Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner

Upcoming event

Postgraduate Nursing Apprenticeship Webinar
Thursday 1st of May 13:00-14:00

You are warmly invited to our Postgraduate Nursing Apprenticeship Webinar. The Microsoft Teams session is designed to answer any questions you may have about our Enhanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner Apprenticeships, in an informal online setting.

Our Programme Leads will provide a detailed overview of our apprenticeships and staff from our Apprenticeships Team will also be available to discuss key deadlines for 2025 entry and how Keele University supports employers and apprentices.

Register here

Course overview

District Nurses are advanced and autonomous practitioners that manage a wide range of complex health conditions. The responsibilities of the role include advanced clinical skills, risk management, caseload management and care coordination.

The apprenticeship is delivered through a coherent and contemporary programme of study and is focused on.

• Supporting the development and enhancement of the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours for Registered Practitioners.
• Preparing Nurses for a career as a Specialist Community Nurse within District Nursing.
• Focusing on both theoretical and clinical aspects of specialist practice.
• Designed to meet NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) Standards for proficiency in Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualifications.

The apprenticeship is endorsed by The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI).

Apprenticeship components

Examples of indicative modules include.

• Health Assessment in Clinical Practice.
• District Nursing Specialist Practice.
• Research Application in Clinical Practice.
• Applied Advanced Healthcare Leadership and Management.
• Independent and Supplementary Nurse Prescribing. 

Optional modules are available if a core module has already been successfully completed.

Programme eligibility

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner Apprenticeship typically requires.

• Current first level Professional Registration on Part 1 of the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) Register (Registered Nurse).
• Either a BSc (Hons) or, equivalent evidence of success in degree level study.
• Individuals need to be employed in a Community Nursing role.
• Minimum of one year post registration experience as a Registered Nurse (requirement for access to the Independent and Supplementary Nurse Prescribing programme).
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C (4) or equivalent. 

Supported learning

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

• Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
• This relationship does not stop once you start an apprenticeship at Keele University. We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Funding

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

• Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
• Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...

How do I apply?

You make an application to study an apprenticeship through your employer with their support.

Applicants must meet several key criteria:  

• Employment in a relevant role: Applicants must be currently employed in a position relevant to the apprenticeship or be recruited into a new role that aligns with the apprenticeship focus.  
• If you are seeking a new role with apprenticeship training: Employers will typically advertise apprenticeship vacancies through their own recruitment sites and browse apprenticeships before you apply.
• Meet entry requirements: You must satisfy the specific entry requirements for the apprenticeship, including necessary educational qualifications and/or relevant professional experience.  
• Employer support for upskilling: Existing employees are encouraged to discuss with their employers the potential for support in upskilling through the apprenticeship, which can enhance their professional development and benefit the organisation.