HNC Healthcare Practice

This HNC qualification will develop an appropriately skilled and qualified workforce that meets both future and current needs within the clinical roles. 
 
This is a nationally recognised qualification that incorporates the induction standards for Health Care Support Worker and supports the Code of Conduct for these workers. 

The commission and the launch of the Development & Education Framework for Level 2-4 NMAHP HCSWs has resulted in new and expanding opportunities for support workers across Scotland. This link will take you to the NHS Education for Scotland website which contains the framework for HCSW’s: https://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/our-work/healthcare-support-workers-hcsws/   
 
This qualification also facilitates transition onto nursing undergraduate degree programmes.

This course requires the student to undertake a placement and complete a short health questionnaire for suitability, which is required as part of the application process.

This course consists of nine units at SCQF Level 7: 

  • Safe Working Practices for Care
  • Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners
  • Professional Standards for Care Practice
  • Therapeutic Relationships
  • Sociology and Health in Scotland
  • Understanding Personal and Professional Development
  • The Human Body in Health and Illness
  • Exploring Mental Health
  • Healthcare Practice Graded unit 

  • Senior healthcare support workers
  • Healthcare support workers
  • Support workers 

Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into Year two of the following degree programmes: 

  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult/Mental Health/Learning Disability) - Glasgow Caledonian University
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult/Mental Health) - Stirling University
  • BSc Learning Disability – Napier University Edinburgh
  • BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing - Open University
  • BA (Hons) Integrated Health and Social Care - University West of Scotland 

Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements. 

  • Clear PVG
  • Any National Qualifications Group Award at SCQF Level 6 in communication, care, or other relevant area
  • Any relevant National Courses at SCQF Level 6, this may be communication, social sciences or other relevant area of study
  • Two National Highter's (SCQF Level 6) one should be English or English based Higher (History/Modern Studies) or Biology/ or Science
  • Relevant SVQ Level 3
  • Equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies
  • Any appropriate combination of the above qualifications
  • Work experience: this could include paid or voluntary roles that include aspects of care minimum one year  
  • Experienced care workers, either voluntary or paid (Community, Social, Private or NHS)  

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk

Location

Alloa Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 7

Apply for this course
Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 7

Location

Stirling Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

SCQF Level

Level 7

Apply for this course