Nursing Associate Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc

Why study the Nursing Associate programme at Liverpool John Moores University?
• Qualify as a nursing associate with eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)



• Nursing associates provide care that bridges the roles of registered nurses and health care assistants, and work across all healthcare settings



• After completing your two year foundation degree, you have the option to apply to enter the midpoint of our BSc (Hons) Nursing degrees



• Also available as a degree apprenticeship for employees of our partner organisations



- 97% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things and 92% said the course challenged them to achieve their best work (National Student Survey 2025)


- 93% of students on this course were positive about the learning resources provided (National Student Survey 2025)


About your course
Do you aspire to work in the nursing profession, but don't currently have the A Level or BTEC qualifications to apply? Liverpool John Moores' new Nursing Associate foundation degree could be the ideal way for you to start your journey to becoming a registered healthcare professional.

When you successfully complete this two-year foundation degree, you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a nursing associate.

Nursing associates play a vital role in patient care and are a key part of the nursing team. Working closely with registered nurses and healthcare support workers, nursing associate duties can include:


- performing and recording clinical observations, for example, blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse


- undertaking clinical tasks including venepuncture (taking bloods) and electrocardiograms (ECGs)


- supporting individuals and their families and carers at emotionally difficult times during their care


- discussing and sharing information with registered nurses on a patient's condition, behaviour, activity and responses


- ensuring the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all times


- recognising issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults


• You can read more about the role of a nursing associate on the NHS Health Careers website



LJMU's FdSc Nursing Associate gives you lots of chances for hands on clinical skills practice, whilst supporting you to develop a robust knowledge base. Our professional tutors, student mentors and support staff are all here to help you progress through the foundation degree confidently and successfully.

Whether you decide to enter work as a registered nursing associate, or go on to apply to the half-way point of a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree, this foundation route offers a fantastic, accessible way to join the healthcare profession.