Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Blackpool Sixth Form College. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers a broad range of health and social care topics, combining classroom learning with work placements, first aid training, and clinical skills sessions. You choose between a nursing cadetship pathway or general health studies. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English or maths. The course prepares you for university, nursing, allied health professions, social work, and education.
Who this course is for
What is it? A platform to enter nursing and allied health professions, education and social work. Involving a range of topics, work related projects and placements, which prepare you for your future career. Why study this course at Blackpool Sixth? We offer two pathways: nursing cadetship (must study triple) or general health studies. There are a large variety of work placements. First aid training, guest speakers and clinical skills. Excellent high grades and 100% pass rate. We invite in a large variety of guest speakers, including: Highfurlong School, Starbuddies (breastfeeding awareness), nurses from Blackpool Victoria Hospital (how to get into nursing), Wyre and Fylde Childrens Centres, health promotion and sexual and domestic violence training, how to get into teaching, Neurolinguistic Programming. We run first aid training visits to Kids up North and the University of Chester. Specific course entry requirements: Some nursing/midwifery courses at the university may require grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths, English Language and/or Science. Completion of DBS check.
Entry requirements
As BTEC level 3 courses are advanced courses, we require five A*- C passes of 4 (C) grade or above (or equivalent) including English language or maths. Please see our website for any specific course requirements.
What you will learn
You'll study the principles of health, wellbeing, and care across a range of settings.
You'll develop knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and clinical skills relevant to nursing and allied health.
You'll explore social care practice, including safeguarding, equality, and person-centred approaches.
You'll complete work-related projects that reflect real care environments.
You'll gain first aid training as part of your studies.
You'll build understanding of mental health, child development, and social work contexts.
You'll learn through guest speakers and clinical skills sessions linked to health professions.
How you will learn
The BTEC Extended Diploma is assessed through a combination of coursework assignments, work-related projects, and external examinations, depending on the units studied. You'll attend daytime classes at Blackpool Sixth Form College and complete work placements as part of the course. Practical elements include first aid training and clinical skills sessions. Assessment is ongoing throughout the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackpool Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults or older people in care settings.
Healthcare assistant: assist clinical staff in hospitals or GP practices.
Support worker: work with people with disabilities or mental health needs.
Nursery nurse: care for and support young children in early years settings.
Social work assistant: support qualified social workers in statutory teams.
Community health worker: deliver health support in community or outreach roles.
What you could study next
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's): the most direct next step for those on the nursing cadetship pathway.
BSc (Hons) Social Work: a degree route into qualified social work practice.
BSc (Hons) Midwifery or Allied Health Professions (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography): for those pursuing specific clinical careers.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education option if a full degree isn't the immediate goal.
