The Role

The Healthcare Science Assistant (HCSA) support workforce contributes to safe patient care from conception to end of life through supporting assessment and diagnosis of disease and illness. Healthcare Science Assistants roles vary. Some HCSA’s work in a laboratory setting whilst others work directly with patients every day within hospitals, general practice and other settings in the healthcare sector and across all areas of healthcare science.

As a Healthcare Science Assistant in cardio-respiratory services, you work as part of a team. Performing a range of low risk, routine procedures such as electrocardiograms (ECG’s) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, under appropriate supervision whilst following specific protocols in accordance with health, safety, governance and ethical requirements. Healthcare Science Assistants must be aware of the requirements of Good Scientific Practice (GSP), which sets out the standards for the Healthcare Science profession and upon which this apprenticeship standard is based.

Professional Recognition

On completion of the Healthcare Science Assistant apprenticeship, you are eligible to apply to join the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) accredited register.

Programme Qualifications

• Level 1/2 English and maths (if not held)
• Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science

Programme Requirements

• Complete off-the-job training
• Collate a portfolio of evidence
• To be consistently working at or above the level required of a Healthcare Science Assistant having acquired the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out in the apprenticeship standard

Progression

After completing the Healthcare Science Assistant apprenticeship, you may progress into a Healthcare Science Assistant job within a number of specialisms. You may also progress onto the Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship.

Details of Your Programme

You will be allocated a Skills & Development Coach who will support and guide you for the duration of your apprenticeship. Your apprenticeship programme will be delivered as blended learning. Blended learning is a combination of both online and face to face delivery.

You will need to have good internet access and a suitable device such as a smart phone, laptop, or tablet to work on. Microsoft Teams is used for coaching sessions and ZOOM is currently used for taught sessions. You will need to check with your employer that access to ZOOM and Microsoft Teams is available and permitted if using a work device to complete your training.

During your apprenticeship programme, you will participate in training, development and on-going review activities such as

• Induction (specific to your workplace)
• Core training and enhanced training sessions
• Off-the-job-training
• Mentoring/buddy support
• Completion of a portfolio through which you gather evidence of your progress
• Structured one to one reviews of your progress with your employer and/or Dynamic Training

Your apprenticeship programme has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours specifically attributed to those of a competent Healthcare Science Assistant (as set out in the apprenticeship standard).

Behaviours you must demonstrate

Healthcare Science Assistants need to be compassionate; honest; conscientious and committed whilst consistently adhering to the standards of Good Scientific Practice (GSP).

Overview of the knowledge you must acquire

• Person centred care
• Communication and working with others
• Personal and professional development
• Health, safety and security
• Quality
• Technical science services
• Clinical care
• Audit/service improvement
• Research and innovation
• Leadership

Overview of the skills you must learn

• Person centred care
• Communication and working with others
• Personal and professional development
• Health, safety and security
• Quality
• Technical Scientific services
• Clinical care
• Audit/service improvement
• Research and innovation
• Leadership

Assessment Gateway

After completing the mandatory requirements of your apprenticeship and demonstrating that you are consistently working at the level of an early years educator, your employer in consultation with Dynamic Training, will put you forward for End Point Assessment.

End Point Assessment

End Point Assessment provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate your competency within your role and to showcase the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have gained.

The End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place within three months of passing the Gateway and is undertaken by an Independent Assessment Organisation who is responsible for the grading of your apprenticeship of either Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction.

The End Point assessment comprises of:

1. Vocational competence observation
2. Professional practice test
3. Professional discussion

Your independent assessor will combine the grades of each assessment method to determine your overall EPA grade.

Next Steps

Find out more about the programme please feel free to contact us via:

Tel: 0208 6077850 or

Email: hello@dynamictraining.org.uk

Online Enquiry form: Click here

Please click the image below to download the apprenticeship outline that details what you will need to achieve, to complete this apprenticeship.

Please click the image below to download the programme overview which provides details of the Dynamic Training teaching sessions that you will need to attend during the apprenticeship programme.