Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate 2025-26

Please note: This course is NOT free. As this is a brand new course, the fees are currently to be confirmed. However, once confirmed, and subject to eligibility, you will have the option to pay the courses fees via an Advanced Learner Loan (Student Loan).

This exciting new qualification is designed for learners looking to retrain or upskill as a healthcare science associate or for learners wishing to carry on their studies after T Levels/A Levels or equivalent.

Healthcare science assistants and associates make a difference to patients' lives by supporting assessment and diagnosis of disease and illness. Some will work in laboratories; others will work directly with patients every day.

The programme supports students to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work in the role of a Healthcare Science Associate in hospitals, primary care and other healthcare settings. It also explores the scientific, technical and clinical practice you will need to demonstrate and apply to the role.

The course combines a range of in-college sessions to acquire the skills and knowledge required to achieve the qualification, as well as industry-based learning and assessment opportunities.

The qualification explores a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours, including:

• Professional practice and person-centred care
• Personal and professional development
• Health, safety and security
• Quality and clinical care
• Audit and service improvement
• Leadership

*Some topics may be subject to change.

Mandatory units include:
• Law, policy and ethical practice in health and social care 1
• Demonstrating professional principles and values in health and social care practice
• Supporting the individual journey through integrated health and social care
• Fundamentals of evidence-based practice (Set Project)
• Health education in action
• Effective healthcare practice using maths
• Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology for health and ill-health

Students who successfully achieve this qualification could progress into employment as a healthcare science associate in one of over 50 different specialist roles, including cardiographer, laboratory support technician, phlebotomist (taking blood) or even a new-born hearing screener.

You may support colleagues across a range of healthcare science areas in the NHS. For example, you might work in:

• A pathology laboratory, processing samples of blood, cells or tissues.
• A cardiology department, taking readings of a patient's heart.
• A respiratory department, measuring a patient's breathing.
• An audiology department, helping to identify and assess hearing and balance dysfunction.

Learners can progress to further Healthcare Science/Health based qualifications at level 5 and 6, including further study at East Durham College on our Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner. It can also support progression on to a related apprenticeships.

You will require to have achieved a level 3 or equivalent qualification in healthcare science, health or science-related qualification equivalent to a minimum of:

72 UCAS points.

Level 2 in maths and English (GCSE at grade C/4 or above) is also required, plus an enhanced clear DBS check.

Entry requirements will be reviewed during the informal course interview and relevant experience and employment will be considered as part of the application.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

The units in this qualification are assessed through an internally- and externally assessed portfolio of evidence made up of evidence collected through the course.

September 2025.

Length of delivery - 24 months
The course will combine a range of in college sessions to acquire the skills and knowledge required to achieve the qualification, as-well as work based learning and assessment opportunities.