
ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills
The ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for individuals who already work in healthcare or social care roles and wish to enhance their skills and knowledge. This qualification is ideal for those looking to progress in their career, providing them with the expertise needed to take on more advanced responsibilities within healthcare and social care settings. The course is entirely assignment-based, offering flexibility for learners to study at their own pace, making it accessible for those with busy schedules. It is recognised internationally, making it a valuable qualification for individuals aiming to advance their career both in the UK and overseas.
The ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills offers a comprehensive overview of key areas in healthcare and social care, focusing on supporting individuals with more complex care needs. The course covers topics such as advanced communication skills, health and safety, safeguarding, supporting individuals with specific needs, and understanding the legal and ethical aspects of care. This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to support individuals in a wide range of care settings, including hospitals, residential care homes, and home care services.
Upon successful completion of the ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills, learners can pursue several progression routes. They can choose to advance to a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare and Social Care, which opens the door to more senior roles and offers further specialisation in specific areas of care. Additionally, learners may wish to pursue leadership and management training, enabling them to take on managerial roles within healthcare settings. This qualification also enhances employment prospects, providing learners with the skills and knowledge required for higher-level care roles, such as senior care worker, care coordinator, or team leader.
The ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare and social care. By enhancing communication, health and safety, safeguarding, and legal knowledge, this award prepares learners for more complex and senior roles within the sector. The flexible, assignment-based format, combined with its international recognition, makes this qualification an invaluable tool for career progression and personal development in the healthcare and social care fields.
The specific entry requirements for the ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills may vary depending on the training provider or educational institution offering the qualification. However, in general, the following are typical entry requirements:
- Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old or above. This ensures that individuals have reached a suitable level of maturity and are prepared to engage with the advanced concepts and responsibilities associated with the Level 3 Award.
- Prior Qualifications: Usually, learners are required to have completed a Level 2 qualification in healthcare and social care support skills or possess relevant experience in the field. This demonstrates a foundational understanding of the sector and prepares learners for the more advanced content covered in the Level 3 Award.
- English Language Proficiency: Since effective communication is crucial in healthcare and social care support roles, learners are typically expected to have a good command of the English language. This ensures their ability to comprehend complex concepts, communicate clearly with individuals receiving care, and engage in written assessments and coursework.
- Personal Attributes: A genuine interest in healthcare and social care, along with the appropriate personal qualities, is important. Learners should demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a strong commitment to providing quality care and support to individuals. Additionally, they should possess the ability to work effectively in diverse care environments and respect the values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of those they support.
Mandatory Units
To achieve the ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills: Candidates must achieve 6 credits from any combination of units.
Sr# | Unit Title | Credit Value | GLH |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Work with babies and young children to promote their development and learning | 6 | 45 |
2 | Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 3 | 10 |
3 | Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities | 4 | 31 |
4 | Support individuals who are bereaved | 4 | 30 |
5 | Prepare for and carry out extended feeding techniques | 4 | 27 |
6 | Provide support to continue recommended therapie | 3 | 20 |
7 | Insert and secure nasogastric tubes | 4 | 30 |
8 | Develop positive relationships with children and young people | 4 | 30 |
9 | Provide advice and information to enable parents to promote the health and well-being of their newborn babies | 3 | 22 |
10 | Facilitate and monitor housing and accommodation services to support individuals with mental health needs | 5 | 32 |
11 | Collaborate in the assessment of environmental and social support in the community | 4 | 23 |
12 | Influencing Others at Work | 1 | 6 |
13 | Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children | 6 | 45 |
14 | Support families who have a child with a disability | 3 | 23 |
15 | Support individuals to manage their finances | 3 | 20 |
16 | Obtain venous blood samples | 3 | 24 |
17 | Implement therapeutic group activities | 3 | 25 |
18 | Collate and communicate health information to individuals | 3 | 20 |
19 | Provide information and advice to individuals on eating to maintain optimum nutritional status | 5 | 38 |
20 | Assist in the implementation of programmes to increase mobility, movement and functional independence | 4 | 28 |
21 | Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field | 4 | 30 |
22 | Prepare anaesthetic environment and provide support for pre and post-operative anaesthesia and recovery | 5 | 38 |
23 | Make recommendations for the use of physical resources in a health setting | 5 | 33 |
24 | Maintaining quality standards in the health sector | 2 | 13 |
25 | Understand Models of Disability | 3 | 26 |
26 | Support individuals to access and use services and facilities | 4 | 25 |
27 | Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care | 6 | 43 |
28 | Support young people with a disability to make the transition into adulthood | 5 | 40 |
29 | Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion | 3 | 14 |
30 | Carry out vision screening | 4 | 27 |
31 | Assist professionals to support individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access speech and language therapy services | 5 | 35 |
32 | Implement hydrotherapy programmes for individuals and groups | 5 | 35 |
33 | Deliver exercise sessions to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing | 5 | 32 |
34 | Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures | 4 | 32 |
35 | Facilitate person centred assessment, planning, implementation and review | 6 | 45 |
36 | Work in partnership with families to support individuals | 4 | 27 |
37 | Support individuals to develop and run support groups | 3 | 24 |
38 | Monitor own work practice in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 3 | 20 |
39 | Perform first line calibration on clinical equipment to ensure it is fit for use | 3 | 20 |
40 | Monitor and review individuals progress in relation to maintaining optimum nutritional status | 3 | 26 |
41 | Give presentations to groups | 4 | 26 |
42 | Support individuals in undertaking their chosen activities | 4 | 24 |
43 | Control the use of physical resources in a health setting | 3 | 25 |
44 | Support children and young people experiencing transitions | 3 | 28 |
45 | Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 3 | 10 |
46 | Contribute to the prevention of aggressive and abusive behaviour of people | 4 | 26 |
47 | Service improvement in the health sector | 3 | 20 |
48 | Understand the process and experience of dementia | 3 | 22 |
49 | Understand Physical Disability | 3 | 22 |
50 | Support individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare | 3 | 25 |
51 | Undertake urethral catheterisation processes | 4 | 28 |
52 | Promote good practice in handling information in health and social care settings | 2 | 16 |
53 | Understand mental health problems | 3 | 14 |
54 | Perform routine Electrocardiograph (ECG) Procedures | 4 | 30 |
55 | Undertake treatments and dressings of lesions and wounds | 4 | 25 |
56 | Adapt and fit healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, or products, to meet individuals’ needs | 6 | 37 |
57 | Administer oral nutritional products to individuals | 5 | 35 |
58 | Promote effective communication with individuals with sensory loss | 4 | 30 |
59 | Work with other professionals and agencies to support individuals with physical disability | 3 | 23 |
60 | Support individuals to access housing and accommodation services | 4 | 24 |
61 | Identify information requirements in a health context | 4 | 30 |
62 | Prepare and reproduce permanent radiographic images | 4 | 23 |
63 | Develop and prepare speech and language therapy resources for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) use | 4 | 25 |
64 | Carry out wound drainage care | 4 | 32 |
65 | Prepare and provide surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team | 6 | 43 |
66 | Care for a newly born baby when the mother is unable to do so | 4 | 32 |
67 | Understand Child and Young Person Development | 4 | 30 |
68 | Provide support to maintain and develop skills for everyday life | 4 | 28 |
69 | Facilitate learning and development activities to meet individual needs and preferences | 5 | 35 |
70 | Enable individuals with behavioural difficulties to develop strategies to change their behaviour | 8 | 41 |
71 | Reprocess endoscopy equipment | 4 | 30 |
72 | Support individuals with cognition and learning difficulties | 5 | 34 |
73 | Assist in testing individuals’ abilities prior to planning physical activities | 5 | 38 |
74 | Support individuals to manage dysphagia | 5 | 35 |
75 | Provide advice on foot care for individuals with diabetes | 3 | 23 |
76 | Transport, transfer and position individuals and equipment within the perioperative environment | 5 | 32 |
77 | Understand Sensory Loss | 3 | 21 |
78 | Support families who are affected by Acquired Brain Injury | 3 | 30 |
79 | Support individuals during a period of change | 4 | 29 |
80 | Perform intravenous cannulation | 4 | 34 |
81 | Care for individuals with urethral catheters | 4 | 30 |
82 | Conduct routine maintenance on clinical equipment | 4 | 30 |
83 | Assist and support individuals to use alternative and augmentative communication systems (AAC) | 5 | 35 |
84 | Measure and record individuals’ body fluid balance in a perioperative environment | 4 | 23 |
85 | Support parents/carers to interact with and care for their newborn baby | 4 | 30 |
86 | Deliver training through demonstration and instruction | 3 | 21 |
87 | Principles for implementing duty of care in health social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 1 | 5 |
88 | Promote Child and Young Person Development | 3 | 25 |
89 | Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies | 4 | 24 |
90 | Undertake physiological measurements | 3 | 23 |
91 | Undertake stoma care | 4 | 30 |
92 | Assure the effective functioning of radiographic image processing equipment | 4 | 25 |
93 | Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection | 5 | 40 |
94 | Advise and inform individuals on managing their condition | 5 | 31 |
95 | Assist others to monitor individuals’ progress in managing dysphagia | 5 | 38 |
96 | Support carers to meet the care needs of individuals | 5 | 30 |
97 | Maintain pharmaceutical stock | 3 | 4 |
98 | Anatomy and Physiology for Maternity Support Workers | 2 | 20 |
99 | Receive prescriptions from individuals | 3 | 15 |
100 | Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions | 3 | 28 |
101 | Support Individuals with Specific Communication Needs | 5 | 35 |
102 | Obtain and test capillary blood samples | 4 | 30 |
103 | Support individuals at the end of life | 7 | 53 |
104 | Contribute to effective multidisciplinary team working | 3 | 20 |
105 | Analyse and present health related data and information | 4 | 30 |
106 | Remove wound drains | 4 | 27 |
107 | Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to reach specific communication goals | 5 | 38 |
108 | Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing and complete intraoperative cell salvage blood process | 5 | 39 |
109 | Support parents/carers and those in a parental role to care for babies during their first year | 5 | 36 |
110 | Obtain a client history | 3 | 22 |
111 | Manage the availability of physical resources to meet service delivery needs in a health setting | 5 | 33 |
112 | Administer medication to individuals, and monitor the effects | 5 | 30 |
113 | Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items prior to the final accuracy check | 4 | 11 |
114 | Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings | 2 | 8 |
115 | Understand the impact of Acquired Brain Injury on individuals | 3 | 28 |
116 | Support individuals to live at home | 4 | 25 |
117 | Promote person centred approaches in health and social care | 6 | 41 |
118 | interact with and support individuals using telecommunications | 5 | 36 |
119 | Undertake tissue viability risk assessments | 3 | 26 |
120 | Manufacture equipment or medical devices for individuals within healthcare | 4 | 30 |
121 | Provide support for individuals with communication and interaction difficulties | 5 | 39 |
122 | Monitor individuals’ progress in relation to managing their body weight and nutrition | 3 | 26 |
123 | Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility | 5 | 29 |
124 | Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals | 4 | 31 |
125 | Examine the feet of individuals with diabetes | 4 | 32 |
126 | Communicate with individuals about promoting their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer | 3 | 15 |
127 | Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People | 3 | 25 |
128 | Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety | 2 | 15 |
129 | Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care | 1 | 8 |
130 | Working Together for the Benefit of Children and Young People | 2 | 15 |
131 | Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People | 3 | 25 |
132 | Assessment and planning with children and young people | 5 | 35 |
133 | Promote the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people | 4 | 30 |
134 | Professional practice in children and young people’s social care | 4 | 30 |
135 | Support individuals to prepare for and settle in to new home environments | 3 | 23 |
136 | Promote positive behaviour | 6 | 44 |
137 | Support use of medication in social care settings | 5 | 40 |
138 | Provide information and advice to children and young people | 3 | 22 |
139 | Support young people to move towards independence and manage their lives | 3 | 20 |
140 | Work with children and young people in a residential care setting | 5 | 35 |
141 | Support positive practice with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs | 4 | 28 |
142 | Support children or young people in their own home | 4 | 30 |
143 | Support positive attachments for children and young people | 7 | 55 |
144 | Support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions | 4 | 33 |
145 | Prepare, load and operate decontamination equipment | 3 | 23 |
146 | Carry out sterilisation and product release of reuseable medical devices | 3 | 24 |
147 | Understand how to monitor the decontamination process | 2 | 19 |
148 | Monitor and solve customer service problems | 1 | 8 |
149 | Plan, allocate and monitor work of a team | 6 | 40 |
150 | Understand Stroke Care Management | 5 | 25 |
151 | Conduct hearing assessments | 4 | 36 |
152 | Conduct External Ear Examinations | 5 | 38 |
153 | Carry out intravenous infusion | 4 | 28 |
154 | Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines | 4 | 30 |
155 | Diabetes Awareness | 4 | 30 |
156 | Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a Health Trainer | 6 | 46 |
157 | Establishing and developing relationships with communities while working as a Health Trainer | 4 | 20 |
158 | Enable individuals to change their behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer | 3 | 10 |
159 | Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Anatomy and Terminology | 5 | 25 |
160 | Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Fundamentals of Care | 3 | 24 |
161 | Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Radiation Protection and Awareness | 6 | 48 |
162 | The Use of Contrast Media in Clinical Imaging | 3 | 24 |
163 | Speech and Language Support for 11-16s: From Theory into Practice | 2 | 15 |
164 | Speech and Language Support for 5-11s: From Theory into Practice | 9 | 63 |
165 | Communication Support for 0-25s with Severe and Complex Needs: From Theory into Practice | 9 | 63 |
166 | Communication and relationships to promote thewellbeing and mental health of older people | 9 | 63 |
Core Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Work with Babies and Young Children to Promote Their Development and Learning
- Understand child development theories and apply them to support young children’s learning.
- Implement play-based activities that enhance cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
- Identify and address individual needs to promote inclusive early childhood care.
- Engage in Personal Development in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings
- Reflect on personal strengths and areas for improvement in a healthcare or social care role.
- Set professional development goals aligned with industry standards.
- Maintain records of continuous professional development (CPD).
- Support Individuals with Multiple Conditions and/or Disabilities
- Recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple conditions.
- Provide tailored support to enhance independence and well-being.
- Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to manage complex needs.
- Support Individuals Who Are Bereaved
- Understand the grieving process and emotional responses to bereavement.
- Offer emotional and practical support to individuals experiencing loss.
- Maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate care.
- Prepare for and Carry Out Extended Feeding Techniques
- Follow medical guidelines for specialized feeding techniques (e.g., enteral feeding).
- Ensure patient safety during feeding procedures.
- Monitor and report nutritional intake and potential complications.
- Provide Support to Continue Recommended Therapies
- Assist individuals in adhering to prescribed therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, speech therapy).
- Encourage participation in therapy sessions to improve health outcomes.
- Document progress and report concerns to healthcare professionals.
- Insert and Secure Nasogastric Tubes
- Understand indications for nasogastric tube placement.
- Follow aseptic techniques during tube insertion.
- Monitor for complications and ensure patient comfort.
- Develop Positive Relationships with Children and Young People
- Establish trust and rapport with children and young people.
- Communicate effectively to support emotional and social well-being.
- Promote a safe and inclusive environment for children.
- Provide Advice and Information to Enable Parents to Promote the Health and Well-being of Their Newborn Babies
- Educate parents on newborn care, including feeding, sleep, and hygiene.
- Provide guidance on vaccinations, common illnesses, and developmental milestones.
- Support parents in managing postnatal challenges.
- Facilitate and Monitor Housing and Accommodation Services to Support Individuals with Mental Health Needs
- Assess housing needs for individuals with mental health conditions.
- Work with housing services to secure suitable accommodation.
- Monitor individuals’ well-being and provide ongoing support.
- Collaborate in the Assessment of Environmental and Social Support in the Community
- Evaluate environmental factors that impact health and social well-being.
- Connect individuals with community resources and support services.
- Promote independent living through community-based interventions.
- Influencing Others at Work
- Utilize effective communication and persuasion techniques in a professional setting.
- Support positive decision-making in healthcare and social care environments.
- Build strong professional relationships to enhance teamwork.
- Care for the Physical and Nutritional Needs of Babies and Young Children
- Ensure proper nutrition, hygiene, and physical activity for young children.
- Identify signs of malnutrition or developmental delays.
- Work with families to promote healthy lifestyle choices.
- Support Families Who Have a Child with a Disability
- Provide emotional and practical support to families.
- Advocate for inclusive education and healthcare services.
- Help families access financial and community resources.
- Support Individuals to Manage Their Finances
- Assist individuals in budgeting and financial planning.
- Provide guidance on benefits and financial assistance programs.
- Promote financial independence and decision-making.
- Obtain Venous Blood Samples
- Perform venipuncture following standard protocols.
- Ensure patient safety and minimize discomfort.
- Label and store blood samples correctly for laboratory analysis.
- Implement Therapeutic Group Activities
- Plan and facilitate group therapy sessions.
- Monitor group dynamics and encourage positive engagement.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
- Collate and Communicate Health Information to Individuals
- Gather and present health-related data to individuals.
- Provide clear and accurate health advice.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in healthcare communication.
- Provide Information and Advice to Individuals on Eating to Maintain Optimum Nutritional Status
- Assess individual dietary needs and nutritional deficiencies.
- Provide personalized dietary recommendations.
- Promote healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.
- Assist in the Implementation of Programmes to Increase Mobility, Movement, and Functional Independence
- Support individuals in physical rehabilitation exercises.
- Encourage participation in mobility-enhancing activities.
- Track progress and report on improvements.
- Receive and Handle Clinical Specimens Within the Sterile Field
- Ensure proper collection, labeling, and transportation of clinical specimens.
- Follow infection control protocols.
- Maintain accuracy and compliance with laboratory procedures.
- Prepare Anaesthetic Environment and Provide Support for Pre- and Post-Operative Anaesthesia and Recovery
- Assist in setting up anaesthetic equipment.
- Monitor patients during pre- and post-operative stages.
- Support pain management and recovery strategies.
- Make Recommendations for the Use of Physical Resources in a Health Setting
- Assess resource availability and efficiency.
- Suggest improvements to optimize patient care.
- Manage inventory and equipment maintenance.
- Maintaining Quality Standards in the Health Sector
- Understand regulatory requirements for healthcare settings.
- Implement quality improvement strategies.
- Monitor and report on service performance.
- Understand Models of Disability
- Explore different perspectives on disability.
- Identify barriers to inclusion.
- Promote accessibility and equal opportunities.
- Support Individuals to Access and Use Services and Facilities
- Assist individuals in navigating healthcare and social services.
- Advocate for individuals’ rights to access appropriate support.
- Reduce barriers to service engagement.
- Promote and Implement Health and Safety in Health and Social Care
- Understand legal requirements for workplace safety.
- Conduct risk assessments to prevent hazards.
- Ensure compliance with infection control procedures.
- Support Young People with a Disability to Make the Transition into Adulthood
- Provide guidance on education, employment, and independent living.
- Work with families and support networks to ease the transition.
- Encourage self-advocacy and decision-making skills.
- Understand Mental Well-being and Mental Health Promotion
- Recognize early signs of mental health issues.
- Promote strategies for emotional resilience and well-being.
- Provide mental health support and referrals when necessary.
- Carry Out Vision Screening
- Perform basic eye examinations.
- Identify signs of visual impairment.
- Refer individuals for further ophthalmic assessment.
The ProQual Level 3 Award in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is tailored for individuals who are currently employed in, or aspire to enter, the healthcare and social care sectors. This qualification is ideal for:
- Healthcare and Social Care Professionals
Practitioners already working in roles such as care assistants, support workers, or healthcare assistants will benefit from the advanced skills and knowledge provided by this award. It enhances their existing competencies, enabling them to deliver higher-quality care and support. - Aspiring Care Professionals
Individuals looking to start a career in healthcare or social care will find this qualification valuable. It provides a solid foundation of essential skills and knowledge, making candidates more competitive in the job market and better prepared for their roles. - Career Progression Seekers
Those seeking to advance their careers within the healthcare and social care fields will gain a significant advantage through this qualification. It serves as a stepping stone to higher-level roles and further specialized qualifications, supporting career growth and development. - Supervisors and Team Leaders
Professionals in supervisory or team leader positions will find the award beneficial for enhancing their leadership and management skills. It equips them with the tools needed to effectively oversee care teams and ensure high standards of practice within their organizations. - Healthcare and Social Care Managers
Managers responsible for overseeing care services will gain valuable insights into best practices and advanced support skills. This qualification aids in ensuring that care delivery is of the highest quality and aligns with industry standards and regulations.
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