CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (SHSCT PATHWAY)

Level 4
Higher Education
Newry Campus
Lurgan Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Open University Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice is delivered by SRC in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT). 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 with the SHSCT (further details in the progression section).

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 exciting and challenging course is currently delivered as a one year full-time course on both our Lurgan and Newry campuses. As a full-time student, you will attend College 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.

In addition, you will be required to complete 770 hrs of practice. This will consist of up to 22 hours per week of unpaid supernumerary status, with tutors providing other opportunities to complete the hours. You may be required to find additional opportunities to complete your clinical practice hours (this shall be discussed with your tutors during induction).

Students will be required to attend a compulsory induction programme from 9th September for three weeks (Monday - Thursday each week) in order to complete the required training needed prior to attending placement. This will take place on either Newry or Lurgan campus - details shall be available closer to the start of the course.

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

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner 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 place allocation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.

Applicants must 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. 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 required to attend a 'Selection Day' which will consist of an information session, scenario-based interviews and an individual interview. Selection will then be made on the student's suitability and a waiting list will be compiled.
Applicants will be asked to complete a Health Declaration.

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

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. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Students 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 SRC's Newry Model and Lurgan campuses and consists of 6 blocks of learning topics that include;

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)

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, you will complete 770 hours of practice. You will be allocated a Practice Assessor within your placement. This will be a registered nurse who has completed further training in supporting students and will be on shift with you approximately 50% of the time.

In addition, SRC will allocate a Practice Tutor who will work with you on your practice development and visit you 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
Online tests
Assessed simulation exercises
Observation of practice
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 24/25. 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 be allocated a placement setting by the SHSCT. This will normally be in a hospital setting and will require travel at the students personal cost to and from this. While there will be attempts to consider placements that are geographically close to your home, the Trusts availability of placements will be the determining factor. Placement sites may include Craigavon Area Hospital, Lurgan Hospital, Daisy Hill Hospital and South Tyrone Hospital.

Students will be provided with the SRC healthcare uniform and identity badge which must be worn at all times when on placement. Students will be required to purchase suitable trousers and shoes to complete their uniform.

While this course is delivered as a standalone qualification, it also provides the equivalence of stage 1 of the Open University Nursing Degree and allows progression opportunities to Stage 2 with the SHSCT in the four areas of nursing practice. This is dependent on the following requirements;

Successful completion of all components of this qualification
Securing a permanent position with the SHSCT at a minimum of 26hrs per week, for at least 6 months
Places are available
Receipt of management support within workplace
Applicants are successful at interview

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

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk 028 3025 9685

Newry Campus

Apply

P2473NF
Code

Full Time
Mode of Study

Day
Class Type

1 Year
Duration

16.00
Hours Per Week

09/09/2024
Date

TBC
Total Full Fee Per Year

Full Fee Breakdown

Course Fee

£2900

Exam/Awarding Body Fee

TBC

Total Fee

TBC

Fees Payable Each Year

Lurgan Campus

Apply

P2507LF
Code

Full Time
Mode of Study

Day
Class Type

1 Year
Duration

16.00
Hours Per Week

09/09/2024
Date

Wed
Day/s

TBC
Total Full Fee Per Year

Full Fee Breakdown

Course Fee

£2900

Exam/Awarding Body Fee

TBC

Total Fee

TBC

Fees Payable Each Year

2 Available Sessions

Download Our 2024 Prospectus

Share Course

Got a Question?

Discover Similar Courses

LEADERSHIP FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SERVICES (ADULTS MANAGEMENT) Level 5 Diploma

Courses For Industry
Banbridge Campus
Level 5
Part-Time
Health & Social Care

View Course

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (ADULTS) Level 3 Diploma

Courses For Industry
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
Level 3
Part-Time
Health & Social Care

View Course

HEALTHCARE PRACTICE Level 4 Higher National Certificate

Higher Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Level 4
Part-Time
Health & Social Care

View Course

CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (SHSCT PATHWAY)

Overview

Entry Requirements

What Will I Study?

How Will I Be Assessed?

Other Fees

Further Study

Careers

Contact Details

Newry Campus

Full Fee Breakdown

Lurgan Campus

Full Fee Breakdown

2 Available Sessions

Share Course

Got a Question?

Discover Similar Courses