Introduction to Nursing and Healthcare Professions (UCLAN)

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Introduction to Nursing and Healthcare Professions (UCLAN)

Next Available Start Dates

Tuesday 15th Sep 2026 - 8th Dec 2026, 9:30am - 3pm at Waterside Centre Accrington Apply Now

Course Type:

Part Time

Entry Requirements:

In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English at Entry 3 and above. Learners would also benefit for a basic level of IT skills to be able to access resources and research activities, although this is not essential.

All learners will complete an initial assessment (BKSB or similar) prior to the course to measure literacy and numeracy skills to ensure the course is at the right level, as well as a skills, knowledge and behaviour questionnaire to ensure you’re on the right course for your current ability.

Course Overview

This programme introduces learners to a range of roles within the nursing and healthcare sector, supporting progression into sustained employment. It is designed to help you understand what working in healthcare involves, the skills required, and the wide range of career pathways available.
Throughout the programme, you will attend sessions focused on key healthcare topics, building your knowledge and confidence while developing sector-specific skills. These will support progression into roles such as healthcare assistant positions, progression towards nursing pathways and allied health professions.
You will also have the opportunity to attend a Nursing Pathways/Taster Day, offering first-hand insight into working in a healthcare environment and exploring career opportunities within the NHS.
As the programme is employment-focused, suitable learners may also be offered placement opportunities to support progression into this rewarding sector.

What will I learn?

Over the course of the programme, learners will be introduced to what it is like to work in a healthcare environment, the skills, behaviours and attitude required to work in an often pressurised environment caring for individuals at their most vulnerable. You will complete a qualification as part of the programme which will include a series of shorter subject specific sessions, developing knowledge in the following areas:

Exploring Opportunities within the sector
Principles of Care
Roles and Responsibilities
Skills and Attitudes
Working with Others
Diversity, equality and inclusion
Communication

How is the course delivered?

Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods.

Further support and learning can be accessed through supported research, with links to a range of activities, resources and further reading links.

How will my learning be assessed?

Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly.

Learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge

Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research.

Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations.

Learners accessing online assessment can view their progress in the progress bars on each course, indicating what has been completed and what is still to submit.
Course Work
Learners will complete work associated with the course/qualification they are undertaking. There are assessment packs for each unit, with a variety of activities and exercises for the individuals to complete throughout the course. Case studies, research activities and practical skills will also be used to assess learners throughout the programme

Additional Information

There are two models of this programme, one is planned to run for 12 weeks, attending a venue for 3 hours each week and another which runs for 6 full days attending once per week.

We will support you in your preparation for applying for roles within the sector with expert support towards interview and progression into employment.

We will encourage you to take up placement opportunities, available with a number of organisations in a range of settings which can support you in your progression into employment. Placements can be planned to suit the individuals’ pathway choice and can also be used as a working interview.

As part of the programme, we will also fund the application of an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) Certificate, the mandatory requirement for working in any health or care environment. We will also fund the upgrade to the online updates service for the first 12 months once your certificate arrives.