Senior healthcare support worker
Level 3 · AdvancedHealth and science 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Senior Healthcare Support Worker provides skilled, person-centred support to patients and service users under the supervision of registered health professionals in settings such as hospitals, community health teams, and care homes. Apprentices develop the clinical and communication skills to carry out a broader range of delegated clinical tasks safely. This level 3 qualification can lead to nursing associate training or progression into allied health professional roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Anatomy and physiology relevant to clinical support tasks
Delegated clinical procedures - catheter care, ECG recording, venepuncture (as appropriate)
Person-centred care values and the importance of dignity and respect
Mental health awareness and supporting patients with psychological needs
Safeguarding adults and children - responsibilities and reporting
Medicines awareness and supporting medication administration safely
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out clinical observations including blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
Assist patients with personal care, mobility, and daily living activities
Support registered nurses and therapists during clinical procedures
Communicate clearly with patients, families, and the care team
Maintain accurate patient records and clinical documentation
Report changes in a patient's condition promptly to the registered professional
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 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the 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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