HARD work has paid off for nursing students who have made history by becoming among the first in the country to graduate from a new degree course.

Sixty-five students have completed the Trainee Nursing Associates two-year foundation degree and are qualified to assist registered nurses on hospital wards.

The University of Bolton was one of just a handful to pilot the new work-based course to boost the NHS workforce. Training combined study and work in the NHS. The students are among the first 1,000 trainee nursing associates nationwide.

Nurse associates free up the time of registered nurses for more complex care needs ­— but many of the successful students aim to go on to achieve full registration.

Amy Evan, aged 29, who is going to work at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: “I am going to spend nearly a year or so in this role, get more experience on the wards and then go on to my registered nursing. I have been a healthcare assistant for six years at the hospital on maternity wards and I have always wanted to do my nursing.

“I just thought it would be a good opportunity to learn on the job and go to university at the same time. I was in a full time job and would have been hard to leave and go to university and not have a wage. “With family life it can be hard to juggle but it is worth it.”

Tracey Stewart, aged 53, urged those considering a career in the NHS to “go for it”. She said: “Don’t let anyone stop you, I would do it all again.”

Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi, Pro Vice Chancellor at the university, said: “Nursing associates are going to play a phenomenal role in solving some capacity issues.” in the NHS system, but also more importantly provide progression and career opportunities.

“The students have completed this programme with flying colours and it shows the quality of our students and almost all of them have got a job.