CERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICE (NURSING HOME PATHWAY)

Level 4
Higher Education
Lurgan Campus

Overview

The Open University Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice is delivered by SRC in partnership a range of local nursing home providers. 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 opportunities to Stage 2 (further details in the progression section below).

This exciting and challenging course is currently delivered as a one-year full-time course in our Lurgan campus. As a full-time student, you will attend College (Lurgan Campus) 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.

This is an “earn as you learn” course as following successful interview with SRC, you will apply for employment with one of our nursing home partners. This will allow you to work towards the 770 hour placement requirement.

Our Nursing Home partners currently are:

The Haven Private Nursing Home, Dungannon (learning disability)
Healthcare Ireland Group (more homes will be available as we await final confirmation)

Dunlarg, Armagh
Nightingale, Dungannon
Pond Park, Lisburn
Jason Court, Belfast (specialist mental health)
Bannview, Banbridge
Ardmaine, Newry

3. Macklin Care Group

Parkmanor Oaks, Dunmurry
Milesian Manor, Magherafelt
Arlington, Belfast
Our Lady’s, Belfast

4. Kilmorey Care Homes

Macartan’s, Clogher
Our Mother of Mercy, Newry
St Joseph’s, Warrenpoint
Avila, Bessbrook

We are confident that more partners will be added in the future.

PLEASE NOTE: A compulsory* induction programme will take place from 11th – 29th September 2023 at Lurgan campus (approx. 10am-4pm each day, Monday – Thursday).

*Alternative arrangements will be considered for upskilling students, attending the course following nominations from their employer. This will be assessed on an individual basis.

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 overriding 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 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.

Students 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 at 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 Placement Assessor within your placement who 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.
Assessed simulation exercises and professional discussions.
Observation of practice.
Medicines calculation exam.
Completion of the Northern Ireland Practice Assessment Document (NIPAD).

Students will choose which nursing home partner to apply to and we hope to place students in a location convenient for them. The student will be responsible for their own travel costs.

Students will be provided with a SRC healthcare uniform and identity badge which must be worn when undertaking supernumerary hours on placement. At other times, the student should wear the uniform required by their employer. Students will be responsible for purchasing their own trousers and shoes to meet the required uniform policy.

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 may allow progression to Stage 2 of the OU Nursing Degree in the four areas of nursing practice (subject to successful application).

Some universities may consider exemption of modules on the basis of your achievement on this course.

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 based on your achievement on this course.

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