Application process
How many SNA positions do you have?
We are aiming to recruit up to 150 Student Nursing Associates per intake, with three intakes per year (February, May and October).
When will I hear if I've been shortlisted?
You should usually expect to hear whether you've been shortlisted around two weeks after the closing date for applications. (This is only an estimate, and it may take longer.)
I have a registered disability. Will this affect whether I'm shortlisted?
If you are interested, and are able to meet the entry requirements and job description, you should apply.
As a Trust, we are committed to equal opportunities and we are willing to make reasonable adjustments for someone with a disability.
If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch.
Why wasn't I shortlisted?
If you weren't shortlisted, please check whether you included all the required information in your application.
- Did you include all qualifications?
- Did your qualifications meet the entry requirements specified?
- Did you fully complete all sections?
If you included everything as required but were unsuccessful, and would like feedback, please get in touch.
Why are my qualifications not appropriate for this when I have previously been accepted for other university healthcare courses?
The university sets different entry requirements for each course. These are based on the course content, so criteria for each course may vary.
I've already completed my Access to Nursing course. Can those qualifications transfer across?
As Access to Nursing is a completely different course, it's unlikely you can use this qualification alone to access the Student Nursing Associate Programme.
What qualifications are acceptable?
Required qualifications are set out in the job description and in the entry requirements.
Why do you need to see my certificates?
Your certificates provide evidence that you hold the required qualifications for the role and for the university course.
The Trust and Birmingham City University are unable to process your application without them.
How do I send my certificates to you?
Please scan your certificates, or take photos, and email them to us.
Please ensure your images are of a good quality. We need to be able to see the whole certificate, and your name and qualification need to be clearly visible.
What do I do if I can't find my certificates?
It's best to ensure you have evidence of your qualifications before you apply.
However, if you can't find your certificates, please contact the centre, school or college where you gained the qualification(s). They should be able to advise you what to do.
Will exam slips or emails confirming my qualifications be acceptable?
If you only have exam slips or emails confirming your qualifications, please email them to us. This will help us to process your application.
However, we will still need to see your actual certificates before you start the course. Therefore you will still need to request copies of your certificates if you can't find them.
What happens once I've sent my certificates?
Once we receive your certificates we will check these to ensure we have the information we need.
We may occasionally send certificates to the issuing organisation to be checked.
Once approved, we will send you an application pack to complete. This process may take as little as a few days, but you should allow two weeks.
Why have I been asked to submit a written essay?
You will have been asked to submit a written essay if your highest qualification was NVQ level 2.
However, we ask all internal applicants (from within University Hospitals Birmingham) to complete this essay.
The essay helps to support your application, and will demonstrate to us your abilities in being able to write at an academic level suitable for the university course.
Can I type my essay?
Your essay can be typed or handwritten. Your name must be on the essay, and you must also add a signature.
What is involved in the interview?
The interview will be around 30 minutes long.
The panel will consist of senior nurses, including members of the SNA team and nurses working at Birmingham City University.
Interviews may be conducted remotely by video.
After the interview
What are the next steps if I am successful at interview?
External applicants (from outside University Hospitals Birmingham)
We will pass your details to our Recruitment team, who will start the process of clearing you to join us.
You will be given your own recruitment advisor, and you must use them as your point of contact with the Trust for your recruitment. Please respond promptly to any requests for information from your recruitment advisor to avoid delays to your recruitment.
It may take up to three weeks for somebody to contact you. If you haven't heard from your recruitment advisor after three weeks after your interview, please let us know.
Internal applicants
If you're an internal applicant, we'll inform your line manager and give them all the details you need in relation to starting the course.
What happens once I've cleared the recruitment process?
External applicants (from outside University Hospitals Birmingham)
Once cleared you will need to agree a start date with your line manager via your recruitment advisor.
Your first week at the Trust will be an induction process.
Internal applicants
If you are in post before the course starts, you will work on your new ward as a healthcare assistant (HCA) until that point.
Please make contact with your manager to discuss starting shifts and to arrange an HCA uniform.
Uniforms
How do I get a uniform?
If you start on the ward before your SNA course begins, your line manager will need to order you a healthcare assistant (HCA) tunic and black trousers.
The SNA team will order your SNA tunic, which will ready for you to collect shortly before the course starts. The team will write to you in advance to ask for your size. Please respond promptly to avoid any delays.
What do I wear during my training?
During your training you will wear your SNA tunic with the same black trousers worn by healthcare assistants.
Induction
Do I need to complete an induction process?
Yes. There are two types of induction you will need to complete: Trust induction and SNA/university induction.
Trust induction
If you are new to the Trust, you will need complete full Trust induction. This will usually take place during your first week at the Trust.
The Induction team will send the details before you start at UHB.
This induction may involve some online training.
You will be paid for attending induction. Attendance is compulsory.
SNA/university induction
This forms the first week of the course, and everyone on the programme is expected to attend.
The clinical educators in the SNA team will send the details to new starters, usually the week before induction.
SNA tunics can be collected during this week.
Part of this week may be spent at or with Birmingham City University for enrolment purposes.
This induction may also involve some online training.
Hours of work
How many hours will I work each week during the programme?
The course is generally based on 37.5 hours a week:
- 7.5 hours at university (a set day every week)
- 7.5 hours on placement (a set day every week)
- 22.5 hours working clinical shifts in a ward-based area
Last reviewed: 24 October 2024