CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (NURSING HOME PATHWAY)

Level 4
Higher Education
Lurgan Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Open University Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice is delivered by SRC in partnership a range of nursing home providers throughout Northern Ireland. While this course is delivered as a standalone qualification, it also provides the equivalence of Stage 1 of the Open University Nursing Degree and may allow progression opportunities to Stage 2 (further details in the progression section below).

Emphasis is placed on developing strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as effective interpersonal skills necessary for interacting with residents, 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 exciting and challenging course is currently delivered as a one-year full-time course at our Lurgan campus. Students will attend College (Lurgan Campus) one day per week and will benefit from state-of-the-art healthcare simulation suites and learning spaces designed to develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to work effectively in a modern healthcare environment. Extra simulation and skills days will be added throughout the course.

This is an “earn as you learn” course as following successful interview with SRC, learners will apply for employment with one of our nursing home partners. This will allow learners to work towards the 770 hour placement requirement.

Our Nursing Home partners currently are:

Healthcare Ireland Group (more homes will be available as we await final confirmation)

Dunlarg, Armagh
Nightingale, Dungannon
Pond Park, Lisburn
Jason Court, Belfast (specialist Mental Health)
Bannview, Banbridge
Ardmaine, Newry
Chestnutt Lodge, Benburb

Macklin Care Group

Parkmanor Oaks, Dunmurry
Milesian Manor, Magherafelt
Arlington, Belfast
Our Lady’s, Belfast

Kilmorey Care Homes

Macartan’s, Clogher
Our Mother of Mercy, Newry
St Joseph’s, Warrenpoint
Avila, Bessbrook

Cullion House, Belfast (specialist Learning Disability)

Rathfriland Manor, Rathfriland

Kilbroney Care Home, Rostrevor

Ann's Nursing Care

Apple Blossom, Armagh
Dunanney, Glengormley

We are confident that more partners will be added in the future.

PLEASE NOTE: A compulsory* induction programme will be carried out within your workplace, supplemented by training within SRC.

*Alternative arrangements will be considered for upskilling students, attending the course following nominations from their employer. This will be assessed on an individual basis.

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

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The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-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.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

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) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Student will complete two modules of study.

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

This is an academic unit where you will be taught essential knowledge and theory of health and social care. It is delivered face-to-face at Lurgan campus and consists of 6 blocks of learning topics that include:

Roles and settings in HSC
Human development across the life course
Safeguarding
Sociology
Innovative practices

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

This is a taught module that equips you for your practice development on placement. In this module you will be introduced to the essential aspects of practice and help you 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

In addition to these modules, students will complete 770 hours of practice. Students will be allocated a Placement Supervisor within their placement who will be a registered nurse who has completed further training in supporting students and will be on shift with students approximately 50% of the time.

In addition, SRC will allocate a Practice Tutor who will work with students on their practice development and visit them on placement. Much of this evidence is captured through the use of the Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD) adapted for Healthcare Practice students.

Assessment methods include:

Teacher marked assessments, to include essay style questions and presentations
End of module assessments
Assessed simulation exercises and professional discussions
Observation of practice
Medicines calculation exam
Completion of the Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD)

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.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

Students will choose which nursing home partner to apply to and we hope there will be availability in a location convenient for them. The student will be responsible for their own travel costs.

Students will be provided with a SRC healthcare uniform and identity badge which must be worn when undertaking supernumerary hours on placement. At other times, the student should wear the uniform required by their employer. Students will be responsible for purchasing their own trousers and shoes to meet the required uniform policy.

While this course is delivered as a standalone qualification, it also provides the equivalence of Stage 1 of the Open University Nursing Degree and may allow progression to Stage 2 of the OU Nursing Degree in the four areas of nursing practice (subject to successful application).

Some universities may consider exemption of modules on the basis of student's achievement on this course.

In addition, this course will allow learners to apply for other undergraduate courses that are healthcare related including nursing at a range of universities. Some universities may consider exemption of modules based on your 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