Higher National Diploma in Healthcare Practice ( Nursing and Healthcare Assistant)

You will be taught by a team of experienced teachers with a wealth of knowledge and industry experience from the Healthcare practice sector. All staff have or are working towards higher level Master’s qualifications or relevant industry experience. Our staff maintain strong links with industry and regularly update their knowledge and skills.

• 48 UCAS points

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have previous learning towards a degree-level qualification or relevant industry or life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be invited to interview.

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HND in Healthcare Practice (Nursing Healthcare Assistant Pathway)(top up) provides a generalist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the health and social care sector and also offers particular specialist emphasis through the choice of optional units.

BTEC Level 5 HNDs provide a nationally recognised qualification offering career progression and professional development for those already in employment and opportunities to progress into higher education.

The qualification comprises of 120 credits for the top up, made up from 7 different units, and completion/submission of a Practical Learning and Assessment Development Portfolio is a core requirement of this programme.

This course is supported by focused study in areas of health and social care including specially designed units. You will be given the opportunity to develop and contribute to the health and social care environment through the combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme. The course includes 225 hours mandatory work experience in an occupationally relevant setting, and you will be supported in developing practice-based competencies by Tutors/Assessors and designated Workplace Mentors.

Effective Healthcare Practice using Maths (15 credits)


Health Education in Action (15 credits)


Innovation and Improvement through Action Research (Pearson- Set Project) (30 credits)


Nursing - Princples of Fundamentals of Practice (15 credits)


Pharmacology and Medicine Management (15 credits)


Project Management for Healthcare (15 credits)


Recognising and Meeting the Needs of People with Long-term Health Conditions (15 credits)


Reflective Approaches in Implementing Person-Centred Practice (15 credits)


Supporting Team and Partnership Working Across Health and Care Services (15 credits)


Work Placement (0 credits)


Work Placement ( credits)


Year 1: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Ill Health (15 credits)


Year 1: Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice (30 credits)


Year 1: Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice (15 credits)


Year 1: Law, Policy and Ethical Pratice in Health and Social Care (15 credits)


Year 1: Supporting the Individual Journey through Integrated Health and Social Care (15 credits)

HND (top up Modules)
Mandatory Units:
1 Reflective Approaches in Implementing Person-Centred Practice
2 Innovation and Improvement through Action Research (Pearson-Set Project)
3 Recognising and Meeting the Needs of People with Long-term Health Conditions
4 Pharmacology and Medicine Management
5 Nursing – Principles and Fundamentals of Practice

Specialist Units:
6 Supporting Team and Partnership Working Across Health and Care Services
7 Project Management for Healthcare

The HND in Healthcare Practice can lead to careers in:

• Nursing
• Social Work
• Allied Health Professions
• Senior Support Worker
• Assistant Practitioner
• Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
• Registered Manager
• Public Health
• Commissioning
• Care Coordinator
• Health Promotion
• Non-Clinical Healthcare or Supervisory Management

All of the books required for the course are available either from the library or as e-books. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. You may also need to print assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £50 each year for books and printing.

When undertaking your dissertation you may also need to factor in travel costs to and from your place of research if working with clubs etc

You will be required to have an enhanced DBS check for this course to ensure you meet both our and industry safeguarding requirements. Please note there will be an additional cost to your course fees to cover Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Please see the GOV.UK website for DBS costs.