Healthcare Science Associate - cardio-respiratory pathway

Role Overview

The Healthcare Science (HCS) Associate workforce supports the work of HCS Practitioners and Clinical Scientists in performing high quality, safe diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring technical and scientific procedures from conception to end of life in job roles within hospitals, general practice and other settings in the healthcare sector and across all areas of HCS.

Healthcare Science Associates perform a wide range of routine technical and scientific procedures, with minimal supervision, within one of the Divisions in HCS.

Healthcare Science divisions comprise of:

Life Sciences
Physiological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Clinical Engineering
Clinical Bioinformatics

The clinical scientific environment within which a HCS Associate works, will determine the context of the specific work/role they will undertake, following specific protocols and in accordance with health, safety, governance and ethical requirements.

Professional Recognition

On completion of the apprenticeship you will be eligible to join the Academy for HCS’s (AHCS) accredited Associate Register at Level 4 and other suitable registers.

Programme Qualifications

Level 2 English and maths (if not held)
Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science

Programme Requirements

Complete 20% off the job training
Collate a portfolio of evidence
To be consistently working at or above the level required of a Healthcare Science Associate demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours set within the apprenticeship standard.

Details of the 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.

Induction (specific to your workplace)
Core training and enhanced training sessions
20% 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 Associate (as set out in the apprenticeship standard).

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:

Vocational competence observation
Professional practice test
Professional discussion Your independent assessor will combine the grades of each assessment method to determine your overall EPA grade