L5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

About

The FdSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care is an innovative work-based learning solution designed to meet the needs of the employer and the learner, putting them at the heart of the programme. Designed to develop staff working in the health and social care sector, learners will become non-registered practitioners who have the required level of knowledge and skill beyond that of traditional health care assistants or support workers and can be expected to undertake more complex tasks (Skills for Health, 2009). All parties benefit from knowledge and skills exchange, with participants applying the academic building blocks of the course to participate in the delivery of high quality, service user centred care. Apprentices study common modules to introduce them to the basics and principles of health and social care work, and study alongside work-based learning modules which allow them to specialise academically according to their role in the workplace.

Benefits for the Employer

Connect with a leading university committed to working with service partners to meet the needs of the local and national health and social care sectors.

Develop higher apprenticeship and assistant practitioner roles within the health and social care sector enabling employees to work across professional boundaries.

Tailor the skills of the learner to meet workforce requirements.

Develop and invest in staff who have achieved a level of responsibility who wish to enhance their capabilities and upskill them for new roles.

Enhance your learning and development strategy, by establishing a clear progression route for aspiring professionals.

Clinical principles, techniques and practical skills learned at university are further developed in the workplace. Putting theory into practice develops confidence and professional competence.

More than a third of the programme involves practical, work-based activity and assignments that add tangible value to the organisation.

Benefits for the Apprentice

This apprenticeship has been designed to be taken by anyone wanting to work as a Healthcare Assistant Practitioner. Healthcare Assistant Practitioners work at a level above that of Healthcare Support Workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health.

An Assistant Practitioner always work under the direction of a health professional such as a nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist, podiatrist, or biomedical scientist. This level of training and experience means Assistant Practitioners can often work alone, without supervision.

Assistant Practitioners carry out agreed procedures, referring to a professional for guidance when necessary. They could work in hospitals, clinics or in the community, for example, GP surgeries. They may visit patients in their homes or in residential care. They work closely with other healthcare staff and have a lot of contact with patients.

Assistant Practitioners may mentor healthcare assistants, trainee assistant practitioners and student nurses.

An assistant practitioner will usually be paid at Band 4 of Agenda for Change.

Learning Approach

Learners attend college one day per week. Start dates for each cohort will be determined locally and/or by demand but can be outside the standard academic year delivery pattern. The programme adopts a blended learning approach with modules delivered through a combination of lectures, class-based seminars, and discussions whilst in attendance at college, together with learning in the workplace. Work-based learning is facilitated through self-study and reflective practice. Learners have access to a range of academic and other learning resources available through the college and University. A tri-partite relationship between the learner, the work-based supervisor and the academic staff will monitor the progress and assessment of the learner.

Study Commitment

As a guide, apprentices should expect to study for an additional 12 hours per week on top of their scheduled learning. Employers are expected to support their apprentice’s study by providing a workplace mentor and supporting meetings and assessments.

Qualification Awarded

All successful graduates are awarded a FdSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care from Sheffield Hallam University, as well as a Level 5 degree apprenticeship.

Next Steps

If you are an Employer

You can offer apprenticeships to upskill existing staff and recruit new talent.

We can also provide guidance to employers and apprentices on funding eligibility and advise on whether a candidate meets the entry requirements of the course.

If you are an Employee

We can also provide guidance to employers and apprentices on funding eligibility and advise on whether a candidate meets the entry requirements of the course.

If you are a Student

We can help school and college leavers to prepare for apprenticeships and support their recruitment process.