If you want to be a nurse but want to earn a salary while you train, a degree apprenticeship in nursing might be the ideal course for you. Find out more about the opportunities for nursing degree apprenticeships.
Updated: 15 Apr 2025
Degree apprenticeships are now being offered by more and more universities and offer a great alternative to traditional degrees as you can earn while you’re studying. Nursing degree apprenticeships are no exception, so here’s an overview of what degree apprenticeships in nursing are and why you might choose to do one instead of a traditional nursing degree.
A degree apprenticeship in nursing lets you study to become a registered nurse while working. You’ll be released by your employer to attend university part time, and you’ll also get experience in a range of practical placement settings.
You’ll be studying with an institution approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council to make sure you become qualified when you complete your course.
Tuition fees for degree apprenticeships are paid for by the employer, so the student isn’t responsible for funding their studies. As you’re working, you’ll also get a salary from your employer. You won’t be able to take out student loans but with your fees paid and a salary, you won’t need them. You’ll get a degree with no student debt – double win!
As long as you meet the entry requirements for the particular course you’re looking at, you’ll be eligible to apply. Your employer must also be willing to fund your course so they must believe you’re capable of the academic learning the course requires. As you’ll be working as well, you’ll need to have whatever skills or qualifications may be required for the work element.
With a degree apprenticeship, you’ll be working and earning a salary alongside your course. Your course will be funded by your employer in partnership with the university, so you won’t take out student loans. Degree apprenticeships tend to take a bit longer than traditional degrees as you’re only studying part time.
With a traditional degree, you’ll apply to the university, usually via UCAS, and most students will take out tuition fee and maintenance loans to support their studies. Degree apprenticeship students will gain their place on a course through their employer, so the application process is more like a job interview.
At the end of both courses, however, you’ll get a bachelor’s degree and become a registered nurse.
When you complete your degree apprenticeship in nursing, you’ll have a bachelor’s degree and you’ll also have achieved registered nurse (RN) status.
Usually, a degree apprenticeship in nursing will take four years to complete.
Degree apprenticeships are offered by employers in partnership with universities, so you’ll apply for them in the same way you’d apply for a job. You might already be working for an employer that offers degree apprenticeships, in which case you can speak to them about upcoming opportunities and the application process.
If you’re not already employed by an organisation that offers degree apprenticeships, you’ll be able to find opportunities online, and you can reach out to the organisation or the university they partner with to ask further questions about the opportunity.
When you apply, you’ll need to provide proof of your employment within a healthcare setting (although usually you’ll be applying for both at once, so this won’t be required), any relevant academic qualifications and a clear DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Universities that offer degree apprenticeships in nursing include: