HNC Healthcare Practice

Overview

Why study at West?

Are you interested in a career in Health and Social Care, and do you believe that everyone is entitled to receive high quality care and support?

If you answered yes – then you will learn first-hand from our highly qualified and professional team of Lecturers who have a wealth of experience working in Health and Social Care settings. The team will provide you with a clear pathway for study in a variety of care related subjects developing your knowledge and skills that will prepare you for future learning, work, and life.

Our dedicated practical rooms offer a simulated environment to develop your skills, such as first aid, and include digital enabled care. Our department works closely with industry partners such as NHS Scotland, Quarriers, and local authorities. We also have a close affiliation with universities such as GCU, UWS and Stirling.

In choosing this course it will allow you to shape your career in Care and work towards your goals in whichever direction you wish to take. This may include Support Worker, Key Worker, Team Leader, supporting individuals with learning disabilities, older adults, working with children and young people, mental health and individuals living with addiction issues.

What will I learn?

If you are looking for a career in nursing or another care profession, this could be the course for you. This course provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge in clinical settings. The HNC is a recognised entry qualification for progression to a range of degree programmes including Adult, Mental Health, Child and Learning Disability Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science or Occupational Therapy.

You'll learn about:

• Safe working practice for care
• Therapeutic relationships: understanding behaviour
• Sociology and Health in Scotland
• Professional Standards for Care Practice
• Understanding Personal and Professional Development
• Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners
• The Human Body in Health and Illness
• Exploring Mental Health

This course also includes a mandatory work placement within NHS Scotland. Shift patterns are a requirement including 12-hour shifts

We do not accept anyone into placement in the care services who is under 16 and have to amend their shift pattern until they are 18. (Working Time Regulations).

What qualifications do I need?

You will need:

• The qualifications required for this course are a Higher English or Higher English equivalent plus one other relevant higher.

Alternatives are:

• Higher Health & Social Care (SCQF Level 6)
or
• SWAP Access to Nursing
or
• SVQ 3 Health and Social Care (SCQF level 6)
or
• Numeracy Level 5. However, if you do not have this you will be offered a numeracy test

To be considered for a place on the course, you must:

• Provide two satisfactory references
• Attend an interview and provide proof of your qualifications
• You must be eligible to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and undertake an NHS occupational health check (please note, you may be required to pay for these).

A personal statement on your application is mandatory for this course and should include the following:.

• Why do you want to study a care course?
• What field of care do you want to work in – healthcare, social care, or childcare?
• What skills and qualities do you possess and how could these be used in a care setting?
• Do you have any care / work experience to date?
• Any other information that would support your application

What can I do after?

After successfully completing this course you will have the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to apply for a job with the NHS at Clinical Framework Level 3, or to work as a care worker in the public or private sector.

Or you could develop your skills further by studying another course, such as:

• Nursing Degree
• Social Work Degree
• Allied Health programmes
• Midwifery subject to University entry requirements

Please be aware that each university entry criteria may vary in regards to maths or numeracy You are advised to find out your preferred university’s entry requirements prior to commencing this course.

SCQF 7

Programme Information

Start: August

End: June

Duration: 1 Year