Course overview

Course overview Healthcare science underpins 80% all patient diagnoses. It is a profession that spans across all the different areas of healthcare, with over 40 areas of applied science, over 50,000 healthcare scientists working in the NHS and public health sector.

This qualification has been developed in consultation with employers in the healthcare science industry to ensure you learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours that will give you the chance of progressing to a career that is dynamic, exciting and full of opportunities.

You will develop knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to patient care within a range of life science areas, collecting specimens, taking physiological measurements, producing reliable data and images for analysis to aid in diagnoses and treatment.

As well as studying the Level 3 T-Level course, students will also complete:

• Industry placement hours (a minimum of 315 hours or 45 days)
• Complete independent work at home
• Attend the tutorial classes

Please note that this course is aimed at 16 to 19 year olds.

Entry requirements

Applicants require
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Double Award Science or GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths
+ 2 more GCSEs at grade 4 or above

All applicants must have good practical and analytical skills.

Entry decisions will be discretionary after interview and based upon achievement of the above entry requirements. Students will continually be assessed through a probation period to ensure they are on the correct level.

Students must not be over the age of 18 when enrolling.

Course Modules

You will complete 3 components for the course
1) In year 1 you will complete the core curriculum and employer set project: studying general health and science theory in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and concepts and principles relevant to the healthcare science industry. Such as working in the healthcare science sector; health, safety and environmental regulations and principles of good scientific and clinical practice.
2) In year 2 you will complete the occupational Specialism: Assisting with Health care science to help you gain an understanding and work experience for the type of career you might choose once you have completed your T level.
3) In year1-2you will complete industry Placements assisting with healthcare science, applying the knowledge and skills you have gained during your T level.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through two written exams and an Employer Set Project at the end of year 1 followed by the Occupational Specialist project throughout year 2.
All assessment is externally set.

What can I do next

What can I do next? T Levels provide several progression options for students, including:
- skilled employment
- an apprenticeship
- higher education

To help T Level students progress into higher education, UCAS tariff points are allocated to T Levels. UCAS points are allocated to the overall T Level grade. Students must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.

There are a wide range of roles within healthcare science sector
• Healthcare science services:
o healthcare science assistant
o healthcare science associate
o clinical scientist
o healthcare science practitioner
o biomedical scientist
• pharmacy services:
o pharmacy services assistant
o pharmacy technician
o pharmacist (dispensing and pharmaceutical industry)
o prescribing pharmacists
• optical care services:
o optical assistant
o ophthalmic nurse
o dispensing optician
o optometrist
• dental services:
o dental nurse
o dental technician
o dental laboratory assistant
o dentist
• prosthetic and orthotic services:
o prosthetic and orthotic technician
o prosthetists
o orthotists