Qualification Structure

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is an Ofqual-regulated qualification within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 650 hours, including 374 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and carries 65 credits.

Assessment for the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with NOCN assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and practical application of healthcare support principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 45 credits from the 15 mandatory units and achieve a minimum of 20 additional credits from Mandatory Group B.

Core Study Units

Mandatory Group A

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support requires learners to achieve all 45 credits from the following 15 Mandatory Group A units:

• Causes and Spread of Infection – 2 credits
• Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management – 2 credits
• Duty of Care in Care Settings – 1 credit
• Promote Communication in Care Settings – 3 credits
• Promote Effective Handling of Information in Care Settings – 2 credits
• Promote Equality and Inclusion in Care Settings – 2 credits
• Promote Health, Safety and Well-being in Care Settings – 6 credits
• Promote Personal Development in Care Settings – 3 credits
• Promote Person-Centred Approaches in Care Settings – 6 credits
• Responsibilities of a Care Worker – 2 credits
• Safeguarding and Protection in Care Settings – 3 credits
• Study Skills for Senior Healthcare Support Workers – 4 credits
• The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control – 3 credits
• Understand Mental Health Problems – 3 credits
• Understand Mental Well-being and Mental Health Promotion – 3 credits

Mandatory Group B

For the full list of available Mandatory Group B units and specialist options, please refer to the official NOCN qualification specification: View the full Mandatory Group B unit options. The learner must achieve a minimum of 20 credits from this group

Who Is This Qualification For?

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is designed for individuals who are working in, or seeking to work in, healthcare support environments across the UK and internationally. It is particularly relevant for learners developing occupational knowledge, understanding and practical skills for healthcare support roles.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Individuals starting or developing a career in healthcare support.
• Healthcare support workers seeking a recognised Level 3 vocational qualification.
• Learners preparing for roles in areas such as adult nursing support, maternity support, physiotherapy support and other healthcare settings.
• Individuals undertaking the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship, for which this qualification is a mandatory requirement.
• Existing healthcare staff who want to strengthen their knowledge and practical competence in person-centred care, safeguarding, infection prevention, communication, health and safety and professional practice.
• Learners seeking a structured route towards further education, including progression to an appropriate degree-level programme.

The qualification is also suitable for learners aged 16 or over, with no formal entry requirements specified by NOCN, although learners must be able to meet the assessment requirements and access appropriate learning and workplace opportunities.

Career Opportunities

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support provides learners with a structured foundation in essential healthcare support knowledge, principles and practical skills. The qualification develops understanding of person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, infection prevention and control, health and safety, equality and inclusion, professional responsibilities, information handling and mental health. It also supports specialist learning across healthcare support settings, helping learners develop the knowledge and competence relevant to roles such as adult nursing, maternity, physiotherapy and other healthcare support services. The qualification is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to strengthen their healthcare support knowledge, develop occupational competence and progress towards further learning or relevant healthcare support pathways.

Future Progression

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support provides learners with a foundation for further academic development and progression into healthcare support roles. The qualification develops knowledge and practical skills in person-centred care, safeguarding, communication, infection prevention and control, health and safety, mental health, equality and inclusion, information handling and professional responsibilities.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level healthcare, health and social care, nursing-related or other relevant qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. Progression options can vary depending on the chosen programme, occupational experience and applicable professional or regulatory requirements.

Professionally, the qualification can support progression towards roles such as Healthcare Support Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Senior Healthcare Support Worker, Nursing Assistant, Maternity Support Worker, Physiotherapy Support Worker, Community Healthcare Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker and Rehabilitation Support Worker, depending on experience, workplace requirements and role-specific criteria. The qualification provides a foundation for applying person-centred care principles, supporting individuals safely, communicating effectively, maintaining professional standards and contributing to healthcare delivery within defined responsibilities.