Nursing apprenticeships

What does a nursing apprenticeship involve?

As a nursing apprentice, you'll typically split your week between work and study. Most apprentices spend four days working in a clinical setting, such as a hospital ward or community service, supporting patients and completing care and administrative tasks. The remaining day is dedicated to study, either attending lectures or completing coursework.

'Apprenticeships enable a faster integration of theory and practice,' explain Caroline Bromwich and Jacqui Caskey, programme leads for the nursing apprenticeship at UWE. 'For instance, you could attend a seminar about paracetamol one day and then the next day participate in the care of a patient who needs it. This contrasts with traditional nursing programmes, where several weeks might elapse between attending a seminar and starting a placement.'

Assessment methods vary but usually include:

• an end-point assessment (EPA), which may involve a professional discussion
• a portfolio of evidence showing how you meet required competencies
• coursework and written assignments
• practical assessments carried out in clinical settings

Successfully completing these assessments allows you to progress to professional registration, depending on the level of apprenticeship you take.

Nursing apprenticeship vs university degree

Not sure whether an apprenticeship or a traditional degree is right for you? Here's how they compare:

Both routes lead to the same professional registration and career outcomes, but the learning experience and financial arrangements are different.

What nursing apprenticeships are available?

Dental nursing advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) 

This apprenticeship is an entry-level route into dental nursing. You'll work in a dental practice while studying towards a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, which is required for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).

During the apprenticeship, you'll develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:

• chairside assistance
• dental materials
• dental radiography
• health and safety
• infection control
• patient care.

To apply, you'll usually need four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C) or equivalent, including English and maths, as well as a strong interest in dentistry.

Dental nurse apprenticeships are offered by the NHS and private employers, including:

• Bupa Dental Care
• Cavity Dental Staff
• mydentist
• Honour Health

For more details on eligibility, see our guide to advanced apprenticeships.

Nursing associate higher apprenticeship (Level 5) 

This two-year higher apprenticeship is aimed at healthcare assistants and support workers who want to take on more responsibility and progress their careers.

The apprenticeship bridges the gap between support roles and registered nursing. On completion, you'll gain a foundation degree and be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a nursing associate.

Many nursing associates choose to remain in this role, while others use it as a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.

Typical entry requirements include:

• GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
• relevant experience in a health or care setting
• sometimes a Level 3 qualification in a health-related subject.

For more detailed information on costs and entry requirements, see higher apprenticeships.

Registered nurse degree apprenticeship (Level 6) 

The registered nurse degree apprenticeship leads to a full Bachelors degree in nursing and professional registration as a registered nurse with the NMC.

You'll be employed throughout the programme, earn a salary, and won't pay tuition fees - these are covered by your employer with government support. You'll also choose a field of nursing to specialise in:

• adult
• child
• learning disability nursing
• mental health

Most programmes last around four years, although some employer-led routes are slightly shorter.

Entry requirements vary by employer and university but may include:

• GCSEs in maths and English at grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 Functional Skills)
• a Level 3 qualification (such as A-levels)
• the Care Certificate
• at least 12 months' experience in a hospital or community care setting

For more information on costs, salaries and eligibility, see our guide to degree apprenticeships.

Community specialist practitioner apprenticeship (Level 7)

Also known as the district nurse apprenticeship, this postgraduate programme is for registered nurses who want to work in community healthcare.

Lasting around 12 months full time, it leads to a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) or Masters qualification and the Specialist Practitioner Qualification (CSPQ), allowing registration with the NMC as a district nurse.

On the apprenticeship, you'll:

• coordinating care across teams
• develop advanced clinical, leadership, and public health skills
• managing complex caseloads.

Although Level 7 apprenticeship funding has been discontinued nationally, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have committed funding for this programme until 2029 through a special mitigation fund. This means places can be limited, making competition for spots more intense.

Career progression options include:

• caseload holder
• community matron
• practice educator or clinical facilitator
• service manager or clinical lead.

You may also move into specialist roles such as:

• continence advisor
• end-of-life care coordinator
• tissue viability nurse.

Specialist community public health nurse (Level 7)

This Level 7 apprenticeship prepares registered nurses or midwives to qualify as a specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN) in one of three pathways:

• health visiting
• occupational health nursing
• school nursing.

The programme combines academic study with supervised practice in community and public health settings and usually lasts 12 months full time. On completion, you'll be eligible for NMC registration in your chosen pathway.

Funding is available through the NHS England Level 7 apprenticeship mitigation fund until 2029.

Does the NHS offer nursing apprenticeships?

Yes. The NHS offers a range of nursing apprenticeships at different levels, providing multiple entry points into the profession. These include:

• dental nurse - Level 3
• nursing associate - Level 5
• registered nurse - Level 6
• community specialist practitioner apprenticeship - Level 7
• specialist community public health nurse - Level 7.

Alongside nursing-specific routes, the NHS also offers a range of health and social care apprenticeships that can support progression into nursing, including roles such as:

• allied health profession roles
• healthcare support worker
• maternity support worker.

You can search and apply for nursing apprenticeships through:

• NHS Jobs
• GOV.UK - Find an Apprenticeship
• individual NHS trusts and healthcare providers.

Vacancies are advertised throughout the year, although some employers recruit in set intakes, so it's worth checking regularly and signing up for alerts where possible.

Which universities offer nursing apprenticeships?

Each university may offer one or all of the different types of apprenticeships, and what they teach may also differ. You will need to do your research on what suits you, but here are some examples of what's on offer:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of Brighton
• University of Cumbria
• University of Derby
• University of Greenwich
• University of Hertfordshire
• Keele University
• Northumbria University
• The Open University
• Southampton Solent University
• University of Suffolk

How much will I be paid?

All apprentices are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage. From April 2026, the apprentice rate is £8 per hour for those under 19, or aged 19 and over in their first year. After the first year, you must be paid the standard rate for your age group.

In practice, many nurse apprentices earn more. For example, registered nurse degree apprentices at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust start on £23,713, increasing each year. After qualifying, you'll usually begin on NHS Band 5, earning around £31,000.

You're paid for both work and study time and receive at least 20 days' paid holiday, plus bank holidays.

How do I apply?

Applications are made directly to employers rather than through UCAS. To be eligible, you'll usually need to:

• be employed in a suitable health or care role for at least 30 hours per week
• have your employer's agreement to support you through the apprenticeship
• meet the academic and experience requirements for the specific programme.

As part of your application, you'll need to:

• provide evidence of qualifications, including English and maths
• complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Before starting the apprenticeship, you'll also complete an Initial Skills Assessment, which helps map your existing knowledge and skills against the requirements of the apprenticeship.

According to Caroline and Jacqui, 'successful candidates should demonstrate attitudes and behaviours aligned with the NMC code throughout the application and interview process. For those with healthcare experience, we expect a clear understanding of their career progression goals beyond simply having worked in the field for several years. Demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and strong organisational skills is also essential.'

Nursing apprenticeships can be competitive, especially at degree level, so highlighting relevant healthcare work experience can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and strengthen your application. Relevant experience doesn't have to come from a hospital. Consider:

• care homes
• clinics
• community services.

Developing transferable skills such as effective communication, leadership and time management can further enhance your application. For more advice, see our guide on how to apply for an apprenticeship.

What happens after a nursing apprenticeship?

Most nursing apprentices are employed by their training provider, such as an NHS trust, hospital or healthcare organisation, throughout the programme. After qualifying, you'll usually move straight into a permanent nursing role with your employer, often at NHS Band 5 or the equivalent starting level in your sector.

Newly qualified nurses typically complete a preceptorship or structured induction programme, lasting between six and 12 months. This provides additional support as you transition into professional practice and usually includes:

• mentoring
• guidance on clinical decision making
• help to build confidence in patient care.

Once qualified, nurses can move into specialist areas such as:

• community nursing
• intensive care (ICU)
• mental health.

Other options include progressing into senior or leadership roles, or continuing studying through further postgraduate study, including:

• Masters degrees
• prescribing courses
• PGCerts.

Starting salaries vary depending on the employer and sector but generally increase with experience. In the NHS, nurses progress from Band 5, earning between £32,073 and £39,043 per year, to higher bands as they take on specialist, senior or leadership responsibilities.

Private sector employers and specialist services may offer different progression routes and pay structures.

You can also continue your training through a higher-level apprenticeship or return to university study, provided you meet the required entry criteria.

Find out more

• See what else the healthcare sector has to offer.
• Read all about being an adult nurse.
• Take a look at the role of a children's nurse.