Registered Nurse (Degree Apprenticeship) BN

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Chester

Program Overview

The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (BN) at Chester lets you learn while you earn, combining full-time employment with academic study and hands-on nursing experience. It’s perfect for motivated, compassionate individuals who want to develop the skills, confidence, and professional knowledge to become a fully registered nurse while gaining real-world workplace experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Nursing Practice
Your first year is all about building the essential skills every nurse needs. You’ll study modules such as Applied Anatomy, Physiology and Integrated Pharmacology to understand how the body works, alongside Person-Centred Care which introduces you to compassionate, evidence-based practice. Early Practice Learning placements allow you to apply classroom learning directly in your workplace, developing communication, observation, and basic clinical skills.

Year 2 – Building Confidence and Clinical Skills
In year two, you’ll expand your practical experience and begin to take more responsibility in your nursing role. Modules like Medicines Management and Working in Teams teach safe medication practices and how to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals. Your workplace placements give you opportunities to consolidate skills, handle more complex care scenarios, and deepen your professional judgement.

Year 3 – Preparing for Professional Practice
The final year focuses on independence and readiness to register as a nurse. Interprofessional Research & Innovation strengthens your understanding of evidence-based care and service improvement, while advanced Practice Learning placements ensure you meet all the clinical standards required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). By the end of this year, you’ll graduate confident, competent, and ready to step fully into your professional nursing career.

Focus Areas

Professional values, person-centred care, anatomy & pharmacology, medicines management, teamwork, evidence-based practice

Learning Outcomes

Graduate ready for NMC registration, capable of safe, compassionate, evidence-informed care, strong clinical decision-making, and effective teamwork

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), ensuring full registration eligibility on successful completion

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Chester’s degree apprenticeship programmes are highly regarded, with strong workplace integration, recognised professional qualification, and excellent hands-on experience valued by employers

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship at Chester is designed so you learn by doing from day one. You’ll split your time between work and study, putting theory into practice in real healthcare settings while gaining a salary. On campus, the skills labs and simulation suites let you practise assessments, clinical procedures, and patient communication in safe, realistic scenarios before applying them on the ward. This hands-on approach ensures you graduate confident, capable, and ready for the demands of the NHS:

Here’s how your practical learning is structured:

Workplace Practice Learning: Complete thousands of hours working alongside qualified practitioners in hospitals, community services, and other healthcare environments, applying skills directly with patients.
Simulation & Skills Workshops: Use on-campus labs to rehearse clinical techniques, teamwork, and problem-solving in lifelike scenarios.
Blended Learning Approaches: Learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, e-learning, and practical workshops, giving you both academic and clinical confidence.
Guided Assessment & Feedback: Mentors and supervisors provide structured feedback using tools like the Practice Assessment Document to help you reflect and improve.
Dedicated Apprenticeship Support: University apprenticeship leaders work closely with your employer to ensure your learning aligns with both workplace and academic goals.
Library & Digital Resources: Access the University’s library services and online platforms to support evidence-based learning, research, and independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing Chester’s Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (BN) prepares you for a rewarding nursing career, ready to make a real impact from day one. Graduates register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and can pursue roles such as Registered Nurse, Community Nurse, Specialist Practice Nurse, Clinical Team Leader, Nurse Educator, or Healthcare Coordinator, combining hands-on experience with professional knowledge.

Career Support Services: The University’s Careers and Employability team supports you throughout your apprenticeship with tailored advice, CV and application guidance, mock interviews, and connections to NHS employers to help you confidently launch your career.
Employment & Salary Prospects: Apprenticeships mean you earn while you learn, and once qualified, starting salaries for newly registered nurses in the UK are typically £28,000–£30,000, increasing with experience and specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: Training is delivered in partnership with NHS trusts and local healthcare providers, giving you practical experience and valuable professional networks.
Accreditation: Upon graduation, you gain NMC registration, a recognised professional qualification that allows you to practice nursing across the UK and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: With extensive workplace learning integrated throughout the programme, you’ll graduate not just with a degree but with the confidence and experience to deliver safe, compassionate, and professional care from day one.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BN apprenticeship, you can continue your studies through Master’s programmes in Advanced Clinical Practice, Nursing Leadership, Healthcare Management, or specialist clinical areas, helping you move into senior clinical roles, management positions, research, or teaching. Postgraduate certificates and professional development courses are also available to help you develop expertise while working.