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Designed specifically for laboratory life scientists, the two year Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship has been designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals progressing to a band 4 healthcare science associate role.
This apprenticeship has been developed through employer consultation, ensuring that the design and delivery meets the needs of employers and apprentices. Delivered using a blended learning format that offers the flexibility for learners to study around occupational requirements.
The successful completion of this two-year apprenticeship will lead to the award of a Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science. Delivered as part of the level 4 apprenticeship standard for Healthcare Science Associates this apprenticeship will provide the development of skills and knowledge required of a band 4 Healthcare Science Associate.
The successful completion of this programme also provide the opportunity to progress studies onto the level 6 Healthcare Science Practice Degree Apprenticeship, supporting professional development into a band 5 Healthcare Science Practitioner or Biomedical Scientist role.
The Healthcare Science (HCS) Associate workforce supports the work of colleagues in performing high quality, safe diagnostic, therapeutic, technical investigations and scientific procedures to support patient care.
Healthcare scientists can work directly in patient care and other indirect roles, either providing information for, or being part of multi professional teams. This programme is embedded in clinical practice and promotes the development of competency in the relevant role specific specialisms. This programme is currently designed for Pathology laboratory staff working in life science specialist areas.
Modules will be delivered using a blended learning format which we have developed to provide maximum flexibility for learners to study around the operational requirements of their job roles. Most of the teaching will be delivered asynchronously via the virtual learning environment (Canvas).
This material will consist of recorded lectures by subject experts, slide packs prepared by University staff, and directed materials for self-study including targeted reading from websites, textbooks, and journal articles. Learning will be arranged into two-week blocks and each will feature around:
Learners can complete this work at any time but will be supported by a scheduled one-hour live online tutorial every two weeks to explain the correct answers to the quiz. This session will also allow the apprentices to discuss the material with other learners and ask any questions.
Practical scientific and analytical skills will be delivered through on campus teaching blocks comprising of workshops and laboratory oractocal classes. These will run in blocks, with one in the first year of the programme, and two blocks in the second year.
There are a range of assessment types used that will allow learners to be taught, develop and evidence the range of knowledge, skills and behaviours required in the apprenticeship standard. These include a professional portfolio of work-based learning, MCQ exam, patient information leaflet, and laboratory report.
We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.
The programme is work based and, as such, is subject to the apprentice being employed by an organisation throughout the duration of the programme. The employer must confirm apprentices comply with the apprentice eligibility criteria including funding requirements.
Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.
For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361 or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk.
On-campus workshops and laboratory practical classes will be delivered in three blocks of four days across the programme; one in year 1 and two in year 2. The programme team recommends that learners from outside the north-east region may need to seek nearby hotel accommodation for nine nights with an approximate cost of £450.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
This course maps to the key skills, knowledge and behaviours of the Healthcare Science Associate level 4 apprenticeship standard. There is an opportunity to progress studies to a level 6 Healthcare Science Practice Degree Apprenticeship, entering onto the second year of study. Completion of the Level 6 degree apprenticeship can lead to band 5 roles as a Healthcare Science Practitioner or Biomedical Scientist.