HEALTHCARE PRACTICE Level 4 Higher National Certificate

Level 4
Higher Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Pearson

Overview

This course provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the health and social care sector. It is also an excellent qualification for those interested in pursuing higher education professional qualifications such as nursing or social work. Throughout the course, students will develop a solid understanding of the healthcare system, healthcare ethics, and the principles of person-centred care. They will explore various aspects of healthcare practice, including anatomy and physiology, infection prevention and control, communication skills, and health assessment. Students will also study the legal and ethical frameworks that govern healthcare practice, ensuring they have a strong foundation in professional standards and responsibilities.

Ideally when enrolling applicants should have work experience in the care sector, however students can be guided to obtain a relevant work experience to enhance their skills and knowledge. This work experience could be part of paid employment within a relevant health and social care setting.

The course runs for 32 weeks per year, two days per week that comprise of 12 hours of lectures and two hours tutorial. Students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 10 hours independent study each week in addition of your lecturer time.

This course is blended delivery. 50% of the course will be delivered onsite and 50% will be delivered online. Students will require access to a computer and suitable WIFI to assist engagement and completion of assessment.

In addition to academic study, students are required to complete at least 225 hours relevant work experience. It is beneficial for students to secure paid employment in health and social care to support learning and course assessment.

Staff delivering this course have industrial experience as nurses, social workers, allied health professionals, childcare and lecturers in further and higher education.

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 College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

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.

Students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the healthcare sector through four core units. This includes one unit assessed by the awarding body, which includes a set assignment.

Law, Policy and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice
Supporting the Individual Journey through Integrated Health and Social Care
Fundamentals of Evidence based Practice (Pearson-set unit)
Health Education in Action
Supporting Individuals with Specific Needs
Reporting and Recording in Health and Social Care

Assessment will include:

Essays reports
Posters
Booklets
Case studies
Presentations
Recorded reflective discussions
Witness statements
Skills assessments
Self reflections
An electronic portfolio of evidence

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.

Please note there will be occasional field trips to local facilities such as Stormont which will accrue travel expenses.

There is also fees of approximately £24 for UCAS which is applicable for those applying to university.

On successful completion of this course, students may progress to a relevant university degree course in Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science or other degrees in areas such as Psychology or Sociology.

Upon successful completion of the Healthcare Practice Level 4 HNC, graduates will be well-prepared for supervisory roles in the healthcare sector. They may find employment as healthcare assistants, nursing associates, or support workers in hospitals, clinics, residential care facilities, or community healthcare settings.