Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship

The Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship programme is a qualification introduced to support the health and social care workforce. The role offers a flexible mix of skills required to support registered practitioners in a wide range of settings, working together to deliver high-quality care for patients.

Underpinned by evidence-based practice and in partnership with public and private healthcare organisations, this apprenticeship is an ideal grounding for those looking to develop and enhance their health and social care practice. Successful apprentices will achieve the University of Brighton Health and Social Care Practice foundation degree as well as the Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship.

Apprentices will develop additional skills and knowledge based on their employer's requirements depending on the clinical or professional areas within which they are working. For those who wish to progress into registered practice, the apprenticeship can provide credits into some Higher Education programmes aligned to professional registration.

Make sure that you’ve read the FAQs, and that you meet the eligibility criteria, before you submit an application.

key information

University of Brighton award Health and Social Care Practice (Assistant Practitioner) FdSc

Apprenticeship standard Healthcare Assistant Practitioner

Level 5

Start date September 2023

Application close date May 2023

Duration 2 years

Location Falmer

Accreditation Health and Care Professions Council

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Programme details

Programme structure

Assistant Practitioners attend university one day a week during term time and will continue to have one day per week off-the-job learning out of term.

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met.

Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices development into new areas.

As a student on this course you’ll also get to participate in Schwartz Rounds - hour-long sessions where students come together to listen to stories and share reflections in a supportive and confidential environment. The sessions offer the opportunity to reflect on the emotional aspects of clinical practice and are designed to support students and recent graduates working in complex settings.

Modules and core skills

Year 1

Study Skills for Health and Social Care Practice
Communication in Health and Social Care Practice
Legal and Ethical Foundations of Health and Social Care
Anatomy and Physiology to Support Health and Social Care Practice
Work-based Learning for Health and Social Care Practice

Year 2

Using Evidence as a Basis for Practice
Project Planning
Work-based Project
Integrative Health Care Practice
Practice Skills Development

Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:

work in line with The Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England
analyse key legislation and principles relating to health and safety, information handling and infection prevention
demonstrate a range of skills and competencies that reflect the role of an Assistant Practitioner
appreciate a multicultural context, recognising and respecting different values and rejecting discriminatory practices
recognise the signs and symptoms associated with harm and abuse
engage in, develop and disengage from therapeutic relationships
apply the evidence and research base of health and social care practice
analyse and demonstrate the importance of effective communication, meeting the needs and wishes of individuals
understand the issues and dilemmas relating to an individual's rights and duty of care

Teaching and assessment

Tuition on the programme is provided by experts based within the university and visiting lecturers from practicing clinical areas as well as service users. Tutors are supported by a Practice Educator within public and private healthcare organisations, which helps to ensure the relevancy and currency of training as well as additional support for the apprentice.

In semester one of the first year, apprentices will undertake a study skills module that recognises the wide range of educational backgrounds and learning styles of apprentices.

The curriculum is designed around inquiry-based activities which encourages a two-way interaction of research and teaching. Blended learning is used extensively to engage with apprentices who will also have access to learning and teaching resources online.

A range of summative assessment methods are used throughout the programme. These are related to module aims and learning outcomes, allowing apprentices with a range of abilities to succeed, and include:

essays
numeracy tests
poster presentations
video presentations
e-learning assessments
project reports
oral presentations.

Facilities

Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite

Clinical skills and simulation rooms on both our Brighton: Falmer and Eastbourne campuses provide an invaluable tool for assessment and monitoring apprentices' progress throughout the course.

Apprentices benefit from practising skills in an environment that simulates real-life professional experiences. Learning by simulation with state-of-the-art mannequins enables apprentices to practice in a safe environment under supervision, so they can apply their knowledge and skills in professional practice with confidence.

Flexible Learning Environment

The Flexible Learning Environment is an adapted home environment in a residential location where apprentices are able to practise skills and learn from others while taking part in realistic training scenarios.

Every room is fitted with cameras and microphones, so that apprentices can be directed and monitored from the control room while the observation room provides the opportunity to review, playback and debrief.

nursing suite

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Employer and apprentice commitments

In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:

conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to support the apprentice
attend apprentice's progress review (twice a year)
release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job training
have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will:

attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract
record all training sessions and off-the-job learning
attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
engage with regular progress reviews
complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.

Fees and funding information for apprentices

Course fees

As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

Student finance

Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Learning support

Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.

Living costs and benefits

Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.

Other

Brighton & Hove bus discount

NUS card

Entry requirements

All candidates must be employed in a suitable health or social care setting, have employer support and a guarantee of work-based supervision from an appropriately qualified work based supervisor (Assistant Practitioner pathway) or Registered Nurse Mentor (Nursing Associate pathway).

Candidates must normally be employed for a minimum 30 hours per week (NB If the apprentice works fewer than 30 hours a week the provider must extend the minimum duration of the apprenticeship (pro rata) to take account of this).

In addition, candidates need to meet the following entry criteria:

Candidates usually possess a minimum of Key Skills level 2 in English and maths together with (or part of) a relevant or equivalent level 3 qualification such as:

an Advanced Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care
BTEC National Diploma (pass), or Certificate (merit)
two A-levels (with maths and English GCSE grade C)
Open University course in Health and Social Care related subject such as SDK125, subject-related NVQ level 3 (Includes key skills English and maths level 2) with a Skills for Health: Bridging Skills for Higher Education course.

Other qualifications that have equivalence will be considered by the course leader. Candidates with relevant and substantial work experience but without a recognised level three qualification will be considered on a case by case basis.

Invited candidates will have an interview at the university. The interview will include an entry test (level 2) for maths and English.

Further information about health apprenticeships

Location

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. 7,000 students are based here taking subjects including criminology, English, education, nursing and medicine, paramedic science, psychology and sociology. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. Psychology students learn in our applied cognition and flexible creative method labs.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes, and a students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Why choose us?

Apprenticeships rated 'Good' by Ofsted
We are a trusted partner to the health and social care sector, working with local providers
We are at the forefront of universities delivering apprenticeships in health
Our Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) in 2017-18 was 87.5% – over 20% above the national average for Health, Public Services and Care (Education & Skills Funding Agency)