Healthcare Practice: HNC

What you will learn

The course includes nine integrated units taught through interactive methods such as tutorials, simulations, and collaborative learning. You’ll develop both technical and interpersonal skills essential for effective care practice.

Core areas of study include:

• Professional Standards for Care Practice – develop the values, ethics and professionalism expected in healthcare.
• Therapeutic Relationships & Understanding Behaviour – learn how to build trust and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
• Safe Working Practice for Care – explore infection control, risk management and health and safety responsibilities.
• Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners – gain hands-on experience in basic clinical procedures and observations.
• Sociology and Health in Scotland – understand social factors and health inequalities affecting wellbeing.
• The Human Body in Health and Illness – study anatomy, physiology and how body systems respond to illness.
• Exploring Mental Health – recognise the importance of mental wellbeing and holistic care.
• Understanding Personal and Professional Development – reflect on your learning and growth as a practitioner.
• Graded Unit 1 – integrate your learning through an independent healthcare project.

Assessment methods include essays, reports, closed-book exams, presentations, practical observations and assessments, and group work.

Entry requirements

✅ 1 Higher (Grade C or above) — preferably in English, Modern Studies, History, or Human Biology

✅ National 5 Maths (or equivalent)

✅ Level 6 NC Health & Social Care, or a related subject

✅ SWAP Access to Nursing, paramedic science or related programme

Additional requirements:

• You will complete a PVG Scheme application from Disclosure Scotland before placement.
• Also undertake an occupation health assessment
• Applicants will be assessed through their personal statement and may be invited for interview as part of the recruitment process.

Your personal statement should include:

• Why you wish to study Healthcare Practice.
• Which field of healthcare interests you and why.
• What you understand by discrimination, and how you would respond if you witnessed it in a care setting.
• The skills and qualities that make an effective care worker, with an example from your own experience.
• The skills, qualities and attributes you believe make you suited to your chosen healthcare field.

If you do not meet all criteria, you may be offered an alternative course within the Care suite.

ℹ️ You must be 17 years or older at the start of the course. 

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

• you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
• If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This qualification prepares you for a range of roles within the health and social care sector, including:

💼 Senior Healthcare Support Worker

🏥 Clinical Support Assistant

💙 Care Coordinator or Community Support Worker

It also meets the academic requirements for entry to degree-level study in Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions or Paramedic Science.

Future prospects

Graduates can progress to:

• Year 1 of the BSc Nursing (Adult or Mental Health) at Glasgow Caledonian University or the University of the West of Scotland
• Degree-level study in Allied Health Professions or Paramedic Science
• Employment within NHS or private healthcare environments

This course offers the perfect balance of theory, clinical experience, and professional development to prepare you for your next step in healthcare.