The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is a vocational qualification designed for learners working in, or preparing to work in, healthcare support environments. It enables learners to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required across a range of healthcare support roles, including adult nursing support, maternity support and physiotherapy support.

The qualification provides a broad foundation in essential healthcare support practice. Core learning areas include person-centred approaches, communication, safeguarding and protection, health and safety, infection prevention and control, equality and inclusion, professional responsibilities, information handling, personal development and mental health and wellbeing. Learners can also develop more specialised knowledge and occupational skills through optional units aligned with different healthcare support settings and specialisms.

A key feature of the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is its flexibility. Mandatory Group B allows learners, apprentices and employers to select combinations of units that reflect the learner’s workplace, healthcare role or chosen specialism. Options include adult nursing support, maternity support, theatre support, mental healthcare support, children and young people, and allied health profession therapy support.

The qualification is also a mandatory requirement for the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard. On successful completion, it can support progression into relevant healthcare support employment or further education, including an appropriate degree programme, subject to the requirements of the receiving institution.