Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

Developing skilled professionals who make a difference

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Course Level

Level 3

Course Type

Ofqual Regulated

Awarding Body

ProQual

Duration

3 to 6 months

Study Mood

Online

Assessment

Assignments Based

Course Overview

What is this course

The ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is a respected, Ofqual-regulated qualification designed for individuals aiming to build or advance a career in the healthcare and social care sector. Recognized across a wide range of care environments, this course offers a flexible, assignment-based learning approach—perfect for those who prefer practical coursework over traditional exams.

Learners will gain the essential knowledge and skills required to work effectively in healthcare and social care settings. The program focuses on developing key competencies such as person-centered care, effective communication, safeguarding, health and safety compliance, and professional ethics.

Structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of care principles, the qualification prepares learners to deliver high-quality support in hospitals, residential care homes, community care, and rehabilitation centers. It emphasizes patient well-being, ethical decision-making, regulatory compliance, and best practices for supporting individuals with diverse needs, while also highlighting the importance of teamwork and professional development.

With its industry relevance and flexible study format, the ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is an excellent choice for both newcomers to the sector and experienced care workers seeking to enhance their skills. This qualification not only strengthens employability but also opens pathways to further education and career progression in healthcare and social care.

Course Content

Detailed Curriculum Structure

To achieve the ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills: Candidates must achieve a minimum of 13 credits: a minimum of 8 credits must be from the Level 3 units and the remaining 5 credits can be from any combination of units from the Level 2 or Level 3 or Level 4 units.

Sr#	Unit Title	Credit Value	GLH
1	Implement person centred approaches in health and social care	5	33
2	Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care	3	10
3	Assist in the administration of medication	4	31
4	Carry out personal hygiene for individuals unable to care for themselves	3	30
5	Support individuals with speech and language disorders to develop their communication skills	4	27
6	Perform the non-scrubbed circulating role for perioperative procedures	3	20
7	Minimise the risk of infection when transporting and storing healthcare waste	3	30
8	Assist in the issuing of prescribed items	3	30
9	Assist in the manufacture and assembly of medicinal products	7	22
10	Assist in the preparation of documentation, materials and other items for manufacture and assembly of medicinal products	10	32
11	Support individuals to carry out their own health care procedures	2	23
12	Provide support for therapy sessions	2	6
13	Contribute to the discharge of individuals to carers	2	45
14	Paediatric Emergency First Aid	1	23
15	Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	20
16	Support individuals to meet personal care needs	2	24
17	Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment	4	25
18	Causes and Spread of Infection	2	20
19	Prepare documentation, materials, components and other items for the preparation of aseptic products	6	38
20	Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	1	28
21	Provide support for mobility	2	30
22	Assist others to plan presentations	2	38
23	Order Routine Pharmaceutical Stock	3	33
24	Dementia Awareness	2	13
25	Support individuals to manage continence	3	26
26	Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care	4	25
27	Handle information in health and social care settings	1	43
28	The role of the health and social care worker	2	40
29	Obtain and test specimens from individuals	2	14
30	Prepare individuals for healthcare activities	3	27
31	Assist in planning and evaluating learning activities	3	35
32	Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures	2	35
33	Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities	2	32
34	Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities	2	32
35	Work in partnership with families to support individuals	4	45
36	Minimise the risk of infection during the removal of used linen	2	27
37	Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities	3	24
38	Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work in health care settings	4	20
39	Monitor and maintain the environment and resources during and after clinical / therapeutic activities	3	20
40	Prepare and dress for scrubbed clinical roles	3	26
41	Care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes	3	26
42	The principles of Infection Prevention and Control	3	24
43	Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service to meet individuals’ needs	3	25
44	Contribute to the effectiveness of teams	3	28
45	Support individuals who are distressed	3	10
46	Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities	4	26
47	Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens	2	20
48	Assist in the sale of medicines and products	8	22
49	Prepare aseptic products	10	22
50	Prepare and apply dressings and drains to individuals in the perioperative environment	2	25
51	Planning and Monitoring Work	2	28
52	Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management	2	16
53	Ensure your own Actions Reduce risks to Health and Safety	2	14
54	Introduction to equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	2	30
55	Provide agreed support for foot care	3	25
56	Contribute to health and safety in health and social care	4	37
57	Support independence in the tasks of daily living	5	35
58	Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection	2	30
59	Maintaining quality standards in the health sector	1	23
60	Support participation in learning and development activities	1	24
61	Provide support for sleep	3	30
62	Remove wound closure materials	3	23
63	Support individuals to eat and drink	2	25
64	Undertake agreed pressure area care	3	32
65	Service improvement in the health sector	2	43
66	Meet food safety requirements when providing food and drink for individuals	4	32
67	Understand loss and grief in end of life care	2	30
68	Understand how to work in end of life care	2	28
69	Collection of used equipment	3	35
70	Sort used equipment and dispose of waste	3	41
71	Stroke awareness	2	30
72	Introductory awareness of sensory loss	2	34
73	Assist in the issuing of pharmaceutical stock	3	38

Level 3 Units

Sr#	Unit Title	Credit Value	GLH
1	Work with babies and young children to promote their development and learning	6	45
2	Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	10
3	Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities	4	31
4	Support individuals who are bereaved	4	30
5	Prepare for and carry out extended feeding techniques	4	27
6	Provide support to continue recommended therapie	3	20
7	Insert and secure nasogastric tubes	4	30
8	Develop positive relationships with children and young people	4	30
9	Provide advice and information to enable parents to promote the health and well-being of their newborn babies	3	22
10	Facilitate and monitor housing and accommodation services to support individuals with mental health needs	5	32
11	Collaborate in the assessment of environmental and social support in the community	4	23
12	Influencing Others at Work	1	6
13	Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children	6	45
14	Support families who have a child with a disability	3	23
15	Support individuals to manage their finances	3	20
16	Obtain venous blood samples	3	24
17	Implement therapeutic group activities	3	25
18	Collate and communicate health information to individuals	3	20
19	Provide information and advice to individuals on eating to maintain optimum nutritional status	5	38
20	Assist in the implementation of programmes to increase mobility, movement and functional independence	4	28
21	Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field	4	30
22	Prepare anaesthetic environment and provide support for pre and post-operative anaesthesia and recovery	5	38
23	Make recommendations for the use of physical resources in a health setting	5	33
24	Maintaining quality standards in the health sector	2	13
25	Understand Models of Disability	3	26
26	Support individuals to access and use services and facilities	4	25
27	Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care	6	43
28	Support young people with a disability to make the transition into adulthood	5	40
29	Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion	3	14
30	Carry out vision screening	4	27
31	Assist professionals to support individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access speech and language therapy services	5	35
32	Implement hydrotherapy programmes for individuals and groups	5	35
33	Deliver exercise sessions to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing	5	32
34	Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures	4	32
35	Facilitate person centred assessment, planning, implementation and review	6	45
36	Work in partnership with families to support individuals	4	27
37	Support individuals to develop and run support groups	3	24
38	Monitor own work practice in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	20
39	Perform first line calibration on clinical equipment to ensure it is fit for use	3	20
40	Monitor and review individuals progress in relation to maintaining optimum nutritional status	3	26
41	Give presentations to groups	4	26
42	Support individuals in undertaking their chosen activities	4	24
43	Control the use of physical resources in a health setting	3	25
44	Support children and young people experiencing transitions	3	28
45	Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	3	10
46	Contribute to the prevention of aggressive and abusive behaviour of people	4	26
47	Service improvement in the health sector	3	20
48	Understand the process and experience of dementia	3	22
49	Understand Physical Disability	3	22
50	Support individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare	3	25
51	Undertake urethral catheterisation processes	4	28
52	Promote good practice in handling information in health and social care settings	2	16
53	Understand mental health problems	3	14
54	Perform routine Electrocardiograph (ECG) Procedures	4	30
55	Undertake treatments and dressings of lesions and wounds	4	25
56	Adapt and fit healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, or products, to meet individuals’ needs	6	37
57	Administer oral nutritional products to individuals	5	35
58	Promote effective communication with individuals with sensory loss	4	30
59	Work with other professionals and agencies to support individuals with physical disability	3	23
60	Support individuals to access housing and accommodation services	4	24
61	Identify information requirements in a health context	4	30
62	Prepare and reproduce permanent radiographic images	4	23
63	Develop and prepare speech and language therapy resources for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) use	4	25
64	Carry out wound drainage care	4	32
65	Prepare and provide surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team	6	43
66	Care for a newly born baby when the mother is unable to do so	4	32
67	Understand Child and Young Person Development	4	30
68	Provide support to maintain and develop skills for everyday life	4	28
69	Facilitate learning and development activities to meet individual needs and preferences	5	35
70	Enable individuals with behavioural difficulties to develop strategies to change their behaviour	8	41
71	Reprocess endoscopy equipment	4	30
72	Support individuals with cognition and learning difficulties	5	34
73	Assist in testing individuals’ abilities prior to planning physical activities	5	38
74	Support individuals to manage dysphagia	5	35
75	Provide advice on foot care for individuals with diabetes	3	23
76	Transport, transfer and position individuals and equipment within the perioperative environment	5	32
77	Understand Sensory Loss	3	21
78	Support families who are affected by Acquired Brain Injury	3	30
79	Support individuals during a period of change	4	29
80	Perform intravenous cannulation	4	34
81	Care for individuals with urethral catheters	4	30
82	Conduct routine maintenance on clinical equipment	4	30
83	Assist and support individuals to use alternative and augmentative communication systems (AAC)	5	35
84	Measure and record individuals’ body fluid balance in a perioperative environment	4	23
85	Support parents/carers to interact with and care for their newborn baby	4	30
86	Deliver training through demonstration and instruction	3	21
87	Principles for implementing duty of care in health social care or children’s and young people’s settings	1	5
88	Promote Child and Young Person Development	3	25
89	Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies	4	24
90	Undertake physiological measurements	3	23
91	Undertake stoma care	4	30
92	Assure the effective functioning of radiographic image processing equipment	4	25
93	Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection	5	40
94	Advise and inform individuals on managing their condition	5	31
95	Assist others to monitor individuals’ progress in managing dysphagia	5	38
96	Support carers to meet the care needs of individuals	5	30
97	Maintain pharmaceutical stock	3	4
98	Anatomy and Physiology for Maternity Support Workers	2	20
99	Receive prescriptions from individuals	3	15
100	Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions	3	28
101	Support Individuals with Specific Communication Needs	5	35
102	Obtain and test capillary blood samples	4	30
103	Support individuals at the end of life	7	53
104	Contribute to effective multidisciplinary team working	3	20
105	Analyse and present health related data and information	4	30
106	Remove wound drains	4	27
107	Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to reach specific communication goals	5	38
108	Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing and complete intraoperative cell salvage blood process	5	39
109	Support parents/carers and those in a parental role to care for babies during their first year	5	36
110	Obtain a client history	3	22
111	Manage the availability of physical resources to meet service delivery needs in a health setting	5	33
112	Administer medication to individuals, and monitor the effects	5	30
113	Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items prior to the final accuracy check	4	11
114	Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings	2	8
115	Understand the impact of Acquired Brain Injury on individuals	3	28
116	Support individuals to live at home	4	25
117	Promote person centred approaches in health and social care	6	41
118	interact with and support individuals using telecommunications	5	36
119	Undertake tissue viability risk assessments	3	26
120	Manufacture equipment or medical devices for individuals within healthcare	4	30
121	Provide support for individuals with communication and interaction difficulties	5	39
122	Monitor individuals’ progress in relation to managing their body weight and nutrition	3	26
123	Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility	5	29
124	Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals	4	31
125	Examine the feet of individuals with diabetes	4	32
126	Communicate with individuals about promoting their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer	3	15
127	Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People	3	25
128	Support Children and Young People’s Health and Safety	2	15
129	Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care	1	8
130	Working Together for the Benefit of Children and Young People	2	15
131	Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People	3	25
132	Assessment and planning with children and young people	5	35
133	Promote the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people	4	30
134	Professional practice in children and young people’s social care	4	30
135	Support individuals to prepare for and settle in to new home environments	3	23
136	Promote positive behaviour	6	44
137	Support use of medication in social care settings	5	40
138	Provide information and advice to children and young people	3	22
139	Support young people to move towards independence and manage their lives	3	20
140	Work with children and young people in a residential care setting	5	35
141	Support positive practice with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs	4	28
142	Support children or young people in their own home	4	30
143	Support positive attachments for children and young people	7	55
144	Support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions	4	33
145	Prepare, load and operate decontamination equipment	3	23
146	Carry out sterilisation and product release of reuseable medical devices	3	24
147	Understand how to monitor the decontamination process	2	19
148	Monitor and solve customer service problems	1	8
149	Plan, allocate and monitor work of a team	6	40
150	Understand Stroke Care Management	5	25
151	Conduct hearing assessments	4	36
152	Conduct External Ear Examinations	5	38
153	Carry out intravenous infusion	4	28
154	Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines	4	30
155	Diabetes Awareness	4	30
156	Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a Health Trainer	6	46
157	Establishing and developing relationships with communities while working as a Health Trainer	4	20
158	Enable individuals to change their behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer	3	10
159	Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Anatomy and Terminology	5	25
160	Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Fundamentals of Care	3	24
161	Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Radiation Protection and Awareness	6	48
162	The Use of Contrast Media in Clinical Imaging	3	24
163	Speech and Language Support for 11-16s: From Theory into Practice	2	15
164	Speech and Language Support for 5-11s: From Theory into Practice	9	63
165	Communication Support for 0-25s with Severe and Complex Needs: From Theory into Practice	9	63
166	Speech and language support for under 5s: From theory into practice	9	63
167	Receive pharmaceutical stock	3	9

Level 4 Units

Sr#	Unit Title	Credit Value	GLH
1	Support disabled children and young people and those with specific requirements	6	45
2	Enable children and young people to understand their health and well-being	5	38
3	Develop and agree individualised care plans for babies and families	5	38
4	Understand the needs of children and young people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty and disadvantage	5	40
5	Support individuals to access education, training or employment	4	31

Learning Outcomes for Study Units in Health and Social Care

1: Implement Person-Centred Approaches in Health and Social Care

Understand and apply person-centred values in practice.
Recognize the importance of consent and choice in care.
Promote dignity, independence, and rights of individuals.
Adapt care approaches based on individual needs.

2: Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care

Identify signs and symptoms of abuse.
Understand policies and procedures for safeguarding.
Respond appropriately to suspected abuse.
Recognize the role of different agencies in protection.

3: Assist in the Administration of Medication

Follow protocols for medication administration.
Identify different types of medication and their effects.
Ensure safe storage and handling of medication.
Recognize and report adverse reactions.

4: Carry Out Personal Hygiene for Individuals Unable to Care for Themselves

Understand personal hygiene needs of individuals.
Maintain dignity and privacy while assisting with hygiene.
Use appropriate techniques for hygiene assistance.
Identify and report any hygiene-related health concerns.

5: Support Individuals with Speech and Language Disorders to Develop Their Communication Skills

Understand different types of speech and language disorders.
Implement communication strategies and tools.
Support individuals in developing effective communication skills.
Work collaboratively with speech therapists.

6: Perform the Non-Scrubbed Circulating Role for Perioperative Procedures

Understand the role and responsibilities in perioperative care.
Maintain a sterile field and assist surgical teams.
Monitor and support patients during perioperative procedures.
Follow safety and infection control measures.

7: Minimise the Risk of Infection When Transporting and Storing Healthcare Waste

Identify different types of healthcare waste.
Follow procedures for safe handling and disposal.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) effectively.
Understand regulations related to healthcare waste management.

8: Assist in the Issuing of Prescribed Items

Follow procedures for issuing medication.
Understand the legal and ethical considerations.
Communicate effectively with individuals receiving medication.
Maintain accurate records of issued items.

9: Assist in the Manufacture and Assembly of Medicinal Products

Understand the manufacturing process of medicinal products.
Follow safety and quality standards.
Use appropriate equipment for assembling medicinal products.
Maintain accurate records of production.

10: Assist in the Preparation of Documentation, Materials, and Other Items for Manufacture and Assembly of Medicinal Products

Prepare necessary documentation for compliance.
Ensure quality control measures are followed.
Organize materials efficiently for production.
Maintain records in accordance with regulations.

11: Support Individuals to Carry Out Their Own Health Care Procedures

Encourage independence in self-care procedures.
Provide guidance on correct techniques.
Recognize risks and take appropriate action.
Support individuals with emotional and practical care.

12: Provide Support for Therapy Sessions

Assist individuals in participating in therapy sessions.
Follow guidance from healthcare professionals.
Maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Record and report observations.

13: Contribute to the Discharge of Individuals to Carers

Understand the discharge planning process.
Communicate effectively with individuals and carers.
Provide necessary support and resources for a smooth transition.
Follow up to ensure continued care and well-being.

14: Paediatric Emergency First Aid

Recognize and respond to paediatric emergencies.
Perform CPR and first aid techniques.
Use appropriate equipment for paediatric care.
Communicate effectively with emergency responders.

15: Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

Understand the importance of effective communication.
Use different communication methods and techniques.
Recognize barriers to communication and address them.
Maintain confidentiality and professional standards.

16: Support Individuals to Meet Personal Care Needs

Assess and understand individual care needs.
Provide support while promoting independence.
Follow hygiene and infection control protocols.
Maintain dignity and respect during care procedures.

17: Contribute to the Safe Use of Medical Devices in the Perioperative Environment

Understand different medical devices and their uses.
Follow safety protocols for handling medical devices.
Assist healthcare professionals in device preparation.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations.

18: Causes and Spread of Infection

Identify common sources of infection.
Understand how infections spread in healthcare settings.
Implement measures to prevent and control infections.
Follow hygiene and disinfection protocols.

19: Prepare Documentation, Materials, Components, and Other Items for the Preparation of Aseptic Products

Maintain accurate documentation for aseptic production.
Prepare sterile materials and equipment.
Follow regulatory guidelines for aseptic preparation.
Work within a controlled environment to ensure safety.

Introduction to Duty of Care in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

Understand the concept of duty of care.
Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities.
Implement best practices to ensure well-being.
Report concerns in accordance with policies.

Who Should Attend

Target Audience and Participants

Aspiring healthcare and social care professionals who want to start a career in the sector with a recognized qualification
Current care workers, support staff, and assistants aiming to strengthen their skills and progress in their roles
Individuals working in hospitals, residential care homes, community care, or rehabilitation centers seeking to improve service delivery
Volunteers and community workers who wish to gain formal recognition for their care and support skills
Anyone passionate about making a difference in people’s lives through compassionate, person-centered care

Career & Learning Benefits

Skills, Knowledge & Opportunities You Will Earn

Earn a nationally recognized, Ofqual-regulated qualification that enhances your professional credibility in healthcare and social care
Gain practical skills and essential knowledge to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate support services
Learn key competencies such as person-centered care, safeguarding, communication, and health & safety compliance
Improve your ability to work confidently across diverse settings including hospitals, care homes, community care, and rehabilitation centers
Flexible, assignment-based learning allows you to study at your own pace without exam pressure
Strengthen your career prospects with industry-relevant training that opens pathways to advanced qualifications and supervisory roles
Develop professional ethics and teamwork skills essential for providing high-quality care
Build confidence to meet regulatory standards and best practices in healthcare and social care delivery
Enhance your ability to support individuals with diverse needs, promoting dignity, respect, and well-being
Position yourself for career progression and long-term growth in the healthcare and social care sector

Need More Information?

Frequently Asked Questions Explained

It is an Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver effective care and support services in healthcare and social care settings.

Aspiring healthcare and social care professionals
Current care workers and support staff seeking career progression
Individuals working in hospitals, care homes, community care, or rehabilitation centers
Volunteers and community workers who want formal recognition of their skills

The qualification is assignment-based, meaning learners complete coursework and practical tasks rather than formal exams.

Roles such as care assistant, support worker, healthcare assistant, or community care worker. It also serves as a pathway to advanced qualifications and supervisory positions.

Yes, it is regulated by Ofqual and recognized across the UK, making it valuable for employment and further study.

Enrollment Criteria

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment

Basic English and communication skills recommended
A genuine interest in healthcare and social care and supporting individuals in need
Age 16 or above
Commitment to completing assignment-based assessments