Gain a foundation degree while working in health, social, or community care, advancing your career in care.

About the apprenticeship

Course length: 24 months, part-time, including 3 months end-point assessment

Start date: September, January and May, depending on location 

Course level: Level 5

University award: FdSc Assistant Practitioner (Health and Social Care)

How much it costs: Funded through the employer

Course summary

• Gain health and social care knowledge and apply your learning in the workplace.
• Use new technologies to undertake screening, diagnosis, and care responsibilities.
• Develop the skills and competencies you need for NHS band 3 and 4 roles.

This course has been developed in collaboration with our college partners and hospital trusts, private healthcare providers and voluntary sector organisations. 

The apprenticeship is suitable for new recruits and school leavers as well as existing assistant and support workers in health looking to achieve a relevant qualification. 

This course meets the assistant practitioner (health) apprenticeship standard.  

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

This apprenticeship includes a combination of work-based learning modules and specialist education. 

You’ll learn through: 

• Work-based learning 
• Assessments of practice 
• Reflective portfolios 
• Written assignments 
• Literature reviews 
• Presentations 

You will also complete an end-point assessment towards completion of the apprenticeship.

Applied learning

All two years of the course are structured around applied learning. This links your studies to real-world situations.

Work-based learning
Access to industry expertise, and a greater understanding of the organisation’s specific needs, leading to a tailored and effective training experience. 

Assessments 
Will test the attributes you need in the workplace, enabling you to make the most of academic learning and on-the-job training.

This course prepares you for a career in:

• Physiotherapy 
• Occupational therapy 
• Combined rehabilitation 
• Dietetics 
• Operating department practice  
• Diagnostic radiography 
• Therapeutic radiography 

The healthcare assistant practitioner apprenticeship 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.

Campus facilities

You'll study at one of our partner colleges in Barnsley, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Derby, Worksop, Stockport or Manchester. 

Entry requirements

The entry requirements ensure the apprenticeship is accessible to a diverse range of applicants while maintaining appropriate standards.

Applicants must:

• have the right to abode in the UK
• meet the course entry requirements

GCSE (or equivalent)

Maths and English at level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C).

If you don't have this yet, we will refer you to our functional skills training partner where you'll need to complete the relevant qualifications during the first year of your apprenticeship.

If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your level of English language is below IELTS 6.5 we will recommend an appropriate pre-sessional English course. Which will allow you to achieve the required level of English. 

Additional Qualifications

Plus one of the following:

• 48 UCAS points, this can include general studies.
• Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to higher education course.

In absence of A levels; admission based on judgement of suitable work experience taken by the course leader. Other qualifications may be considered in discussion with the university. 

You may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check and/or an Occupational Health check in addition to meeting the academic entry requirements.

Modules

The course is designed so that learners will apply their learning back to the workplace as part of every module. Delivered through a combination of academic learning and work-based learning.

Year 1

• Essential sciences for person-centred care 
• Integrated holistic assessment, delivery and implementation of health and social care interventions 
• Work-based learning 1
• Transition to higher education 

Year 2

• Promoting health, wellbeing and independence 
• Leadership and management 
• Work-based learning 2
• End-point assessment 

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change.