Assistant Practitioner (Health and Social Care)

This Foundation Degree and Higher Technical Qualification is validated by Sheffield Hallam University, developed in collaboration with hospital trusts, private healthcare providers and voluntary sector organisations. The course offers a natural progression from the T level or the L3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.

It is suitable for both new recruits and more experienced assistant and support workers in health, social and community care. It offers an opportunity to develop the skills and competencies needed for NHS band 3 and 4 roles. This programme provides a principal route for the training and education of those in an Assistant Practitioner The role and can serve as a stepping stone for individuals who wish to pursue further education and training to become fully qualified healthcare professionals, such as nurses or allied health practitioners.

The completion of 200 hours each year in an appropriate setting over the duration of the course, is a requirement of the programme. Applicants should be willing to complete this Higher Technical qualification alongside paid employment or voluntary work. We begin your academic journey with the Transition to Higher Education module, which provides a foundation framework for students to learn academic reading, writing referencing, digital literacy and researching skills to support the academic learning journey. Through the work-based learning modules in years 1 and 2, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for safe and effective practice in the workplace.

With a focus on the assessment and delivery of health and social care, students will identify and apply theoretical frameworks that underpin an integrated service user assessment, be able to identify key issues impacting on service users’ ability to function effectively and will develop, implement and evaluation an intervention to enhance the wellbeing of a service user. An introduction to the core biological, psychological and social science principles that underpin effective person-centred care underpins the content of the Essential Sciences module.

At Level 5 students will explore, examine and develop the knowledge, skills and attributes of a compassionate leader in contemporary health and social care practice. You will also acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to critically examine and apply public health, rehabilitation and reablement approaches to service provision. The Transition to Professional Practice module is to help you to develop readiness and confidence in your future employability as you reflect upon personal attributes, experiences and skills to identify specific learning needs.

The course is delivered over two Semesters in each year. Students will complete 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5.

Students may complete their undergraduate studies at L6 on top-up course such as:BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Studies.

In addition to offering progression for assistant practitioners, this course prepares you for a career in: Physiotherapy Occupational therapy Combined rehabilitation Dietetics Operating department practice Diagnostic radiography Therapeutic radiography

For further information please contact us by visiting the contact page on the college website.

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.

2 years,Full time, 12 hours per week.