Respiratory Pathway

The apprenticeship scheme has taught elements that are split between core units where you will join other L4 Apprenticeship learners from a variety of pathways, this often generates lively debate within class as many share best practice amongst the remote online classroom. In total there are nine core units that cover the fundamental topics you would naturally expect on an apprenticeship course based within healthcare science, some of the topics covered include:

• Health and Safety
• Effective Communication
• Legal and Ethical Context of Healthcare Science
• Quality, Audit and Innovation  

The Respiratory pathway will give learners a broader understanding of respiratory methodologies, including spirometry, reversibility, single breath gas transfer, static lungs volumes, pulse oximetry as well as a range of point of care tests (dependant on the department). Learner will also gain an understanding of the underlying anatomy, physiology of the respiratory system and pathology of associated disease.

Upon completion of this course, you are likely to be in a Band 4 Associate Practitioner role, or in a position to apply for such role when one becomes available, the level 4 course is also an excellent starting point for applying to continue your studies at level 6, often within a University setting. Learners will also be eligible to register with the Science Council as a Technician Scientist.  

Learners completing the Respiratory Programme may also wish to progress on to work towards ARTP qualification. Learners will also be eligible to register with the academy for healthcare science (AHCS), subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Respiratory disease is one of the leading causes of illness and hospital admission in the UK. Millions of people are living with long‑term respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease and the long‑term effects of respiratory infections. These conditions place significant pressure on patients, families, and the healthcare system. 

The importance of respiratory services in healthcare has never been clearer. Respiratory support workers and assistant practitioners play a vital role in identifying breathing disorders, supporting diagnostic testing, maintaining clinical equipment, and ensuring safe, effective patient care. Working alongside respiratory physiologists and clinicians, they help ensure early detection, accurate testing, and timely intervention. 

A Level 2 Respiratory Apprenticeship provides a crucial entry point into this workforce. It equips learners with the foundational skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to support respiratory diagnostics, infection control, equipment maintenance, and patient preparation. By developing a skilled and competent workforce at this level, the apprenticeship pathway supports early diagnosis, improves patient outcomes, and helps reduce avoidable hospital admissions and long‑term healthcare costs. 

Investing in respiratory apprenticeships is an investment in prevention, workforce sustainability, and improved quality of care for a growing patient population.

No previous work experience within Cardiology is required however learners will benefit from having a basic understanding of the role. Learners will need access to the methodologies described above for the purpose of assessment. 

The Level 4 Programme has a rigorous coursework schedule, learners should have a good level of written English and academic writing ability, except where Functional Skills is included as part of your programme.

We operate a remote teaching format where core lessons are delivered once a month, followed by a 4-week period to complete the relevant assignments.

Learners will build an ongoing portfolio of evidence throughout the duration of the course and are expected to showcase their practical competencies via remote assessment.

Witness testimonies from peers will ascertain how the learner meets the behaviours expected of an apprentice and continued professional development from within the department logged as off the job training.

Although your employer may offer time to complete assignments during your working week, you should expect to spend some of your own time completing your work.