Apprenticeship - Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship

The Healthcare Science (HCS) Associate workforce perform a wide range of routine technical and scientific procedures, with minimal supervision, within one of the divisions in HCS, following specific protocols and in accordance with health, safety, governance and ethical requirements.

An example of activities undertaken by HCS Associates within the specific area/environment of HCS within which they work will include: supporting the development and maintenance of standards/protocols as required; contributing to the safe, effective and efficient functioning of diagnostic/therapeutic services; supporting more junior staff in learning required skills and behaviours of those who work in HCS.

Students will learn in various ways such as work based learning, classroom-based teaching, private study, preparation for assessment and undertaking assessment when not under supervision, such as preparatory reading, revision and independent research.

The qualification will offer underpinning knowledge and occupational competence for the role of a healthcare science associate.

This includes knowledge and understanding of:

Skills for Lifelong Learning

Professional Practice and Person-Centred Care

Legal and Ethical Context of Practice

Health, Safety and Security in the Healthcare Science Environment

Technical Scientific Services

Effective Communication in Healthcare

Audit, Research, Development and Innovation

Leadership and Teamwork

Teaching, Learning and Assessing Practical Skills

Continuing Personal and Professional Development

A portfolio of evidence including competency-based observations and witness testimonies.

End Point Assessment designed to ensure that the apprentice has the opportunity to demonstrate in a variety of ways that they have achieved the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Standard.

Element 1- Vocational Competence Observation (VCO) – 30 mins (10 mins per task) plus 15 minutes for discussion and recording

Element 2 – Professional Practice Test (PPT) – 40 mins for apprentice to undertake the test under exam conditions; 20 minutes for discussion; 15 mins for all responses to be assessed and recorded

Element 3 - Professional discussion (PD) informed by the evidence presented – 30 minutes plus 15 minutes to complete assessment record

No prior knowledge, understanding, skills or qualifications are required before learners register for this qualification, however knowledge within the field is assumed.

Requirements for Functional Skills will be discussed.

Opportunity to study towards the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

An undergraduate route into Healthcare Science, via an accredited BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science, which is available as a full-time degree and as an apprenticeship at Level 6.