Program Overview

---

Course Overview

On this Assistant Practitioner foundation degree, you will choose one of five pathways to specialise in: radiography, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and health social care. As well as studying a set of generic modules alongside students from all pathways, you will study three distinct modules (two in year one and one in year two) which are specific to your field of practice. There will be opportunities to learn in your field-specific groups, and progression routes are available for each pathway.

On this course you will...

• Develop the skills and knowledge needed to progress from a support worker role to an assistant practitioner within your own field and scope of practice.
• Work within the limits of their competence and authority to provide high quality, evidence-based clinical, diagnostic or therapeutic care and holistic support as part of the wider healthcare team.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people whilst maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
• Learn whilst staying in your own clinical area for two years, and gain in-depth experience in your chosen field of practice.
• Develop clinical and professional skills to enable you to fully integrate and support registered healthcare practitioners and provide excellent patient care.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: Online
• Institute: Institute of Health
• Delivery Style: Online
• Course Duration: Full-time: 2 Years
• Study Options: Assistant Practitioner (Health) (degree apprenticeship)
• Course Start Point: January, September
• Award: FdSc

Minimum entry requirements

• GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or above. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Adult Literacy are also accepted.
• Students must provide evidence of study at level 3 or provide 1 to 2 pages explaining why they are ready to study at level 4, undersigned and approved by their employer.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: GCSE in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or functional skills level 2 in both.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Selection Criteria

This is employer led and non apprentices only will also need an interview. Learners must also show evidence of study at level 3 or provide a sheet of A4 with a written explanation of why they are ready for level 4 study signed and agreed by their manager.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study.

Course Structure

What you will learn

You will study two profession-specific modules in your first year, and one profession-specific module in your second year. Each year builds towards the end point assessment and towards improving your knowledge of clinical practice, policy, procedures and professional accountability.

Modules

There are 5 different Pathways to choose from within this course:

• Health and Social Care
• Midwifery
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography

Year one

• Introduction to Professional Practice
• Service User Journey 1
• Applied Biological Sciences 1
• Evidence Based & Reflective Practice

Year two

• Applied Biological Sciences 2
• Leadership Management and Quality
• Professional Studies

Health and Social Pathway

• Pathway Specific 1 - Health and Social Care (Year One)
• Pathway Specific 2 - Health and Social Care (Year One)
• Pathway Specific 3 - Health and Social Care (Year Two)

Radiography Pathway

• Imaging Technology 1 (Year One)
• Science & Radiation Protection (Year One)
• Medical Imaging Technologies 2 (Year Two)

Midwifery Pathway

• Public Health in Midwifery Practice Midwifery (Year One)
• Wellbeing and Mental Health in Maternity (Year One)
• Childbirth Emergencies (Year Two)

Occupational Therapy Pathway

• Occupational Therapy Process and Paradigms (Year One)
• Exploring and Applying Occupational Science (Year One)
• Developing Occupational Therapy Theory to Practice (Year Two)

Physiotherapy Pathway

• Physiotherapy Examination, Assessment and Treatment (Year One)
• Applied Human Science (Year One)
• Promoting Health, Wellbeing and Exercise Physio (Year Two)

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

You will develop your reflective and analytical skills at each level of the programme in order to contribute fully to your workplace. In conjunction with this you will be building a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate how you use these new found skills in practice with evidence from practice assessors and others on your increasing application of knowledge to the skills you embed on a daily basis.

How you will be assessed

Year 1

• Examination – short answer
• Question and Answers
• Portfolio work
• Written reflection
• Presentation
• Professional discussion

Year 2

• Professional conversation
• Portfolio work
• Podcast
• Presentation
• Reflection
• Observation of practice

Progression Route Pathways

• Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Health and Social care Pathway
• Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Midwifery Pathway
• Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Radiography Pathway
• Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Occupational Therapy Pathway
• Assistant Practitioner (Health) - Physiotherapy Pathway

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• 2025 - 2026: Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year.

Career Outcomes

Combine this programme with a top up to become a registered healthcare practitioner in your chosen field. You must be judged to be academically and clinically competent to proceed.

Additional Costs

• There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books.
• Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.
• Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

• Each module has a reading list and everything is available from the library (usually online).

Stationery

• .

Clothing and Equipment

• A laptop with microphone and camera.