The Student Room Group

Nursing Associate top up

I’ve been unsure about whether it would be better to top up my NA qualification to adult nursing (18 months) or do a 3yr BSc in midwifery. I’m leaving out background here but I promise there is good reason for this decision! 🙈😅

I have applied for the NA top up for next year but does anyone reckon I’d have any chance of doing it this March?

With my current qualification I would be joining the student nurses right in the middle of year 2 so I complete the last 18 months with them. I presume that would start in the next month for most universities? What are the chances? Anyone have any idea? I wondered if there had been any drop outs there may be places to join.

I’m the type of person that very intensely analyses a situation and makes a decision seemingly quickly but then likes to get on with said decision ASAP, and I have nothing holding me back from starting in a months time!

I’m planning on going to Staffs or Keele.
(edited 10 months ago)
Original post
by Jesslewis24
I’ve been unsure about whether it would be better to top up my NA qualification to adult nursing (18 months) or do a 3yr BSc in midwifery. I’m leaving out background here but I promise there is good reason for this decision! 🙈😅

I have applied for the NA top up for next year but does anyone reckon I’d have any chance of doing it this March?

With my current qualification I would be joining the student nurses right in the middle of year 2 so I complete the last 18 months with them. I presume that would start in the next month for most universities? What are the chances? Anyone have any idea? I wondered if there had been any drop outs there may be places to join.

I’m the type of person that very intensely analyses a situation and makes a decision seemingly quickly but then likes to get on with said decision ASAP, and I have nothing holding me back from starting in a months time!

I’m planning on going to Staffs or Keele.


Have you asked Staffs and Keele if what you are proposing is possible?

Reply 2

Original post
by normaw
Have you asked Staffs and Keele if what you are proposing is possible?

I have called both this morning, Staffs didn’t seem to understand what I meant, Keele are looking into it for me! ☺️

Reply 3

Original post
by Jesslewis24
I’ve been unsure about whether it would be better to top up my NA qualification to adult nursing (18 months) or do a 3yr BSc in midwifery. I’m leaving out background here but I promise there is good reason for this decision! 🙈😅
I have applied for the NA top up for next year but does anyone reckon I’d have any chance of doing it this March?
With my current qualification I would be joining the student nurses right in the middle of year 2 so I complete the last 18 months with them. I presume that would start in the next month for most universities? What are the chances? Anyone have any idea? I wondered if there had been any drop outs there may be places to join.
I’m the type of person that very intensely analyses a situation and makes a decision seemingly quickly but then likes to get on with said decision ASAP, and I have nothing holding me back from starting in a months time!
I’m planning on going to Staffs or Keele.

Hi @Jesslewis24

It’s great to hear you’re considering topping up your Nursing Associate qualification to Adult Nursing. At University of Staffordshire, our Nursing programmes are structured to start at specific points in the year, so if you’ve applied for next year, that’s likely when the next cohort begins.

However, universities do sometimes have spaces become available due to withdrawals, so it’s worth reaching out directly to our admissions team to check if a March intake is possible ([email protected]). Given that you’d be joining midway through Year 2, the timing would need to align with the current cohort’s progression. You might also want to contact Keele, if you’re considering both options.

If you haven’t already, I’d recommend getting in touch with our admissions team as soon as possible - they’ll be able to give you the most up-to-date advice on availability and next steps! 😊

You can find more info on our NA to RN top-up course here: Registered Nurse (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship Level 6 - University of Staffordshire
You may also wish to look into our BMid (Hons) Midwifery degree: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/midwifery-bmid

Best of luck with your decision!

Ellie from the Social Media Team

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