HTQ: HND in Healthcare Professions' Support for England

The Higher National Diploma is designed for those already in or seeking to advance to a career in diverse healthcare settings, such as; the NHS, primary, secondary and tertiary care, diagnosis, therapeutic inpatient and outpatient departments, theatres, GP practices, community settings, rehabilitation services. You will develop skills, knowledge, and experience in a breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare you for further study or training in healthcare-related fields. 

You will undertake a minimum of 450 hours of work experience/placement in healthcare settings and a PLAD portfolio (Practical Learning Assessment and Development), including reflections on placement/workplace learning and experiences, to be completed over the two-year period of the qualification.

A  minimum of 48 UCAS Points in subjects appropriate to the course. This may include A Levels in PE or sciences (such as Biology), Level 3 Diplomas in Sport or Outdoor Activities, or other vocationally relevant qualifications. Industry related experience and additional qualifications can also be considered i.e. Duke of Edinburgh Gold or NGB qualifications.

You will study the following Core units:
•   Innovation and Improvement through Participatory Action Research
•   Reflective Approaches in Implementing Person-centred Practice
•   Care Planning Processes in Healthcare Practice
•   Recognising and Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Long-term Health Conditions
•   Team and Individual Leadership: Mentoring and Coaching Others
•   End of Life Care Planning and Support
Students will build on their knowledge and skills following from the core units with an optional
unit linked to their specialist area of study. You must have a suitable, appropriate placement
before undertaking any optional unit.

Optional units include:
•   Supporting Individuals through Significant Life Events
•   Health Psychology
•   Supporting Team and Partnership Working across Health and Social Care Services
•   Social Policy in Public Health
•   Holistic Approaches to Health Promotion
•   Nursing – Principles and Fundamentals of Practice
•   Psychophysiological Disorders
•   Global Health and Wellbeing
•   Project Management for Healthcare
•   Complementary Therapies in Healthcare Practice
•   Working with People Affected by Drug and Alcohol Addiction
•   Healthcare Practice with Children and Young People
•   Supporting Practitioners in Maternity Care
•   Supporting Practitioners in Urgent Care Environments
•   Fundamentals of Rehabilitation and Reablement
•   Supporting Mental Health Services

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are assessed using a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally set Pearson assignments.

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college’s Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

Upon completion of this course, you could gain employment or continue existing employment in the public or private sector, as well as committing to continuing professional development.
The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant health and social care-related courses.