Highlighting Our Healthcare Science Apprenticeships
By Sam Moore
Dynamic Training is a specialist in apprenticeships, adult education, and custom training solutions. We serve a diverse clientele across multiple sectors, with a notable emphasis on the health and care industry. As part of our offering, we offer healthcare science apprenticeships with a variety of pathways.
Below is a summary of each of these programmes and pathways, who they are aimed at, and what past apprentices have had to say about them. If you would like to hear more about these programmes, please check out our apprenticeship programmes or get in touch with us to discuss further.
This article is part of our series of Apprenticeship Showcases. Dynamic Training, as an apprenticeship and bespoke training specialist, are passionate about discussing organisations embracing a learning culture and exploring the benefits of developing staff. To follow this series, view our blog or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Our Healthcare Science Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a full-time job which also provides training during working hours and is perfect for both new starters and existing staff. Apprenticeships offer the apprentice an opportunity to develop in their job role, and help employers to upskill their workforce. There are currently over 600 apprenticeship roles approved for delivery.
We currently offer two Healthcare Science apprenticeship programmes:
- Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant
- Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate
What Apprentices Achieve From These Apprenticeships
Different apprenticeship programmes provide different achievements. You can find out about each programme's achievement in the breakdown below.
The Apprenticeship Process
- Apprentices are allocated a Dynamic Training Skills & Development Coach who will support and guide them for the duration of their apprenticeship
- The apprenticeship programme will be delivered as blended learning, which consists of both online and face to face delivery
- Apprentices need to have good internet access and a suitable device such as a laptop, or tablet to work on
- Microsoft Teams is used for coaching sessions (one-to-one) and for taught sessions (group)
- During your apprenticeship programme, apprentices participate in training, development and ongoing review activities which include:
- Induction (specific to the apprentices’ workplace)
- Taught training sessions
- Internal continuous professional development
- Mentoring/buddy support
- Completion of a portfolio of evidence
- Tripartite progress reviews with the line manager/mentor and the assigned Dynamic Training Skills and Development Coach
Functional Skills
Functional Skills in English and maths form the cornerstone of all our apprenticeship programmes, providing learners with the essential literacy and numeracy skills required for workplace success. Recognising that some apprentices may need additional support in these areas, we offer dedicated functional skills support sessions.
To further reinforce learners understanding and proficiency, we host comprehensive revision sessions every Friday. These sessions are not only supportive but integral in ensuring our apprentices are well-equipped with the fundamental skills necessary for their development.
For a deeper insight into how these functional skills sessions can benefit your team, we invite line managers to join our information sessions where we'll cover the structure, benefits, and outcomes of this essential component of our apprenticeship programmes.
End Point Assessment
To achieve the apprenticeship, at the end of the programme, apprentices will complete the End Point Assessment (EPA), which provides apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate their competency within their role and to showcase the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they have gained. EPA is undertaken by an Independent Assessment Organisation who is responsible for the grading of the apprenticeship of either Fail, Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
The apprenticeship programme has been designed to equip the apprentice with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to make an impact in the workplace and support individual career progression.
Find out more about apprenticeships and answer your questions by exploring our comprehensive explanation of apprenticeships.
Our Healthcare Science Apprenticeships
Below is a breakdown of our healthcare science apprenticeships to help you find the best one for you or your team.
Level 2 | 18 Months On Programme Including 3 Months End Point Assessment
The Healthcare Science Assistant (HCSA) is responsible for executing a variety of technical and scientific procedures within their specialised area of healthcare science. They ensure that these tasks are performed with utmost adherence to health and safety guidelines, governance protocols, and ethical standards. The role starts with close supervision and evolves to a more autonomous practice as experience is gained, highlighting the importance of precision and reliability in supporting healthcare teams and patient outcomes.
Our apprenticeship programme is meticulously structured to elevate the capabilities of staff members serving as HCSAs. It is focused on fostering a deeper understanding and proficiency in healthcare science, enabling participants to function more independently over time. The programme emphasises hands-on experience with standard operating procedures, augmenting the safety and efficacy of patient care. As our apprentices’ progress, they not only enhance their practical skills but also fortify their career trajectories within the healthcare science domain, all while maintaining exemplary standards of service delivery that align with our commitment to excellence in healthcare.
The Healthcare Science Assistant Apprenticeship Journey
The Healthcare Science Assistant consists of five core pathways to choose from that are structured to develop learners in a healthcare science role, specific to their area of expertise.
- A Common Pathway
- An Anatomical Pathway
- A Phlebotomy Pathway
- An Ophthalmology Pathway- delivered in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital
- A Decontamination Pathway - delivered in partnership with Eastwood Park Training
Dynamic Training are happy to support other pathways through a bespoke model that supports niche roles. Please contact us to discuss your departments individual needs.
Achievement
- Healthcare Science Assistant Apprenticeship – Pass, Merit or Distinction
- Level 1 English and maths (if not exempt)
- Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science
Level 4 | 24 Months On Programme Including 3 Months End Point Assessment
Healthcare Science Associates are pivotal to the healthcare science workforce, bridging the gap between Healthcare Science Practitioners and Clinical Scientists. They are engaged in a diverse range of essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring activities, ensuring seamless patient care from the beginning to the end of life. With minimal oversight, they adeptly manage routine technical and scientific tasks across multiple disciplines within healthcare environments such as hospitals and general practices, demonstrating both versatility and expertise in their field.
Our apprenticeship programme is specifically tailored to build upon the existing skills of staff members in these critical roles. It aims to cultivate a high level of proficiency in a variety of technical and scientific procedures, equipping associates to contribute effectively to the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Through this programme, apprentices will acquire advanced knowledge and practical experience that not only meets but surpasses industry standards, setting them on a path toward a flourishing career in healthcare science while ensuring their role significantly enhances the quality and safety of patient care.
Our Healthcare Science Associate Pathway Options Include:
- General Pathway
- Life Sciences Pathway
- Sleep Science & Respiratory Pathway
- Cardiology Pathway
- Ophthalmology Pathway – delivered in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital
- Decontamination Pathway – delivered in partnership with Eastwood Park
Achievement
- Healthcare Science Assistant Apprenticeship – Pass, Merit or Distinction
- Level 2 English and maths (if not exempt)
- Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science
Professional Recognition
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
- Academy for Healthcare Science for Healthcare Science Associate Register (non-accredited)
- The Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)
Past Feedback From Our Healthcare Science Apprentices
"This apprenticeship programme has been incredibly beneficial in helping me achieve my aspirations.
I am confident that I will able to apply what I have learned to my future roles. Overall, the training has given me the confidence and skills needed to advance in my career and achieve my goals."
Rona Villanueva - Circle Health Group
"It has enhanced my knowledge, improved my skills and helped me get a promotion at work. All the Dynamic Training team was very helpful, patient and supportive, giving me explanations every time I asked for it and answerering my emails very quickly and detailed."
Adriana Barbu - Queen Victoria Hospital East Grinstead
"I have gained experience in areas of healthcare I had no experience of. I have integrated into a great team of nuclear medicine scientists and nurses. I am feeling confident in my current role and hoping to go onto complete a level 6 apprenticeship. This would not have been possible without completing this level 4."
Anne MacLennan - North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
"My tutors from Dynamic Training have provided me with a wide range of teaching to a very high standard. I have been provided with teaching in my core modules and specialist respiratory, sleep and cardiac modules. The teaching provided has really enhanced my clinical skills by providing the physiology knowledge required to have a deeper understanding in each test. In addition, my tutor has been very supportive in being flexible with the course timings/completion and always providing me with encouragement which I have found really beneficial.
Overall, the teaching provided has been highly satisfactory. it covered both the basics and complex knowledge of each module. The tutors providing the teaching have been enthusiastic in their approach."
Megan Leonard - Hampshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
"The Training has helped me get back into learning as an older student having been out of it for some time. I hope to go on to study at degree level and this course has given me the confidence to do so.
I cannot rate my tutor highly enough."
Graham Waters - Chailey Heritage Foundation
"My mentor has been fantastic, I would not be where I am now without her, her continued support and guidance. Also her believing in my and giving me confidence to finish my apprenticeship. I have been very greatful and satisfied with all the help and support."
Kady Chambers - Milton Keynes NHS
Dynamic Training would love to discuss this apprenticeship programme with you. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about these apprenticeship programmes, or any other programme we offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts in the Learning At Work series, where we delve deeper into how organisations can take that next step by embracing further development from within. To keep up to date with upcoming blogs and industry developments, follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.
All of the Apprenticeships and Workshops we offer are purpose-built with accessibility and inclusion in mind. You can view our courses or contact us to find out more about how we can empower you or your workforce with apprenticeships or training programmes.
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