JourneyApprenticeshipsAssistant practitioner (health)

Assistant practitioner (health)

Level 5 · HigherHealth and science 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship

What it involves

An assistant practitioner (health) works as part of a clinical team to deliver healthcare directly to patients, carrying out delegated tasks across a range of clinical settings including hospitals, community health services, and primary care. Apprentices develop skills in clinical observation, care delivery, and patient communication at a level above the healthcare support worker, working under supervision of registered professionals. This role can lead to progression to registered nursing, allied health, or higher-level clinical roles.

On the job

What you’ll learn

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology relevant to the clinical setting
Clinical skills such as observations, venepuncture, and wound care
Person-centred care planning and evidence-based practice
Pharmacology awareness and medicines management support
Professional accountability and working within scope of practice
Effective communication with patients, carers, and the multidisciplinary team
Safeguarding, consent, and mental capacity legislation in practice
On the job

What you’ll do day to day

Carry out delegated clinical tasks such as observations and dressings
Support patients with activities of daily living in a clinical environment
Contribute to care planning and handover in the clinical team
Communicate effectively with patients about their care and treatment
Monitor patient conditions and escalate concerns to registered staff
Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation
Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement activities
The deal

How this apprenticeship works

You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there

What you need to start

Level 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.

Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.

Hear from employers

What it’s really like

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