Qualification Structure

The ProQual Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the RQF.

Assessment is assignment-based and graded Pass/Fail, with internal assessment and verification by centre staff and external quality assurance by ProQual verifiers.

The qualification has 370 Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 310 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Candidates must achieve a minimum of 37 credits to complete the qualification.

Core Study Units

Optional Group A Units

• The structure, organisation and function of the human body — 12 credits
• Manage physical resources — 3 credits
• Communication skills for health and social care management — 15 credits
• Empowering users of health and social care services — 15 credits
• Equality and diversity in health and social care — 10 credits
• Evaluate and develop own contribution to the service — 3 credits
• Facilitate learning in groups — 3 credits
• Health and safety in the health and social care workplace — 15 credits
• Health and social care in context — 15 credits
• Influences on health and social care organisations — 15 credits
• Prepare clients through advice and guidance for the implementation of a course of action — 3 credits
• Provide support for other practitioners — 5 credits
• Reflective Practice — 1 credit
• Work in partnership in health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 4 credits
• Understand partnership working — 1 credit
• Understanding professional supervision practice — 3 credits
• Undertake research for the service and its clients — 5 credits
• Use person-centred practices to deliver personalisation in health and social care — 4 credits
• Personal and professional development in health and social care — 15 credits
• Communicating in health and social care organisations — 15 credits
• Physiological Principles for health and social care — 15 credits
• The sociological context of health and social care — 15 credits
• Promote professional development — 4 credits
• Recruitment and selection within health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 3 credits
• Understand how to manage a team — 3 credits
• Manage induction in health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 3 credits
• Manage finance within own area of responsibility in health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 4 credits

Optional Group B Units

• Use and develop systems that promote communication — 3 credits
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion — 4 credits
• Lead and manage infection prevention and control within the work setting — 6 credits
• Develop health and safety and risk management policies, procedures and practices in health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 5 credits
• Manage quality in health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 5 credits
• Undertake a research project within services for health and social care or children and young people — 10 credits
• Conduct and support others in the assessment of individuals health and well-being — 8 credits
• Promote effective nutrition and fluid balance — 12 credits
• Understand the principles and application of physiological measurements — 12 credits
• Understand the principles, theories and concepts related to leading and developing a work team in a healthcare environment — 8 credits
• Develop professional supervision practice in health and social care or children and young people’s work settings — 5 credits
• Understand child and young person’s development — 6 credits
• Lifespan developments and healthcare needs — 10 credits
• The principles and philosophy of healthcare — 12 credits
• Appraise Staff Performance — 5 credits
• Assess the individual in a health and social care setting — 6 credits
• Principles of health and social care practice — 15 credits
• Share knowledge and good practice — 3 credits
• Understanding Dementia Care — 20 credits
• Facilitate change in health and social care or children and young people‘s settings — 6 credits
• Understanding specific needs in health and social care — 15 credits
• Understanding Deaf culture — 4 credits
• Support individuals with sensory loss with communication — 5 credits
• Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities — 5 credits
• Promote good practice in the support of individuals with autistic spectrum conditions — 7 credits
• Promote access to healthcare for individuals with learning disability — 6 credits
• Safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults — 5 credits
• Safeguarding and protection of children and young people — 5 credits
• Develop and evaluate operational plans for own area of responsibility — 6 credits
• Lead the management of transitions — 4 credits
• Understand professional management and leadership in health and social care or children and young people’s settings — 6 credits

Who Is This Qualification For?

The ProQual Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is designed for professionals seeking to develop advanced knowledge, practical skills and career progression within healthcare and social care environments. The ProQual specification specifically identifies roles such as assistant practitioners, nursing professionals and social work professionals.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Assistant practitioners working in healthcare or social care
• Nursing support professionals seeking advanced skills
• Social care practitioners and support workers
• Healthcare support professionals progressing into senior roles
• Care workers taking on greater responsibility
• Professionals involved in person-centred care
• Staff responsible for supporting individuals with complex needs
• Health and social care professionals developing management skills
• Professionals involved in safeguarding and risk management
• Care staff seeking formal recognition of existing occupational skills
• Individuals progressing towards supervisory or team-lead responsibilities
• Professionals seeking a regulated Level 4 healthcare and social care qualification
• Those looking to strengthen professional knowledge through assignment-based assessment
• Professionals seeking career development across UK and international care environments

Career Opportunities

The ProQual Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills provides learners with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to progress across a range of roles within the healthcare and social care sectors. As demand for safe, person-centred and professionally managed care continues to grow, qualified professionals with advanced healthcare and social care support skills can contribute effectively across hospitals, residential care, community services, supported living and other care environments.

Future Progression

Upon successful completion of the ProQual Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills, learner can progress to higher-level qualifications and advanced professional roles within the healthcare and social care sectors. The qualification provides a strong foundation for developing specialist expertise in person-centred care, professional practice, safeguarding, leadership, health and wellbeing, and care service management.

Learner may progress to advanced healthcare and social care qualifications, undertake continuing professional development (CPD), or pursue specialist training in areas such as care leadership, safeguarding, healthcare management, dementia care, and quality improvement.

The qualification can also support progression into senior positions such as Senior Healthcare Support Worker, Assistant Practitioner, Senior Care Worker, Care Coordinator, Healthcare Team Leader, Social Care Supervisor, and Health and Social Care Manager. The knowledge and skills gained are applicable across hospitals, residential care services, community care, supported living, and other healthcare and social care environments.