Program Overview

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Introduction to the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Apprenticeship

The Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) apprenticeship is a Level 6 degree apprenticeship that trains individuals to become qualified healthcare scientists. This apprenticeship is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science and is developed in consultation with NHS trusts across the UK.

About the Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship is an 'earn and learn' opportunity, fully funded via an apprenticeship, enabling individuals to join the next generation of healthcare scientists and progress their career in a specific role with their employer. Upon successful completion, apprentices will achieve a BSc(Hons) in Healthcare Science, with recognition of their specialist pathway in Physiological Sciences, including cardiac physiology, respiratory and sleep physiology, or neurophysiology.

Why Study for a Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship provides access to placement and in-post training options, valuable work-based learning, and the latest equipment and online study resources. Apprentices will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in physiological measurement techniques, diagnosis, and clinical problem-solving, making them highly valuable to their workplace.

Benefits to Employers

The apprenticeship enables employers to upskill their employees, allowing them to become qualified healthcare scientists with specialisms relevant to their practice. This apprenticeship also provides employers with expertise in physiological measurement techniques, diagnosis, and clinical problem-solving, which can be directly applied to the workplace.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the apprenticeship, individuals must:

• Be employed in a role relevant to the skill, trade, or occupation they are being trained for
• Complete at least six hours per week of off-the-job learning activity within their normal contracted working hours, supported by their employer
• Meet the typical offers, which include:
  • Tariff points: 96
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent
  • A-level subjects: Grade C or above in one of the subject requirements
  • Specific subjects: Biology, Applied Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Applied Science, Science in Society, Sport and Physical Education, Sports Studies
• Meet the ESFA eligibility requirements, which include:
  • Being aged 16 years or over
  • Being an EEA citizen with the Right to Work in the UK
  • Not being in any other kind of full-time education
  • Being employed for at least the full planned duration of the apprenticeship
  • Receiving at least the legal minimum wage for apprentices
  • Committing to at least six hours per week of apprenticeship training during normal working hours
  • Having support from their employer, including a mentor/line manager

Structure

The apprenticeship is a three-year program, typically delivered through block release and one day online, with a September intake. The program includes:

• Year one: Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics, Introduction to Physiological Diagnostics, Introduction to Professional Practice in Healthcare Science, Scientific Basis of Physiological Sciences
• Year two: Research Methods, Professional Practice in Action, and specialist modules depending on the chosen pathway (Cardiac Physiology, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology, or Neurophysiology)
• Year three: Advanced modules in the chosen specialty, Project, and End Point Assessment

Learning and Teaching

The course encourages self-directed learning alongside lectures, workshops, tutorials, and practical work. Placements are supported by modern lecture theaters and fully equipped laboratories. Apprentices will accumulate over 40 weeks of work-based experience and training, which can be flexible according to their job needs.

Features

The course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science, and graduates are eligible to register with the Academy for Healthcare Science. Apprentices will have access to student support, multi-million pound science laboratories, and the latest industry equipment, including a CT scanner. They will also have 24/7 access to IT support, whether on campus or at their workplace.

Careers

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, individuals will be qualified healthcare scientists with specialist knowledge in physiological sciences. They will have developed clinical, analytical, and communication skills, benefiting both their career and workplace. Graduates will be eligible to apply for further study, such as MSc Biomedical Science, MSc Applied Transfusion and Transplantation Science, MRes Applied Sciences, and MSc Health Technology. The apprenticeship will also support career development and planning for longer-term ambitions, with access to the award-winning Careers Service for independent advice and guidance.