Course summary

Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, this new Level 4 Higher National Certificate with Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) status is widely recognised both in the UK and overseas. The course has been designed to offer a special emphasis on practical skills development, alongside knowledge and understanding of health and social care in the UK which is also relevant to healthcare on an international basis. The HNC provides a thorough grounding in key concepts in healthcare professions' support including: law, evidence-based practice, health inequalities, reporting and record-keeping in health practice. The course includes contemporary themes and current practice. All students undertake healthcare-based work placements to develop their own professional practice and meet the requirements to work in the sector. About the course This course will be based at the college's new £58 million City Hub campus, near Nottingham train station. The campus features state of the art teaching and learning facilities, science laboratories, with a restaurant, cafe, performing arts venue and specialist healthcare facilities including a simulated hospital ward, which provides students with a realistic learning environment that mimics a hospital environment. Assistant practitioners work as part of the more comprehensive health and social care team and have direct contact with patients, service users or clients, providing high-quality and compassionate care. Higher National Certificate (Level 4) modules may include: -Law, Policy and Ethical Practice -Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice -Supporting the Individual Journey through Integrated Health and Social Care -Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice -Principles of Health Education -Effective Healthcare Practice Using Maths -Applied Anatomy and Physiology Compulsory work placement This course includes a minimum requirement of 225 hours’ of work placement or experience in health and/or social care settings. Assessment A wide variety of innovative and traditional methods will be used including: practical assignments, portfolios of evidence, data analysis, case studies, written reports, essays, presentations, work-based evidence with employer statements. Qualification awarded: Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Healthcare Professions' Support for England (HTQ) Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) These new qualifications have been developed in partnership with employers and industry stakeholders to provide students with the specific training, knowledge, and skills required for their chosen career. Bursaries We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2025-26 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information. Your career and progression Students from the Level 4 HNC can progress to the new Level 5 Higher National Diploma course. Possible careers in this sector are: healthcare support worker, nursing assistant/auxiliary roles in a range of areas of specialism, e.g. adult and community nursing, clinical support, midwifery support, rehabilitation services. Assistant practitioners (sometimes called associate practitioners) work in many branches of the NHS including: operating departments, prehabilitation/rehabilitation, maternity and community care.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.