Selection, admission and progression

Approved education institutions together with practice learning partners must:

1.1confirm on entry to the programme that students:

1.1.1meet the entry criteria for the programme as set out by the AEI and are suitable for nursing associate practice

1.1.2demonstrate values in accordance with the Code

1.1.3have capability to learn behaviours in accordance with the Code

1.1.4have capability to develop numeracy skills required to meet programme outcomes

1.1.5can demonstrate proficiency in English language

1.1.6have capability in literacy to meet programme outcomes

1.1.7have capability for digital and technological literacy to meet programme outcomes

1.2ensure students' health and character allows for safe and effective practice on entering the programme, throughout the programme and when submitting the supporting declaration of health and good character in line with the NMC's health and character decision-making guidance. This includes satisfactory occupational health assessment and criminal record checks

1.3ensure students are fully informed of the requirement to declare immediately any police charges, cautions, convictions or conditional discharges, or determinations that their fitness to practise is impaired made by other regulators, professional bodies and educational establishments, and ensure that any declarations are dealt with promptly, fairly and lawfully

1.4ensure that the registered nurse or registered nursing associate responsible for directing the educational programme or their designated registered nurse substitute or designated registered nursing associate substitute, are able to provide supporting declarations of health and character for students who have completed a pre-registration nursing associate programme

1.5permit recognition of prior learning that is capable of being mapped to the Standards of proficiency for nursing associates and programme outcomes, up to a maximum of 50 percent of the programme. This maximum limit of 50 percent does not apply to applicants to pre-registration nursing associate programmes who are currently a NMC registered nurse without restrictions on their practice, and

1.6provide support where required to students throughout the programme in continuously developing their abilities in numeracy, literacy and digital and technological literacy to meet programme outcomes.