Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care Practice (Assisting Healthcare Professions)
The programme prepares learners for a variety of careers in health, social care, and community settings, including healthcare support, nursing assistant, care coordination, and public health roles. It develops reflective and adaptable professionals who can respond to the changing needs of the healthcare sector and pursue further study and career advancement.
In addition, the programme enhances leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital skills, enabling learners to contribute effectively to improving the quality, safety, and outcomes of healthcare services.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirement:
Grade 12 High school Certificate with Pass Grade or Level 3 Vocational qualification in the relevant field.
English Language Requirement:
Non-native English speakers and who have not carried out their final two years of schooling in English can demonstrate ability at a standard equivalent to:
- PTE Academic 51, or
- IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5)
Study Plan
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Certificate credits
Qualification credit value:
- a minimum of 240 credits. This is made up of fourteen units, twelve with a value of 15 credits, and two with a value of 30 credits.
- So total 240 credits, 120 credits are at Level 5 (7 units) and 120 credits are at Level 4 (7 units).
- Total qualification time = 2,400 hours.
- Total guided learning hours = 960 hours.
- Mix of core, specialist and optional units.
| Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|
| Developing Professional Practice (30 credits) M | Establishing Professional Practice (30 credits) |
| Compassionate Care and Values-based Practice M | Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research (Pearson-set) (30 credits) |
| Teamwork and Communication M | Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching Others |
| Evidence Based Practice (Pearson-set) | Assisting Practitioners and Professions |
| Applying Science in Healthcare M | Applied Anatomy and Physiology |
| Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology M | Approaches to Disability |
| Unit 414: Planning Care in Practice op |
Progression
Career Opportunities
- Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
- Clinical Support Worker
- Patient Care Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Residential Care Worker
- Community Care Support Worker
- Home Care Assistant
- Support Worker (Adults or Children)
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Care Coordinator Assistant
- Health and Social Care Assistant
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Disability Support Worker
- Palliative Care Support Worker
- Elderly Care Assistant
Progression Opportunities
The diploma also provides a pathway to further education and professional development, including qualifications in:
- Nursing
- Health and Social Care
- Allied Health Professions
- Occupational Therapy Support
- Physiotherapy Support
- Healthcare Management
- Community Health and Social Care
- Public Health
- Social Work (subject to entry requirements)
This qualification prepares learners for employment in the healthcare sector while providing a strong foundation for progression to higher-level vocational or academic programmes.