Assistant Practitioner Health and Social Care Level 5 FdSc

Overview

Sheffield Hallam University validates this Foundation Degree and Higher Technical Qualification, which was developed together with hospital trusts, private healthcare providers and voluntary sector organisations. The course is a natural next step after the T level or the L3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.

It suits new recruits and more experienced assistant and support workers alike, in health, social and community care. It gives you the chance to build the skills and competencies needed for NHS band 3 and 4 roles.

The programme is a main route for training and educating people in the Assistant Practitioner role, and it can serve as a stepping stone if you wish to pursue further education and training to become a fully qualified healthcare professional, such as a nurse or allied health practitioner.

Completing 200 hours each year in an appropriate setting, over the length of the course, is a requirement of the programme. Applicants should be willing to take on this Higher Technical qualification alongside paid employment or voluntary work.

This Higher Technical Qualification is delivered as part of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), a regional partnership of leading colleges, universities and employers. As a GMIoT student, you will become a member of an industry focused learning community and may benefit from a variety of industry led learning opportunities.

These opportunities can include access to innovative facilities, industry inspired projects, workplace visits, guest speakers, mentoring, competitions and other activities that help you develop the specialist, in demand skills your chosen sector requires.

The additional opportunities the GMIoT provides vary with employer availability and project activity, but membership ensures you are part of a network dedicated to getting the region’s future technical workforce ready.

What You’ll Learn

Your academic journey begins with the Transition to Higher Education module, which gives you a foundation framework for learning academic reading, writing, referencing, digital literacy and research skills that support your academic learning journey.

Across the work based learning modules in years 1 and 2, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that safe and effective practice in the workplace requires.

With the focus on assessing and delivering health and social care, you will identify and apply the theoretical frameworks that underpin an integrated service user assessment. You will be able to recognise key issues affecting service users’ ability to function effectively, and develop, implement and evaluate an intervention to enhance a service user’s wellbeing.

The content of the Essential Sciences module is underpinned by an introduction to the core biological, psychological and social science principles behind effective person centred care.

At Level 5, you will explore, examine and develop the knowledge, skills and attributes of a compassionate leader in contemporary health and social care practice. You will also gain the knowledge and build the skills to critically examine and apply public health, rehabilitation and reablement approaches to service provision.

The Transition to Professional Practice module is there to help you develop readiness and confidence in your future employability, as you reflect on personal attributes, experiences and skills to identify specific learning needs.

Assessment

Your modules are assessed by means of course work and work based learning.

A variety of learning opportunities is offered, among them practical activities, role plays, work based learning, written assignments, presentations and reflective portfolios.

Progression

You may complete your undergraduate studies at Level 6 on a top up course. One of the degrees you could pursue is:

• BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Studies

Entry Requirements

• GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications
• 48 UCAS points or equivalent from either a Level 3 qualification, GCE A levels or an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject
• Mature students with relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications are welcome to apply and may be invited to interview
• Applicants need to have the opportunity to complete 200 placement hours each year, either voluntary or in paid employment
• If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements above, your employment, caregiving, volunteer work or private study may be assessed for relevant skills and experience against the requirements of the course

Study Options

This course is full time over 2 years, at 12 hours per week, at Stockport College. It is delivered over two Semesters in each year, and you will complete 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5.

This course is validated by Sheffield Hallam University