CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE Level 4 (Nursing Home Pathway)

Level 4
Skill Up
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

This is a specialised programme designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles and skills necessary for a career in healthcare. This certificate course offers a comprehensive overview of healthcare practice, focusing on key areas such as patient care, healthcare ethics, communication, and professional development.

Emphasis is placed on developing strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as effective interpersonal skills necessary for interacting with patients, their families, and healthcare teams. Students will learn how to effectively communicate medical information, provide compassionate care, and navigate ethical challenges in healthcare settings.

The programme also addresses the importance of professional development and lifelong learning in the healthcare field. Students will be introduced to critical thinking skills, problem-solving techniques, and reflective practice. They will explore the legal and ethical frameworks that govern healthcare practice and gain an understanding of the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy.

This is an upskilling route for those already employed within the Nursing Home sector.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent)
Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Policy
Applicants will be required to pass an Access NI Check
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to study at academic level 4 and the potential to progress to level 5
Applicants will be asked to complete a Health Declaration

* Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning, does not cover the GCSE Maths and English requirements.

This course is funded through the Skill Up programme. All applicants must meet the following entry requirements.

Applicants must be 18 years of age on or before the course start date.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Northern Ireland.
Applicants must be ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.

Candidates are only permitted to complete a maximum of two free courses at a time.

Students will complete two modules of study.

Module K102: Introducing Health & Social Care (60 academic credits)

This is an academic unit where learners will be taught essential knowledge and theory of Health and Social Care. This includes:

Roles and settings in health and social care
Human development across the life course
Safeguarding
Sociology
Innovative practices

Module K104: Introduction to Healthcare Practice (60 academic credits)

In this module learners will be introduced to the essential aspects of practice and help them develop the skills essential for safe and effective care. Topic of study include;

Becoming a healthcare student in practice
Being a professional
Person and family-centred care
Communication skills
Numeracy skills and observation of medicines management
Quality and safety of care
Infection prevention and management
Assessment skills and care planning
Bladder and bowel health
Mobility
Nutrition and hydration
Hygiene, skin integrity and wound care
Acute and emergency care
Promoting health
Supporting skills

Assessment methods include:

Teacher marked assessments, to include essay style questions and presentations
End of module assessments
Online tests
Assessed simulation exercises

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 25/26. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Successful students can progress to an undergraduate courses that is healthcare related including nursing at a range of universities. Some universities may also consider exemption of modules on the basis of student's achievement on this course.

Upon successful completion of the Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice, students will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills required for positions in healthcare. Graduates may find employment as senior care workers, team leaders, nursing assistants and other band 3 opportunities.

Previous students have progressed into the workplace and onto courses such as Paramedic, Nursing and Social Work.