Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public.
To become a registered nursing associate, you will undertake a combination of academic learning and work-based learning. You will need to demonstrate your ability to study to level 5 foundation degree level, and commit to completing the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme.
During the two-year training programme, you’ll work in a range of settings to gain as much experience as possible. This will mean travelling to placements and working a mix of shifts.
Your skills and responsibilities will vary, depending on the care setting you work in. You’ll need to demonstrate the values of the NHS Constitution and a knowledge of physical health, mental health and illness prevention.
Registered nursing associates can go on to train as a registered nurse by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or completing a degree-level nurse apprenticeship.
Related roles
- Healthcare assistant [2]
- Adult nurse [3]
- Assistant practitioner [4]
- Experienced paramedic [5]
Dental therapist [6]
A dental therapist does some of the more straightforward work undertaken by a dentist.
To practise as a dental therapist, you must obtain a degree or diploma in dental therapy and be registered on the General Dental Council’s (CDG) roll of dental therapists. To get on the course, you will need five GCSE subjects at grade A to C, plus two A-levels or a recognised qualification in dental nursing. You may also be required to have some experience of dental nursing before taking the course.
Most dental therapists work standard NHS hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. Your starting salary will be band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay rates.
You will need to develop highly technical clinical skills.
Dental therapists will often spend valuable time encouraging anxious patients to accept dental treatment which requires patience, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Dental therapists with experience can progress to become orthodontic therapists or practice managers, or move into research or teaching roles.
If you work in a dentist's practice, you will be able to work independently without the full responsibility of running the practice.