CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE

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. 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 (further details in the progression section).

This exciting and challenging course is currently delivered as a one year full-time course on both our Lurgan and Newry campuses. Opportunities to deliver this as a parttime course and Higher Level Apprentice are currently being explored and will be displayed on our website and advertised on social media should these become available. As a full-time student, you will attend College 1 day per week and will benefit from state of the art healthcare simulation suites and learning spaces designed to develop the knowledge, skill and values needed to work effectively in a modern healthcare environment.

In addition, you will be required to complete 770 hrs of practice. 480 hours will be provided by the SHSCT in a hospital setting (unpaid). Typically this will be 2 days per week, with the additional 290 hours being completed in a Healthcare role. Students will benefit from employment opportunities with the Trust on the SHSCT Bank.

Entry Requirements

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 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 should have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. This must include GCSE English Language Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 and GCSE Mathematics Grade C or Essential Skills Numeracy Level 2. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.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 at: www.src.ac.uk/about-us/policies

• 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

Please note, Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning, does not cover the GCSE Maths and English requirements. The College’s Admissions policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access (Nov 2018).

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.

A base campus has been listed for the purposes for any face-to-face delivery.

What Will I Study?

Student will complete 2 Modules of study:

1. 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 in SRC Newry Model and 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

2. 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. Topics 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. 480 hours will be provided by the Trust and the remainder will be made up in an appropriate healthcare setting, which is normally in a paid role. You will be allocated a Placement Supervisor. This will be a registered nurse who has completed further training in supporting students and will be on shift with you approximately 50% of your Trust placement. In addition, SRC will allocate a Placement Assessor who will work with you on your practice development. Much of this evidence is captured through the use of the Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD) adapted for Healthcare Practice students.

How Will I Be Assessed?

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)

Tuition Fees

Course Fee £2,700

Exam/Awarding Body Fee TBC*

Total Fee TBC*

*Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 23/24. This fee will be published on our website as soon as it becomes available.

Other Fees

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.

Further Study

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 4 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 26hours per week

• Places are available

• 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.

Careers

This course will also be effective when applying for employment in the Health & Social Care sector.

Contacts

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk

028 3025 9685