HNC Healthcare Practice (NHS)
This course is only available for application from current NHS Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW) in NHS Forth Valley.
This course is fully funded by your employer, and you do not require SAAS funding.
If you require any additional information, please contact ailsa.elliott@forthvalley.ac.uk
This course develops a range of skills and knowledge essential for a career in healthcare. Students will attend College two days a week while working. On completion students will progress onto university or continue employment within the health sector.
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. Click here to take you to the NHS Education for Scotland website which contains the framework for HCSW’s.
Content
- Safe Working Practice for Care
- Therapeutic Relationships; Understanding Behaviour
- Sociology and Health in Scotland
- Professional Standards for Care Practice
- Understanding Personal and Professional Development
- Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners
- The Human Body in Health and Illness
- Exploring Mental Health
- Healthcare Practice: Graded Unit
Career Paths
- Health Care Support Worker
- Nursing Degree - Adult, Child*, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities* (*if available)
Progression
- Candidates may progress onto year one or year two at universities which have an agreed articulation route with Forth Valley College.
- There may be an interview depending on the university entrance criteria
- Year two articulation requires the candidate meet the relevant university entrance criteria.
Entry requirements
- Employed by the NHS in a Health Care Support Worker role for a minimum of one year
- Contracted for a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Permission from your employer to complete the course. Please include your line managers contact details on the application form and your area of work and ward number
More Info
Applications require support from the candidates NHS line manager and contact details including the email address of the line manager must be included in the application. We cannot consider candidates for this course that do not meet this criteria.
Study will be over two set days per week.
Further advice:
• 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 successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Stirling Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 7