Diploma for Assistant Practitioners in Healthcare level 5 qualification

Assessment requirements

This qualification is internally assessed and internally quality assured by Centre staff and externally quality assured by Innovate Awarding External Quality Advisors (EQAs).

Learners must compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how they meet the assessment criteria.

To pass, the learner must demonstrate that they have met all the learning outcomes and their associated assessment criteria. If the learner has not demonstrated competence, they would be provided with feedback for the criteria not yet met.

Aims and objectives of the qualification

This qualification develops the knowledge and skills needed by those working in a senior role with adults in healthcare environments.

Assistant Practitioners carry out their duties in a range of settings, such as hospitals, clinics or in the community (e.g. GP surgeries). They may visit individuals in their own homes or in residential care where their wider team may include workers from both health and social care. They work in a wide range of health and care services for example diagnostic services, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, oncology, end of life care, mental health and learning disabilities. Assistant Practitioners are often hybrid roles aligned to local population and service needs and cross traditional occupational boundaries.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to work alongside registered healthcare professionals in providing high quality and person-centred compassionate healthcare and support to individuals. On a daily basis, Assistant Practitioners will assist registered healthcare professionals in total patient assessment, and in the coordination of care (including referrals to other practitioners) as well as undertaking clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic activities according to local population and service needs.

Progression opportunities

With training and experience, this role could lead to progression to healthcare professions such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy or paramedicine.

Learners who complete this qualification may go on to further study or apprenticeship programmes in related areas such as:

• Level 6 Registered Nurse

• Level 6 Midwife

• Level 6 Occupational Therapist

• Level 6 Operating Department Practitioner

• Level 6 Paramedic

Entry guidance

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, however learners are expected to be employed as part of a healthcare team reporting to a registered healthcare practitioner.

This qualification is regulated for learners aged 18 years and older.