Healthcare Professions’ Support Online Degree Pathway

South Essex College Group’s tutors will be on hand every step of the way to support you throughout your studies. These dedicated professionals are all industry experts who bring real world experience, ensuring you receive the most current and relevant education possible. The course has been developed with input from industry specialists to ensure that you are armed with the skills and knowledge you need. Your success is their success – the team of expert tutors and support staff are genuinely invested in helping you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

Additionally, learndirect's career coaches and progression team are always on hand to provide additional support, especially in relation to university places and career advancement. The learndirect Progression Office partners with leading UK universities to offer comprehensive support for your journey into higher education, while their success coaches and placement specialists work with you to give you the tools to achieve your potential.

Between learndirect and South Essex College Group, we've got you covered with a comprehensive support network that includes everything from academic guidance and wellbeing support to career coaching and university progression assistance.

Year 1 (Level 4) covers the following units: 

Year 2 (Level 5) covers the following units: 

Unit 1: Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research

Unit Code: T/618/8531
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 30

Learning Outcomes:

• Evaluate the processes involved in undertaking a participatory action research project

• Conduct a review of key literature relating to a specific topic with the aim of innovating or improving an aspect of service delivery in health and social care that can be explored using participatory action research methodology

• Develop a participatory action research proposal to explore a specific aspect of service delivery in health and social care

• Reflect on learning and development needs, as a potential future action researcher, across all four Pillars of Practice

Unit 2: Reflective Approaches in Implementing Person-centred Practice

Unit Code: A/618/8532
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 15

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe a reflective approach to person-centred practice

• Understand the impact of policy and guidance on reflective, person-centred care

• Demonstrate how own reflection informs team and service development

• Demonstrate how reflective practice can assist in the development of professional skills and behaviours in health and social care

Unit 3: Planning Care in Practice

Unit Code: F/618/8533
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 15

Learning Outcomes:

• Examine the influence of theoretical models and practical methods of assessing planned care/episodes of care in the workplace

• Demonstrate involvement in care plans/plans for an episode of care in the workplace to meet desired outcomes for individuals

• Review the benefits of planning person-centred care/episodes of care in the workplace

• Reflect upon the impact of the planning of care/episodes of care on practitioners, individuals, family and carers in relation to own practice

Unit 4: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Long-term Health Conditions

Unit Code: J/618/8534
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 15

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss how different long-term health conditions affect the wellbeing of the individual

• Support the needs of individuals with long-term health conditions in a healthcare setting

• Analyse own role as a part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in providing appropriate care for individuals with long-term health conditions

• Review the effectiveness of strategies to meet the needs of individuals with long-term health conditions in the healthcare setting

Unit 5: Team and Individual Leadership: Mentoring and Coaching Others

Unit Code: L/618/8535
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 15

Learning Outcomes:

• Critically appraise theories and principles of team and individual leadership, mentoring and coaching in the context of healthcare

• Critically explore how mentorship and coaching practices empower individuals and benefit self, service users and organisations

• Critically discuss strategies and techniques which can be used to effectively manage and create an environment which supports open and trusting relationships between self, service users and those being coached or mentored

• Critically appraise personal skills and capacity to lead, mentor and coach individuals within the workplace and establish future personal development needs

Unit 6: End of Life Care Planning and Support

Unit Code: R/618/8536
Unit Type: Core
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 15

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss current national standards and guidelines in planning end-of-life care

• Examine how cultural, religious and social factors influence end-of-life care planning and support

• Explore own role in planning end-of-life care and providing support to individuals and their families

• Review services available to support individuals and their families in planning end-of-life care

Unit 7: Facilitating Change in Healthcare Environments

Unit Code: Y/618/8540
Unit Level: 5
Credit Value: 15

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss factors that have driven recent changes in the healthcare sector

• Discuss the components of change management within a change management initiative in healthcare provision

• Implement own small-scale change management plan

• Assess the effectiveness of a change management plan

You’ll need to have (or be working towards) an appropriate level of English and Maths:

• Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, or
• GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English

For individuals whose first language is not English, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

IELTS: A score of 6 or higher

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Achieving at least B2 level
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Scoring 162 or above
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Achieving a score between 42-49

Average Completion Timeframe

This qualification typically takes learners an average of 9-12 months to complete.

Assessment Requirements

There are no external exams included in this study programme, instead, you will complete several written assignments.

The curriculum is set up to support a portfolio approach to continuous assessment. Learners will study modules and develop a portfolio of evidence. Each module will have milestones where formative assessment is provided, and learners can then continue to work on their portfolios before a final submission at the end of the module.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve:

• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Healthcare Professions’ Support for England: 603/7879/7 (Subject to approval).
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Healthcare Professions’ Support for England: 603/7880/3 (Subject to approval).

Your Online Degree Pathway journey begins with an exciting partnership between learndirect and South Essex College Group.

South Essex College Group will be responsible for the teaching, delivery and accreditation of your course using learndirect’s market leading online learning system (PEARL).

You will be enrolled as a learner with South Essex College Group throughout your studies.

Pearson dominates as the world's leading awarding body with unmatched global scale (3.4 million students across 115 countries). As the UK's largest awarding organisation with 20.1% market share, Pearson qualifications are recognised by all Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge, plus prestigious US institutions like Columbia and Yale.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are Level 4 and 5 technical qualifications that have been developed in collaboration with employers and approved by Skills England. These qualifications are designed to provide students with the specific knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for roles in high demand from employers, offering a practical, industry-focused alternative to traditional apprenticeships or three-year university degrees.

They are based on the same employer-developed occupational standards as apprenticeships but do not require employment as an apprentice, making them accessible to school leavers aged 18 and over as well as professionals looking to retrain or upskill.

Career Pathways for Healthcare Professions' Support Qualifications

Level 4 (Year 1) Career Opportunities:

Senior Healthcare Support Worker Roles

• Healthcare Support Worker - working in various NHS and independent healthcare settings

• Assistant to registered healthcare professionals including nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and diagnostic radiographers

• Community Care Assistant - supporting individuals in community settings

• Residential Support Worker - providing care in residential facilities

• Auxiliary Nurse - assisting qualified nurses in hospitals and healthcare facilities

Healthcare where you can work:

• NHS hospitals (primary, secondary, and tertiary care)

• GP practices and community health centers

• Outpatient and diagnostic departments

• Operating theatres

• Rehabilitation services

• Mental health services

• Care homes and residential facilities

Level 5 (Year 2) Career Opportunities:

Assistant Practitioner Roles

The Level 5 (Year 2) specifically prepares students for Assistant Practitioner positions, which represent a significant step up from support worker roles:

• Healthcare Assistant Practitioner - working under supervision of registered professionals

• Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner

• Operating Department Assistant Practitioner

• Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Assistant Practitioner

• Maternity Care Assistant Practitioner

• Community Care Assistant Practitioner

• Clinical Imaging Assistant Practitioner

• Community Mental Health Assistant Practitioner

Key Characteristics of Assistant Practitioner Roles:

• Work at Level 5 competency (equivalent to second year of university degree)

• Have more autonomous practice under supervision

• Contribute to holistic assessment of individuals

• Participate in quality improvement and research activities

• Mentor and coach other healthcare support workers

Progression Pathways

The qualifications provide excellent pathways to degree-level study:

Nursing Degrees

• BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

• BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

• BSc (Hons) Child Nursing

• BSc (Hons) Learning Disability Nursing

Allied Health Professional Degrees

• Occupational Therapy (BSc/MSc)

• Physiotherapy (BSc/MSc)

• Diagnostic Radiography (BSc)

• Therapeutic Radiography (BSc)

• Operating Department Practice (BSc)

• Paramedic Science (BSc)

Other Healthcare Degrees

• BA/BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

• BA/BSc (Hons) Health Studies

• BSc (Hons) Public Health

• BSc (Hons) Healthcare Administration

• Social Work (BA/MA)

• Psychology (BSc)

• Speech and Language Therapy (BSc)

Salary Expectations and Career Progression

Assistant Practitioner Roles Typically Offer:

• Higher salaries than healthcare support worker positions

• Career progression opportunities within healthcare organizations

• Professional development through continuing education

• Leadership roles mentoring junior staff

• Specialisation in specific healthcare areas

Work Settings and Environments

Graduates can work across diverse healthcare environments:

• Hospital acute care settings

• Community healthcare services

• Mental health facilities

• Primary care practices

• Specialist clinics and outpatient departments

• Rehabilitation centers

• Care homes and residential facilities

• Hospices and palliative care services

• Public health organisations

The qualifications provide excellent employability with strong job prospects in the expanding healthcare sector, while also offering clear progression routes to professional registration and advanced healthcare careers.

Student Finance

'Secure a government loan for 100% of your course fees with nothing to pay upfront.'

Our Online Degree Pathway/HTQ programmes qualify for 100% Student Finance funding through government loans covering full tuition costs with no upfront payment. Maintenance loans may also be available for eligible students.

Complete Financial Support

All three stages (Level 4, 5, and Top-Up Degree) are funded through the Student Loans Company (SLC). Beyond tuition fees, you may qualify for additional maintenance loans to support living costs.

Smart Repayment Terms

Loan repayment begins only after graduation and when your annual income exceeds £25,000.

Expert Guidance Available

Our Course Advisors provide comprehensive support throughout the funding process, explaining:

• Government loan mechanics and eligibility requirements
• Application procedures and required documentation
• Repayment terms and conditions

Simple Application Process

If eligible, obtain your Tuition Fee Loan directly from the Student Loans Company to cover complete course costs. Check your eligibility using the government's eligibility tracker (gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies).

Ready to Apply?

We support you through every step of the SLC application process - from initial eligibility check to final submission. You can also begin the process yourself on the SLC website: gov.uk/government/organisations/student-loans-company

When joining this program, students will complete their registration process directly through South Essex College Group, which serves as the primary educational institution for this qualification. The financial arrangements are streamlined through the Student Loans Company (SLC), which handles tuition fee payments by transferring funds directly to the college on behalf of enrolled students.

This partnership structure ensures comprehensive educational support through a collaborative approach. South Essex College Group maintains full responsibility for curriculum delivery, academic supervision, and student welfare services, ensuring students receive dedicated institutional support throughout their studies. Meanwhile, learndirect contributes specialised expertise in online education by supplying innovative course materials, supplementary learning resources, and a robust digital learning platform that enhances the overall educational experience.

This dual-provider model combines the academic rigour and institutional support of a traditional college environment with the flexibility and technological advantages of modern online learning platforms, creating an optimal learning ecosystem for students pursuing their educational goals.

Explore University Degrees with learndirect Progression Services

From the moment you begin your course until completion and beyond, learndirect's dedicated progression team stands ready to guide your transition into higher education. Through strategic collaborations with prestigious universities across the UK, we provide comprehensive pathways to advance your academic journey.

Established University Network & Program Options

Our progression specialists have cultivated strong relationships with leading higher education institutions, ensuring you have access to quality degree programs that meet rigorous academic standards while providing clear career advancement opportunities.

Here are just some of the types of Progression Opportunities we can offer:

1. Arden University – Bachelor’s Top-up Degree: BSc Health and Care Management
2. London Metropolitan University (LMU) – Bachelor’s Top-up Degree: BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
3. ARU London (Anglia Ruskin University) - BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
4. UCLan London (University of Central Lancashire) - BSc (Hons) Public Health
5. University of Bolton – Manchester - BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
6. Open University - BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care