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Level 3 Healthcare Support Course in Darlington

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Healthcare Support Course. Work-based training at your workplace, taking around 12 months to complete.

This course is free if it is your first Level 3 qualification and you earn less than the minimum wage. Otherwise, fees apply, though a student loan is available. You train in a healthcare role while you build skills in patient care, communication, and supporting clinical teams. Units cover safeguarding, person-centred care, mental health awareness, and health and safety. You can be employed in the sector or volunteering in a relevant healthcare support role.

You'll finish with an NCFE Diploma in Healthcare Support at Level 3.

Who this course is for

This course is for those who want to pursue a career in the healthcare sector or are already employed in the sector but would like to progress their qualifications from level 2 to level 3. For those who are not yet employed in the sector, you will gain valuable experience whilst you volunteer in a relevant healthcare support role. For those already employed in the sector you will further develop your skills and knowledge and take on additional responsibilities.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19+, reside in the Darlington or Teesside postcode areas (DL / TS), or within commuting distance of Darlington, have the right to live and work in the UK and lived in the UK or EU continuously for the previous three years before the start of learning. You must complete a full enhanced DBS and references. You must have, or are working towards, at least a Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification or GCSE English grade 4 (old grade C).

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in person-centred care and supporting individuals' wellbeing.
  • You'll learn how to safeguard adults and vulnerable people in healthcare settings.
  • You'll understand mental health conditions and how to support people experiencing them.
  • You'll apply health and safety practices relevant to healthcare environments.
  • You'll develop communication skills for working with patients, families, and colleagues.
  • You'll learn how to handle information and maintain confidentiality.
  • You'll take on additional responsibilities to progress from Level 2 to Level 3 practice.

How you will learn

You learn on the job in a healthcare or volunteering role. A trained assessor will visit you in the workplace to observe your practice and review your work. You'll build a portfolio of evidence showing your competence across the qualification's units. Some written tasks and reflective accounts are also required.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Learning & Skills Darlington will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Healthcare assistant, supports patients with daily care in hospitals or community settings.
  • Mental health support worker, helps people manage mental health conditions day to day.
  • Support worker, assists adults with care needs in residential or community services.
  • Senior care assistant, takes on lead responsibilities within a care team.
  • Community health worker, delivers care and support in people's own homes.
  • Rehabilitation support worker, helps patients recover and regain independence.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Associate Practitioner qualification, a natural next step for those moving into more clinical or specialist roles.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, suited to those moving into team leader or management positions.
  • Nursing degree apprenticeship, for those looking to qualify as a registered nurse while remaining in work.
Apply on darlington.gov.uk →
Apply now →

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