes, and September and April start dates, the two-year Foundation Degree offers a flexible pathway into a profession that combines hands-on patient care, diverse clinical experience and excellent career progression.
A recent graduate highlighted the value of structured placements and academic support in building confidence, applying theory to practice and preparing for professional healthcare roles, describing the blend of real-world experience and learning as central to their development.
The success of the programme is reflected in the achievements of its students and staff, including nominations for prestigious Nursing Times Awards and recognition for outstanding practice in end-of-life care. These accomplishments reflect the quality, professionalism and compassion that define both the programme and its graduates.
If you’re looking to make a real difference in people’s lives, the FdSc Nursing Associate at Edge Hill University offers a rewarding route into healthcare, combining practical experience, academic study and strong career opportunities in a growing profession.
June 22, 2026