FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Independent Route)

Program Overview

The University of Bolton's FdA Health and Social Care program equips students with the knowledge and skills for successful health and social care practices in the UK. Through work-based learning, students gain practical experience while exploring key principles of care, ethics, policy, and support for individuals with diverse needs. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as Assistant Practitioners in various health and social care settings, including hospitals, care homes, and community organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Independent Route) is a two-year full-time foundation degree offered by the University of Bolton. This program aims to equip students with the essential values, skills, and knowledge required for successful health and social care practices in the UK. The program focuses on providing support for individuals of all ages and backgrounds who may have disabilities, mental health issues, or other vulnerabilities. The course is closely aligned with the UK government's health and social care agendas, ensuring a current and balanced curriculum that encompasses policy, practice, and academic training. Students will explore key principles of care, care planning and delivery, ethical considerations, health promotion, safeguarding, and other relevant areas. A significant emphasis is placed on work-based learning, with a substantial portion of the learning taking place on-the-job. Students will receive support from both practice trainers in the workplace and University tutors. The program encourages reflection on practice and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This two-way process fosters a strong connection between theory and practice, supporting students' journey to becoming Assistant Practitioners. The program promotes a multi-agency approach, encouraging collaboration across professional boundaries and the use of evidence-based decision-making. Key modules include:

• Fundamentals of Perioperative Practice
• Working Within Allied Care Profession (Level 1)
• Enhancing Communication and Academic Study Skills
• Accountability and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
• Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
• Principles of Care and Support Across the Lifespan
• Introduction to Research Evidence-Based Practice
• Mental Health and Well-Being
• The Impact of Social Policy in Health and Social Care
• Negotiated Studies
• Leadership in Health and Social Care
• End Point Assessment
• Negotiated Studies
• Person Centred Health and Social Care
• Children and Families
• Acute Illness Management
• End of Life and Palliative Care
• Social Inclusion, Empowerment and Health
• Management of Long-term Conditions
• Principles of Medicines Management
• Understanding and Working With Alcohol and Substance Misuse
• Mental Health and Wellbeing - Children and Young People
• Mindfulness and Equanimity in Practice Striking the Balance Between Compassionate Care for Self and Others
• Health and Applied Positive Psychology Interventions
• Disability Support and Enablement
• Developing Clinical Skills
• Working Within Allied Care Profession (Level 2)
• Human Anatomy and Assessment (Lower Limb)
• Human Anatomy and Assessment (Upper Limb)
• Collaborative Working in Health and Social Care

Assessment:

Assessment methods are designed to reflect real-world health and social care settings. Students will engage in a variety of assessments, including:

• Written reports
• Presentations
• Care plan analysis
• Literature reviews
• Complex case analysis
• Change management discussions
• Portfolio development
• Essays
• Reflective accounts
• Practical and written tests
• Group discussions

Teaching:

The program utilizes a student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Students will receive tailored support and guidance throughout their studies. The teaching team comprises experienced professionals in health and social care, with strong connections to the social care sector, NHS, and various voluntary and charitable organizations. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group activities
• Tutorials
• Case studies
• Practical scenarios
• Role-playing
• Clinical skills laboratory practice
• Online learning resources
• Guided independent study
• Masterclasses with practitioners
• Guest speaker sessions

Careers:

Upon completion of the FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner (Health) Independent Route), graduates will be well-prepared for a variety of roles in the health and social care sector. Some potential career paths include:

• Assistant Practitioner in various settings, including acute care, social care services, community care, physiotherapy, mental health, general practice, hospice care, genito-urinary medicine, orthopaedics, occupational therapy, cancer services, and learning disabilities.
• Roles in care homes, residential homes, voluntary organizations, special schools, and agencies providing domiciliary care.

• Positions in the youth justice system, NHS trusts, private hospitals, children's services, social services, family centers, and children's homes.

• Opportunities in the voluntary sector, medical charities, and not-for-profit organizations.

Graduates may also pursue further academic studies and professional training in fields such as social work, teaching, and allied health professions.

Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of voluntary work placements in health and social care environments, which can contribute to students' portfolios and enhance their employability.
• Students will benefit from interacting with peers from other clinical and professional areas of health and social care, fostering multi-disciplinary thinking.
• The program is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
• Students must obtain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting their studies.
• The program is designed to bridge the gap between health and social care and promote a multi-agency approach.
• The program provides opportunities to develop skills in research, data evaluation, critical reasoning and analysis, professional communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reflection.
• The program prepares students for more demanding roles in health and social care delivery and further learning at the honors and postgraduate level.

Home Fees Year of study Total Entry year2024/252025/262026/272024£9,250£9,250-£18,500