Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship

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.

Entry requirements

• Level 2 Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above
• Relevant or equivalent level 3 qualification such as an accredited Access to HE Diploma (pass with at least 45 credits at level 3), Higher Education Certificate, Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, National Vocational Qualification, BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Certificate, International Baccalaureate

Core modules and skills 

Year 1:

• Study Skills for Health and Social Care Practice
• Communication in Health and Social Care Practice
• Anatomy and Physiology to Support Health and Social Care Practice
• Legal and Ethical Foundations of Health and Social Care
• 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.

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.