This course is designed for school leavers or those progressing from a Level 2 Heath & Social Care qualification who are looking to pursue a career in the health and social care sector. Individuals should be caring and compassionate, have a keen interest in mental and physiological wellbeing and wish to study at an advanced level whilst also gaining invaluable “on the job” experience.
The BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care is aimed at preparing 16–18-year-olds for work, higher level apprenticeships or higher education. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career in Paramedic Science, Psychology, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work or Professional Policing.
This Level 3 course is an in-depth study of the health and social care sector through the study of the following eight mandatory units:
- Human Lifespan Development
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
- Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
- Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
- Work Experience in Health and Social Care
- Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
- Promoting Public Health
You will also study an additional four optional units which may include the following:
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Sociological Perspectives
- Psychological Perspectives
- Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs
- Physiological Disorders and their Care
- Policy in Health and Social Care
- Caring for Individuals with Dementia
- Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs
- Nutritional Health
- Understanding Mental Wellbeing
- Biochemistry for Health
As part of this programme, you will take part in an industry placement where you will put the theory you have learned into practice. You will learn how to communicate with professional practitioners, as well as, patients/clients/service users. You will contribute to care plans, and support with activities designed to help individuals remain physically and mentally active whilst, at the same time, maintaining high care and safety standards, and putting patients at the heart of your decisions
The course will be delivered in a number of ways to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for future career success. Classroom lessons will be engaging and will include individual tasks, group activities, projects, presentations, role plays, research, videos and Q and A’s.
At BLC we have links to many local employers and alumnus, who are happy to come in to give guest talks, careers advice and participate in marketing activity such as case studies. There may also be the opportunity to get paid employment with these employers whilst you study.
In addition to your classroom studies, you will participate in trips and visits to places such as, the Live Simulation Suite at the University of Derby, Leeds Medical Museum and the live operating theatre at Keele University.
You will have the opportunity to gain enrichment qualifications, such as, British Sign Language, first aid and food hygiene. These have helped previous BLC students secure part time work in the sector during their studies.
You will be encouraged to participate in a range of fund-raising events throughout the year in support of various charities, and have access to a Virtual Work Experience module which you will complete independently. Activities that can gain you extra qualifications and add value to your CV and personal statements.