Course overview
HNC Healthcare Practice is an innovative and award-winning course designed to equip you with essential clinical knowledge and understanding. This course is not only a foundation for nursing but also a recognised pathway into other health professions such as paramedic science, midwifery (with additional biology study), and allied health disciplines including occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Course description
Why choose this course
You will develop your skills and relate theory to practice through work experience within NHS Lothian.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 288 hours work experience to achieve your HNC.
Please note: It may be a requirement to work 12-hour shifts on your work experience, so you need to be available to do this.
By the end of the course, you will not only have gained a recognised qualification at SCQF Level 7, but also hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, professional confidence, and a clear understanding of the next steps towards your chosen career.
Entry requirements
Please note: This course is to prepare you for a career in healthcare and it is essential you are able to support others.
- 2 Highers (including Biology or Human Biology). We will consider the following Highers English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Physical Education
- 5 National 5’s including English and Maths or equivalent
- Mature students without the formal qualifications would require to demonstrate their ability to study at the HNC level
- Your application may be considered if you have successfully completed a relevant NC at Level 6 which includes Biology
- Foundation Apprenticeship in a related subject plus study of science at school either biology or chemistry
- You must be eligible to join the PVG scheme and must not be barred or under consideration for listing (criminal record check)
- If you want to study Nursing, you must meet the VISA requirements to study Nursing at University in Scotland and not be deemed to be an international student in relation to fees
We consider applications from those who do not have these qualifications but have considerable relevant life/work experience.
If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is the minimum, however ideally your English should be at Level 6 as you need to be at level 7 to progress to university for Nursing.
Progression
Progression opportunities: This HNC provides a recognised route into a wide range of health-related degree programmes.
Nursing: With sufficient practice hours and strong academic performance, students may articulate directly into Year 2 of Adult, Mental Health, or Learning Disability Nursing degrees at QMU, Edinburgh Napier University, Stirling or Robert Gordon University. Students can also apply for Year 1 entry to Child Health Nursing.
Midwifery: Students can progress to Year 1 entry of Midwifery programme, normally alongside further Higher Biology or Human Biology.
Paramedic Science: Many graduates use this HNC course to progress into Year 1 entry of Paramedic Science degrees, one of the most competitive and popular career routes. This is a recognised and well-established progression pathway.
Other Allied Health Professions: Students have also successfully progressed into Year 1 entry of degree programmes in Physiotherapy, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography, Podiatry, Dietetics, Speech & Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Some of these courses may also require Higher Biology or Human Biology in addition to the HNC.
100% of our successful students' progress directly into degree-level study, with some entering the second year of nursing programmes. Others secure employment with the NHS while continuing their studies. These achievements highlight the strength of the HNC as both an employment route and an academic steppingstone.
With experience and further study, previous students have progressed into a variety of health roles including paramedics, midwives, and allied health professionals, as well as senior healthcare support positions in hospitals and the community.
Course options
Course Type: Full-time
Details
Venue details
Livingston Campus
Almondvale Crescent
Livingston
Course provider
West Lothian College
Livingston Campus
Almondvale Crescent
Livingston