Clinical Education and Development
Trainee and Assistant Practitioners
An Assistant Practitioner (AP) is a health and social care worker who delivers health and social care to patients with a level of knowledge and skill beyond that of the traditional healthcare assistant or support worker They are qualified to deliver elements of health and social care and undertake clinical work in domains that have previously only been within the remit of registered professionals. They also have the underpinning knowledge and assessed level of competence to undertake such a role (North West Workforce Development Confederation, 2003). The role is aimed at filling the gap between the current unqualified staff and the registered professionals (Skills for Health).
To become an Assistant Practitioner you are required to complete a two year Foundation Degree. Once qualified you will be expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Assistant Practitioners. The code is the foundation of good practice, and a key tool in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the public.
Entry Requirements for Foundation Degree
Includes ONE of the following (or equivalent) PLUS Mathematics and English key skills level 2.
- NVQ level 2/3 in Care or related subject
- AS Level: two AS levels, one of which must be in an appropriate subject area
- A levels: one A level in an appropriate subject area
- AVCE or BTEC National Diploma
- Access: a pass from an appropriate kite-marked access course
- Five GCSE at Grade C or above including English language
Academic qualification
It is a two year Foundation Degree with a higher education institution. Their theoretical component of studies is further supported by work-based clinical competencies which can be completed in their clinical areas with their mentors or in the clinical skills centre with the CEDT facilitators.
Academic study is supported by three Universities around Cheshire and Merseyside, University of Chester (Warrington Campus), Liverpool John Moore’s University, and Edge Hill University, and. The Level 4 core modules include a range of foundation modules which identify relevant material from the theory of science, health and social care policy, care practice, psychology and sociology. Towards the end of Level 4, students are assisted in selecting optional modules which reflect both personal interest and future role development. All students at Level 5 study the core modules Public Health and Health Promotion in Practice; Leadership, Management, and Learning in Practice; and Legal, Ethical and Accountable Practice.
How much study time do the trainees get?
- Trainees have one study day a week to attend the University (currently Warrington Campus for the Health and Social Care pathway).
- Whilst in the clinical area trainees are required to meet the following training in order to bridge theory and practice:
- Clinical Skills Sessions
- Placement to other areas
- Self directed study time
- Trust mandatory training sessions
Funding
The NHS Northwest funds all training for TAPs with this region plus backfill monies to support the release staff on study days.
To secure funding a proposal must be raised outlining how the role will be supported and how the chosen area will benefit from the role.
Application
For further information contact: Christinah Makondo ext:8355 or christinah.makondo@nhs.net
Case Studies
Case Study: 002
Job Descriptions
Assistant Practitioner - Renal
Assistant Practitioner - Theatre
Assistant Practitioner, Accident & Emergency
Assistant Practitioner MAU/CDU
Assistant Practitioner - Surgery
KSF Outlines
Generic Assistant Practitioner KSF outline
Resources
Core Standards for Assistant Practitioners
Career Framework Key Elements
Theatres Assistant Practitioner
PCS5 Assist Support and Monitoring
Foundation Programme - University of Chester
Trainee Assistant Practitioners FAQs
Trainee Assistant Practitioner Programme
Preceptorship Framework October 2011
Useful websites
www.skillsforhealth.org.uk
www.rcn.org.uk
www.rcn.org.uk/development/health_care_support_workers
www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/198049/HCA_booklet.pdf