CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (SHSCT PATHWAY)

The overriding 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 https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...
• 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.

Student will complete 2 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 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.

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)

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.

Please note: 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 23/24. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

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 26hrs 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.

This course can lead to employment opportunities across many fields of health and social care Employers may consider you eligible to apply for senior care roles, supervisor & team leader posts or Band 3 opportunities.

Sara Gilpin - gilpinsl@src.ac.uk
Karen Templeton - templetonk@src.ac.uk