The Academy

Nothing but your time and commitment!

All of your training and accreditation is paid for by the NHS.

As an apprentice nurse associate or Registered Nurse (RN), you will be employed as a band 3 Healthcare Assistant with those on the RN programme progressing to a band 4 Healthcare Assistant in the final two years – meaning you can earn a full-time salary while you study.

AHP apprentices will be employed as a band 3 therapy assistant while you develop the knowledge, skills and competencies of a qualified allied health professional in your chosen area.

The nursing programme includes modules covering:

• The principles of person and family-centred care
• Interpersonal skills
• Healthy lifestyles
• Professional context of nursing and healthcare practice
• Applied physiology
• Evidence-based practice
• Management, leadership and service improvement

The AHP programme content will depend on the profession you are applying for. Find out more about the different AHP roles.

As one of the largest community trusts in the UK we can offer you an unparalleled opportunity to gain vital experience in a wide variety of clinical disciplines; from minor injury units to community hospitals, district nursing to specialist children’s services, sexual health to learning disability services. We want you to experience as many settings as possible during your degree programme, so your working base will vary and you’ll need to be able to drive across Kent to work.

You’ll work a minimum of 30 hours per week in a clinical role ( some of which will be on placements) , around 80 per cent of your time. In addition you’ll need to spend around one day a week in academic study in tutor-supported study modules. Your course tutors will support your learning and mark your assessments.

Nursing

For the Registered Nurse programme you’ll need at least five good GCSE results including English and Maths to be considered. In addition we will be looking for candidates who also have a higher level qualification, such as an NVQ or a BTEC (level three) in a related subject. We would also like to see evidence of working in a care setting or environment.

For the Nurse Associate programme you’ll need at least five good GCSE results including English and Maths.

AHP

The entry requirements needed for an AHP apprentice will depend on the role but it's likely you'll need at least five good GCSE results including English and Maths to be considered. In addition we will be looking for candidates who also have a higher level qualification, such as an NVQ or a BTEC (level three) in a related subject. We would also like to see evidence of working in a care setting or environment.

The main criteria are passion and enthusiasm for nursing and AHP roles, as well as a kind, compassionate approach.

Other roles

All other roles will have their own application criteria. Please look at the job description and person specification for details.

This programme is a huge investment in your future and ours. We expect people who have received their nursing or AHP qualification via The Academy to stay with KCHFT for a minimum of four years after they graduate (two years for nurse associates).

Hopefully you will be happy to stay, but if you move on during that time you will be asked to pay back some or all of the investment we have made.

Don’t be! As a member of the KCHFT Academy you’ll be part of our family. We’re here to support you – every step of the way. You’ll join our friendly teams across the county and get the chance to meet new people every day. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the many perks of being employed by KCHFT, including holiday allowance, paid parental leave and other benefits.