Course Overview of NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is a recognized qualification aimed at individuals working in healthcare who wish to enhance their skills and advance their careers. This diploma equips learners with the necessary knowledge and practical abilities to provide high-quality care in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community healthcare services. It is designed to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for the challenges they may face in patient care.

The course is ideal for healthcare workers such as Healthcare Assistants, Support Workers, or those in similar roles who are seeking to formalize their expertise. The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support provides comprehensive training in essential areas including patient care, infection prevention, communication skills, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. This qualification helps ensure that healthcare professionals can offer safe, effective, and person-centered care, contributing to better patient outcomes and overall service delivery.

A key advantage of this diploma is its flexible approach to learning. The course can be completed through a mix of classroom-based instruction, online learning modules, and practical on-the-job training. This format allows learners to balance their professional responsibilities while gaining new skills, making it particularly suitable for those already employed in the healthcare sector.

In addition to core healthcare competencies, the NOCN Level 3 Diploma emphasizes professional development, leadership, and teamwork. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to take on more advanced roles, such as Senior Healthcare Support Worker or Assistant Practitioner, and may choose to pursue further qualifications such as a foundation degree or nursing training.

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is a valuable qualification for healthcare professionals aiming to advance their careers. It ensures that learners are equipped with the necessary skills to meet industry standards and excel in their roles, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, compassionate healthcare.

Learning Outcomes for this Course

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel in a healthcare support role. Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Enhanced Patient Care Competency: Learners will develop the ability to provide high-quality, person-centered care, demonstrating a thorough understanding of patient needs and preferences. They will be able to apply evidence-based practices to ensure patient safety and comfort across diverse healthcare settings.
2. Proficient Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Participants will demonstrate strong communication skills, essential for interacting effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. They will understand the importance of active listening, clear documentation, and professional dialogue in the context of healthcare support.
3. Infection Prevention and Control Mastery: Learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of infection prevention techniques and best practices, ensuring they can help maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and colleagues. They will be able to apply infection control measures to prevent the spread of illness in healthcare settings.
4. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups: Graduates will be proficient in identifying signs of abuse or neglect and understand their responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. They will be trained to follow legal and organizational protocols to protect individuals under their care.
5. Holistic Health and Well-being Promotion: Learners will develop a holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the physical, emotional, and psychological factors that contribute to overall well-being. They will be able to support and encourage healthy lifestyle choices and address the specific needs of patients with chronic or complex conditions.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: Upon completion, learners will demonstrate the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. They will understand the importance of collaboration and the role of teamwork in ensuring comprehensive patient care and improving healthcare outcomes.
7. Professional Development and Leadership: Learners will have the tools to continually assess and enhance their own professional practice. They will be equipped to take on leadership responsibilities within their roles, contributing to improvements in service delivery and patient care.
8. Adherence to Healthcare Regulations and Standards: Graduates will gain a clear understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing healthcare, including compliance with policies, standards, and codes of conduct. They will be able to apply these regulations to their daily practice, ensuring they uphold ethical and professional standards at all times.
9. Support for Individuals with Complex Needs: Learners will be able to provide tailored support for individuals with complex health conditions, ensuring that care is adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient. They will be able to assess and respond to changing conditions, offering appropriate interventions when necessary.

Entry Requirements for this Course

To enroll in the “NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support” course, prospective learners must meet the following entry requirements:

1. Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
2. Basic Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English language skills is essential, as the course materials, assessments, and communication will be conducted primarily in English.
3. Educational Background: There are no specific academic qualifications required for entry into this course. Learners from diverse educational backgrounds are welcome to apply.
4. Genuine Interest in Healthcare: Prospective learners should have a genuine interest in the healthcare sector and a passion for providing care and support to patients.
5. Empathy and Compassion: The course involves patient care, so learners must possess empathy, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
6. Physical and Emotional Suitability: Due to the nature of the course, learners should be physically and emotionally suitable to carry out healthcare support duties, including providing personal care to patients.
7. Access to Healthcare Setting: Learners need access to a suitable healthcare setting or environment where they can gain hands-on experience and apply their learning in practical situations.
8. Commitment to Learning: Enrolling in the course requires a strong commitment to learning, as learners will be expected to engage actively in the curriculum and assessments.

Who is this course for

The “NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support” course is ideal for individuals who aspire to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare sector. This comprehensive program is designed to cater to the following groups of individuals:

1. Aspiring Healthcare Professionals: The course is perfect for those who dream of making a positive impact on people’s lives through healthcare support. Whether you are starting your journey in the healthcare field or seeking a career change, this diploma equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the industry.
2. Compassionate Caregivers: If you possess a natural inclination to care for others and have a compassionate nature, this course will enable you to channel your empathy and dedication into a fulfilling career path within the healthcare sector.
3. Healthcare Support Workers: For individuals currently working in healthcare support roles, this course provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your qualifications and advance your career. It equips you with valuable skills and a recognized diploma to open doors to new opportunities within the healthcare industry.
4. Personal and Home Care Assistants: If you are currently providing personal or home care assistance to individuals and desire to formalize your skills and expertise, this course validates your abilities and prepares you for career growth in healthcare support.
5. Career Changers: The course welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds who are keen to transition into the healthcare sector. It provides a comprehensive foundation in healthcare practices, empowering career changers to confidently embark on a new path in patient care.
6. Healthcare Enthusiasts: Whether you are a recent high school graduate or simply enthusiastic about healthcare, this course caters to your passion and offers an entry point into a fulfilling and impactful career in the healthcare industry.
7. Support Workers in Medical Settings: If you are already working as a support worker in medical settings, this course enables you to expand your knowledge, develop new competencies, and increase your professional value in the healthcare sector.

The “NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support” course is inclusive and accessible to learners from various backgrounds, united by their genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of patients and provide essential support within the healthcare domain. Whether you are driven by compassion, career aspirations, or a deep commitment to patient care, this course serves as a stepping stone towards becoming a skilled and valued healthcare support professional.

Course Summary

Study Units

Units

Sr#	Units Titles	Credit Value
1	Adapt and fit healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, or products, to meet individuals’ needs	6
2	Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects	5
3	Administer oral nutritional products to individuals	4
4	Advise and inform individuals on managing their condition	5
5	Anatomy and Physiology for Maternity Support Workers	2
6	Assist and support individuals to use alternative and augmentative communication systems (AAC)	5
7	Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility	5
8	Assist in planning and evaluating learning activities	3
9	Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens	2
10	Assist in testing individuals’ abilities prior to planning physical activities	5
11	Assist in the administration of oxygen	5
12	Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals	4
13	Assist in the implementation of programmes to increase mobility, movement and functional independence	4
14	Assist individuals who have mental health problems when they are transferring between agencies and services	2
15	Assist others to monitor individuals’ progress in managing dysphagia	5
16	Assist others to plan presentations	2
17	Assist professionals to support individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access speech and language therapy services	5
18	Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities	2
20	Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005	3
21	Care for a newborn baby	4
22	Care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes	3
23	Care for individuals with urethral catheters	4
24	Care for the elderly	2
25	Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children	6
26	Carry out arterial puncture and collect arterial blood	4
27	Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines	4
28	Carry out intravenous infusion	4
29	Carry out vision screening	4
30	Carry out wound drainage care	4
31	Causes and Spread of Infection	2
32	Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management	2
33	Collaborate in the assessment of environmental and social support in the community	4
34	Collate and communicate health information to individuals	2
35	Communicate with children and young people in care settings	4
36	Communicate with individuals about promoting their health and wellbeing	3
37	Conduct External Ear Examinations	4
38	Conduct hearing assessments	4
39	Conduct routine maintenance on clinical equipment	4
40	Contribute to monitoring the health of individuals affected by health conditions	2
41	Contribute to the discharge of individuals to carers	3
42	Contribute to the effectiveness of teams	2
43	Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment	4
44	Control the use of physical resources in a health setting	3
45	Coordinate the progress of individuals through care pathways	4
46	Deliver exercise sessions to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing	5
47	Deliver training through demonstration and instruction	3
48	Dementia Awareness	2
49	Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to reach specific communication goals	5
50	Develop and agree individualised care plans for babies and families	5
51	Develop and prepare speech and language therapy resources for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) use	4
52	Develop positive relationships with children and young people	4
53	Duty of care in care settings	1
54	Effective communication and building relationships in mental health work	5
55	Enable children and young people to understand their health and well-being	5
56	Enable individuals to develop strategies to manage their behaviour	8
57	Enable individuals with mental health problems to develop alternative coping strategies	4
58	Enable mental health service users and carers to manage change	3
59	End of life and dementia care	2
60	Examine the feet of individuals with diabetes	3
61	Facilitate and monitor housing and accommodation services to support individuals with mental health needs	5
62	Facilitate learning and development activities to meet individual needs and preferences	5
63	Give presentations to groups	4
64	Human Structure and Functionality	8
65	Implement hydrotherapy programmes for individuals and groups	5
66	Implement therapeutic group activities	4
67	Inform an individual of discharge arrangements	2
68	Insert and secure nasogastric tubes	4
69	Interact with and support individuals using telecommunications	5
70	Maintaining quality standards in the health sector	2
71	Make recommendations for the use of physical resources in a health setting	4
72	Manage the availability of physical resources to meet service delivery needs in a health setting	5
73	Managing symptoms in end of life care	4
74	Manufacture equipment or medical devices for individuals within healthcare	4
75	Measure and record individuals’ body fluid balance in a perioperative environment	4
76	Monitor and maintain the environment and resources during and after health care activities	3
77	Monitor and review individuals’ progress in relation to maintaining optimum nutritional status	3
78	Monitor individuals’ progress in relation to managing their body weight and nutrition	3
79	Move and position individuals in accordance with their care plan	4
80	Obtain a client history	3
81	Obtain and test capillary blood samples	4
82	Obtain and test specimens from individuals	2
83	Obtain venous blood samples	3
84	Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection	5
85	Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing and complete intraoperative cell salvage blood process	5
86	Perform first line calibration on clinical equipment to ensure it is fit for use	3
87	Perform intravenous cannulation	5
88	Perform routine electrocardiograph (ECG) procedures	4
89	Perform the non-scrubbed circulating role for perioperative procedures	3
90	Prepare anaesthetic environment and provide support for pre and post operative anaesthesia and recovery	5
91	Prepare and apply dressings and drains to individuals in the perioperative environment	2
92	Prepare and dress for scrubbed clinical roles	4
93	Prepare and provide surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team	6
94	Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection	2
95	Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing	4
96	Prepare for and carry out extended feeding techniques	4
97	Prepare individuals for healthcare activities	2
98	Principles of Health Promotion	2
99	Promote communication in care settings	3
100	Promote effective handling of information in care settings	2
101	Promote equality and inclusion in care settings	2
102	Promote health, safety and wellbeing in care settings	6
103	Promote person-centred approaches in care settings	6
104	Promote Positive Behaviour	6
105	Promotion of General Health and Well-being	2
106	Provide advice and information to enable parents to promote the health and well-being of their newborn babies	3
107	Provide advice on foot care for individuals with diabetes	4
108	Provide agreed support for foot care	3
109	Provide information and advice to individuals on eating to maintain optimum nutritional status	5
110	Provide support for individuals with communication and interaction difficulties	5
111	Provide support for leisure activities	3
112	Provide support for mobility	2
113	Provide support for sleep	2
114	Provide support to individuals to continue recommended therapies	3
115	Provide support to maintain and develop skills for everyday life	4
116	Provide support to manage pain and discomfort	2
117	Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures	4
118	Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field	4
119	Recognise indications of substance misuse and refer individuals to specialists	4
120	Remove wound closure materials	3
121	Remove wound drains	4
122	Reprocess endoscopy equipment	4
123	Responsibilities of a care worker	2
124	Safeguarding and protection in care settings	3
125	Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work in healthcare settings	2
126	Service improvement in the health sector	3
127	Support carers to meet the care needs of individuals	4
128	Support Child and Young Person Development	3
129	Support children and young people experiencing transitions	3
130	Support children and young people with additional needs	6
131	Support children and young people with mental health conditions	5
132	Support independence in the tasks of daily living	5
133	Support individuals at the end of life	6
134	Support individuals during a period of change	4
135	Support individuals during emergency situations	3
136	Support individuals during the last days of life	5
137	Support individuals in undertaking their chosen activities	4
138	Support individuals to access and manage direct payments	4
139	Support individuals to access and use information about services and facilities	3
140	Support individuals to access and use services and facilities	4
141	Support individuals to access education, training or employment	4
142	Support individuals to access housing and accommodation services	4
143	Support individuals to carry out their own health care procedures	2
144	Support individuals to develop and run support groups	3
145	Support individuals to eat and drink	2
146	Support individuals to live at home	4
147	Support individuals to manage continence	3
148	Support individuals to manage dysphagia	5
149	Support individuals to manage their finances	3
150	Support individuals to manage their own recovery from mental health problems	3
151	Support Individuals to Meet Personal Care Needs	2
152	Support individuals to prepare for and settle in to new home environments	3
153	Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities	3
154	Support individuals who are bereaved	4
155	Support individuals who are distressed	3
156	Support individuals with cognition or learning difficulties	5
157	Support individuals with feeding babies	4
158	Support Individuals With Specific Communication Needs	5
159	Support individuals with speech and language disorders to develop their communication skills	4
160	Support parents or carers to interact with and care for their newborn baby	4
161	Support parents/carers and those in a parental role to care for babies during their first year	5
162	Support positive risk taking for individuals	4
163	Support the spiritual wellbeing of individuals	3
164	Supporting individuals with loss and grief before death	2
165	The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control	3
166	Transport, transfer and position individuals and equipment within the perioperative environment	5
167	Understand Advance Care Planning	3
168	Understand care and support planning and risk management in mental health	4
169	Understand Child and Young Person Development	4
170	Understand end of life care for individuals with specific health needs	4
171	Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People	3
172	Understand Long Term Conditions and Frailty	3
173	Understand mental health and behaviour management of children and young people	4
174	Understand mental health interventions	4
175	Understand mental health problems	3
176	Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion	3
177	Understand risk management in the paediatric mental health setting	3
178	Understand the administration of Medication	3
179	Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities	4
180	Understand the legal, policy and service framework in mental health	5
181	Understand the process and experience of dementia	3
182	Understanding Suicide Interventions	6
183	Undertake agreed pressure area care	4
184	Undertake personal hygiene activities with individuals	3
185	Undertake physiological measurements	3
186	Undertake stoma care	4
187	Undertake tissue viability risk assessments	3
188	Undertake treatments and dressings of lesions and wounds	4
189	Undertake urethral catheterisation processes	4
190	Work in partnership with families to support individuals	3
191	Work with babies and young children to support their development and learning	6

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