Health and Social Care (Health Care Assistant Practitioner)

Program Overview

This Healthcare Assistant Practitioner (HCAP) program prepares students for a career in healthcare, working alongside registered professionals to provide compassionate care. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, students develop the skills and knowledge to assist in patient assessment, care coordination, and clinical activities in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes real-world experience through practice placements and is recognized as a Higher Technical Qualification equivalent.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course prepares students for a career as a healthcare assistant practitioner (HCAP), working alongside registered healthcare professionals to provide high-quality, person-centered, and compassionate healthcare and support to individuals. HCAPs assist registered healthcare professionals in total patient assessment, coordinating care, and undertaking clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic activities according to local population and service needs. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings such as GP surgeries, visiting patients in their homes or residential care facilities.

Outline:

Year One

• Core Modules:
• Anatomy and Physiology to Support Practice
• Developing Professional Practice
• Foundation Skills to Support Practice
• Introduction to Public Health and Health Promotion
• Developing Practice-based Learning Year 1
• Long-Term Conditions

Year Two

• Core Modules:
• Extending Professional Practice
• Investigating Health and Conditions Across the Lifespan
• Practice-based Learning Year 2
• Service Improvement Project
• Supervision and Assessment of Practice
• Optional Modules:
• Extending Therapy Practice
• Recognition and Escalation of Deteriorating Physical and Mental Health

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Practical activities
• Reflective accounts
• Essays
• Case studies
• Practical exams
• Written exams

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced lecturers with backgrounds in acute and community practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art technology and teaching spaces, including a nursing suite and human health lab. The program emphasizes real-world learning through practice placements in real health and social care teams.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are qualified to work as healthcare assistant practitioners in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Nursing
• Operating theaters
• Biomedical science laboratories
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Mental health
• Social care
• Rehabilitation services
• Radiology

Other:

• The program is recognized as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) equivalent, providing technical skills training alongside an academic qualification.
• Students have access to a dedicated clinical skills suite with a six-bed ward, GP consulting room, nurse's treatment room, waiting area/breakout space, care home bedroom, and working kitchen and bathroom.
• The program is supported by the Solent Futures team, which provides career guidance, work experience opportunities, and graduate job opportunities.

• UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
• International full-time fees: £16,125 per year