HNC Healthcare Practice (Distance Learning) - August Start
Distance Learning HNC Healthcare Practice at Forth Valley College is an exciting opportunity for Healthcare Support Workers currently employed in healthcare settings at a band 3 level, as outlined in the HCSW Development Education Framework NMAHP V7.2. Our program is designed to fit around your busy work schedule, providing the flexibility you need to balance study and employment.
Teaching delivery is structured with one day of in-person learning every six weeks, complemented by live workshops and tutorials in the intervening weeks to provide additional support and guidance. You would only be required to attend college one day every six weeks.
A key element of the course is the Practice Assessment Document, which captures the practical skills you perform in the workplace. Your employer must agree to support your study and appoint a workplace supervisor to assist with this documentation. The college Lecturer will visit you in the workplace and permission from your employer will be sought for this.
For an informal discussion about the course please contact ailsa.elliott@forthvalley.ac.uk (Curriculum Manager)
Content
The curriculum covers a broad range of healthcare topics, including:
Our comprehensive HNC Healthcare Practice course allows students to complete 12 SQA units, focusing on essential clinical skills and safe working practices. The curriculum covers a broad range of healthcare topics, including:
- The human body and illness
- Sociology and health
- Application of therapeutic approaches in healthcare delivery
Career Paths
HNC Healthcare Practice is a widely recognised qualification for band 3 Healthcare Support Workers, opening doors to various career opportunities within the healthcare sector. It also serves as a stepping stone to higher education, providing first-year entry into many undergraduate degrees in Nursing and Allied Professions, such as:
- Nursing: Adult, Children, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities
- Paramedic Sciences
- Therapeutic Radiography
- Podiatry
- Dietetics
Progression
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
- BSc (Hons) Nursing - The Open University
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.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for this course, applicants must:
- Be currently employed in a healthcare setting as a Healthcare Support Worker at band 3 level. You can be full time/part time permanent or temporary with minimum 15 hours contract per week. Unfortunately not applicable if you are a bank worker as the hours/clinical area is not guaranteed
- Obtain their employer's permission to undertake the course, including signing an employer learning contract with the college
- Successfully complete an interview with the teaching team, which may take place online
More Info
Further advice for applicants:
Funding Information
Please be aware that this course is not eligible for full time SAAS funding and you will not be eligible to apply for a Student Loan. This course is classed as part-time, and you may be eligible to claim part-time funding for tuition fees only from SAAS.
This will not cover the full cost of the tuition fees and you will still have a portion to pay yourself.
The following will give further information to the amount you may be awarded and how much you can pay in instalments:
Self-funding students
Course Fee - £1285
Initial Payment - £385
Balance - £900 (Direct debit split over seven months)
Part-time fee grant (96 SCQF points - £1028 awarded)
Course Fee - £1285
Initial Payment - £77
Balance - £180 (Direct debit split over seven months)
Employer paying
Course Fee - £1285
Initial Payment - To be paid in full upon receipt of invoice
Students using part time fee grant can apply and access the full eligibility criteria via the part-time funding section of the SAAS website at: www.saas.gov.uk. Before you apply, you will need information such as the full course title which is above and the number of SCQF credit points (96) for your course. If successful, a letter of award will be issued which will include how much funding you have been awarded.
Students who wish to pay by instalments should complete a direct debit mandate. If employer are paying fees then they should complete an Employers Agreement form.
All students must make an initial payment of 30% unless their Employer are paying fees
Preparing to apply
- Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
- 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- 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 successful, you will be invited for interview
- If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Falkirk Campus
Part-Time
17 August 2026
Level 7