This apprenticeship course has been designed to provide the opportunity to study whilst being employed in mental healthcare services. During this apprenticeship you’ll get the opportunity to develop the vital skills, values and confidence you need to work with people suffering from various mental health conditions across the lifespan, to offer help and support in dealing with the condition. This could include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, psychosis and obsessive compulsive disorders.

• You’ll have the opportunity to study to become a nurse in a flexible way, that fits around work and life.
• The course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and led by committed and passionate lecturers who are research active with experience across the mental health nursing spectrum.
• Alongside building your theoretical knowledge in lectures and seminars, you’ll be able to focus on your practical skills through simulation and group work.
• You'll practice and develop your skills through clinical placements in a range of statutory, private and voluntary services, in order to prepare you to pursue your career.
• You’ll have the opportunity to hear the experiences and viewpoints from service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group.

The course is mainly delivered through digital technologies and also involves practical, hands-on experience. Although the theoretical component is predominantly delivered online, you’ll attend the campus in Huddersfield (or similar venue close to your home) for a maximum total of four one-week blocks for simulation and skills training. You’ll do this in each year of the course, providing the opportunity for you to practise skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll also undertake practice placements across the NHS and healthcare organisations in a setting close to home.

In line with the apprenticeship model, the course is designed to support a training in practice approach. Whilst undertaking the course you’ll remain employed by your host organisation and may spend 20% of your time in your current workplace. The remaining 80% will be spent at the University undertaking theory work and clinical placements. The course culminates in an End Point Assessment (EPA) which is independently assessed outside of the Higher Education Institution (Skills Funding Agency, 2018). The course is designed to be progressively demanding and once qualified you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and work as a Registered Nurse (Mental Health).

Placements

 with any required help and advice. In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and occasionally beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and nights.

Whilst on placement you'll be supported by trained supervisors and assessors, as well as by members of the academic team who will meet with you and your practice support team every 12 weeks.

Please note that you'll be required to travel to and during your placements.

Your Career

Possible career opportunities include working in local and national hospitals, the community and children’s hospices. Child nurses also work in neonatal and paediatric intensive care areas, children’s community nursing teams and in regional children’s specialist centres.

After qualification there is also an extensive range of further professional development opportunities available, which may lead to possible careers as a health visitor or school nurse, as well as nurse specialist roles.