ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills Course in South Africa
The ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills Course in South Africa is a vocational qualification that equips learners in South Africa with the knowledge, skills, and practical competence needed to support individuals in various healthcare and social care settings. As South Africa continues to expand its healthcare workforce in both the public and private sectors, this qualification addresses the growing demand for well-trained care professionals who can contribute meaningfully to patient care and support services.
Course Overview
ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills Course in South Africa is structured to ensure that learners gain a strong foundation in essential care skills while offering the flexibility to specialise according to their workplace or career goals. To achieve the certificate, learners must complete a total of 13 credits. A minimum of 8 credits must be obtained from Level 2 units, while the remaining 5 credits can be selected from a broad list of units at Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4. This structure ensures accessibility for beginners and relevance for experienced care workers aiming to upskill or diversify their expertise.
Course Study Units
The programme includes a comprehensive selection of mandatory and elective study units. These units are practical, competency-based, and aligned with the standards of care delivery across a range of environments including hospitals, clinics, care homes, and community outreach centres.
Sample Level 2 Mandatory and Elective Units Include:
- Implement person centred approaches in health and social care
- Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care
- Assist in the administration of medication
- Support individuals with speech and language disorders to develop their communication skills
- Carry out personal hygiene for individuals unable to care for themselves
- Perform the non-scrubbed circulating role for perioperative procedures
- Minimise the risk of infection when transporting and storing healthcare waste
- Assist in the manufacture and assembly of medicinal products
- Provide support for therapy sessions
- Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
- Dementia awareness
- Handle information in health and social care settings
- Support individuals to meet personal care needs
- Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities
- Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment
- Understand how to work in end of life care
- Provide agreed support for foot care
- Prepare and apply dressings and drains to individuals in the perioperative environment
- Prepare aseptic products
- Support individuals to manage continence
Additional Units from Level 3 and Level 4 Include:
- Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities
- Insert and secure nasogastric tubes
- Obtain venous blood samples
- Deliver exercise sessions to improve health and wellbeing
- Support families who have a child with a disability
- Facilitate and monitor housing and accommodation services for individuals with mental health needs
- Administer oral nutritional products
- Understand the process and experience of dementia
- Support individuals during a period of change
- Develop and agree individualised care plans for babies and families
This broad selection allows learners to customise their learning journey based on specific healthcare domains and service needs in South Africa.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:
- Deliver patient-centred care in line with professional and ethical standards
- Provide assistance with personal hygiene, mobility, medication, and nutrition
- Apply infection control and safety procedures in healthcare settings
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Maintain accurate records and support documentation
- Assist in specialised healthcare procedures under supervision
- Understand the dynamics of supporting vulnerable individuals including those with dementia, disabilities, and chronic conditions
Course Benefits
This qualification brings numerous advantages for healthcare support professionals in South Africa. It enhances employability across hospitals, eldercare facilities, disability services, private practices, and home-based care environments. Learners gain internationally recognised credentials that demonstrate their practical competence, ethical standards, and understanding of patient needs. The flexibility of combining Level 2, 3, and 4 units supports career development and allows learners to adapt to evolving care environments and service requirements. Additionally, it promotes personal growth by reinforcing critical thinking, communication, and responsibility in healthcare contexts.
Who Is This Course For?
The ProQual Level 2 Certificate is ideal for:
- School leavers or matriculants seeking a healthcare career
- Community health workers or care assistants wanting formal certification
- Individuals re-entering the workforce or transitioning from informal care roles
- Home-based care providers aiming to expand their skills
- Existing healthcare support staff looking to progress in their careers
- Those seeking international job opportunities in care and support services
Future Progression
Successful completion of the qualification opens pathways to advanced study and career advancement. Learners may choose to progress to Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications in specialised fields such as disability support, therapeutic care, mental health support, or maternity assistance. The qualification can also serve as a stepping stone towards formal nursing education, healthcare management programmes, or professional certification for supervisory roles. For those aiming to work abroad, the ProQual framework supports recognition in multiple global healthcare systems, enhancing mobility and long-term career prospects.
The ProQual Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills offers a comprehensive, flexible, and practical qualification designed to meet the current and future needs of South Africa’s healthcare system. With its focus on real-world competencies and personal development, it empowers learners to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals receiving care. Whether you are beginning your career or looking to build upon your existing experience, this course offers a professional and accessible pathway into one of the most essential sectors of society.