Welcome to the Student Nursing Associate Hub

Supporting your journey from student to registered nursing associate 

This hub is designed to support you from the point of thinking about becoming a nursing associate through to entering the workforce as a newly qualified nursing associate. Whether you are considering nursing associate as a career, currently studying, or preparing for your first role, this hub is here to help. 

This student hub has been developed with students, royal colleges and partners from the NHS, higher education and other health and care sectors. It will be regularly updated. 

What do nursing associates do? 

Nursing associates work alongside registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients across all healthcare settings. You will provide hands-on care, support patients and their families, and play a vital role in multidisciplinary teams. 

As a nursing associate, you will work in diverse environments including hospitals, community services, care homes, GP practices, and specialist units. Your role bridges the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses, bringing a unique perspective to patient care whilst developing your clinical skills and knowledge. 

Why do student nursing associates matter?

Students are vital as they represent the future nursing associate workforce. You contribute to safe, effective patient care whilst learning and developing your professional skills. The fresh perspective and dedication from student nursing associates help shape the future of healthcare delivery across England. 

Where do nursing associates work?

Nursing associates have the opportunity to work with people across many different healthcare settings. 

Who do nursing associates care for?

Nursing associates work with people of all ages and backgrounds. Some examples of people they care for, but is not limited to, include:

• children and young people
• adults of all ages
• older people, including end of life care
• people with mental health conditions
• people with a learning disability
• people with specific illnesses or conditions

What types of care do nursing associates provide?

Nursing associates can work across many different areas of healthcare. Their broad training means they can provide both physical and mental healthcare. Some nursing associates choose to specialise in specific areas like surgery, diabetes care, or eating disorders. Others work across general healthcare services.

Where do nursing associates work?

Nursing associates work in many different settings:

• hospital settings
• medical and surgical wards
• emergency departments
• specialist units
• mental health hospitals
• hospital settings in prisons and refugee centres
• community settings
• GP surgeries
• health centres
• walk-in clinics
• specialist community clinics
• patients' homes
• social care settings
• care homes
• residential homes
• supported living facilities

These are just some examples – there are many more opportunities available. Nursing associates can work anywhere healthcare is delivered, from traditional NHS settings to independent providers, charities, and specialist services.

In all these settings, nursing associates provide essential hands-on care and support their healthcare teams. They work alongside nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to deliver safe, effective care to patients and their families.

Professional development and standards

The Nursing and Midwifery Council standards set out what is required for practising as a nursing associates, including ongoing professional development and revalidation requirements.

Find out more on our dedicated nursing associate student webpages

Applying as a student nursing associate – information about nursing associate courses, entry requirements, and how to strengthen your application.

Studying and placement support as a healthcare student – resources to help you succeed during your nursing associate training and make the most of your clinical placements.

Searching for my first nursing associate job – guidance on where to find nursing associate vacancies and networking strategies to discover opportunities in your preferred healthcare settings.

Applying for my first nursing associate job – how to write effective applications, CVs and personal statements for nursing associate roles.

Interviewing for my first nursing associate job – preparation tips, common questions, and what to expect in nursing associate interviews.

Preparing for my first nursing associate job – getting ready to start your career as a nursing associate, including preceptorship and professional development.

News and resources for healthcare students – Latest updates, useful links, and additional support for students and newly qualified healthcare professionals.

Your journey to becoming a nursing associate is important to us. Use this hub to find the support and guidance you need at every stage of your career development.