The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the health and social care sectors. You will learn how to care for individuals depending on their needs and explore how care values and practice can be applied in practical settings. You will explore the factors which affect human development and will be taught how different psychological approaches can help us to care for individuals based on their needs and experiences.
The qualification combines internally assessed coursework units with externally assessed examinations to provide students with a wide range of assessment opportunities.
As well as theoretical content, students will learn how to apply their knowledge to a variety of practical settings, thus preparing them for either further study or employment.
The BTEC National Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care is a great choice for any student interested in pursuing a career in nursing, social care or the allied health professions. The nature of the content and delivery mean it is a great springboard for University but is equally helpful to those students wishing to move straight into employment. The Level 2 BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care makes excellent prior study but is not an essential prerequisite.
This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of human growth physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across their lifespan, the interaction between biological and social factors in health and well-being and how health care professionals provide effective care.
This unit will explore the organisation, structure and normal physiological functioning of the human body, and the effect on health of common disorders of the body systems. You will learn how the body is organised into cells, tissues, organs and organ systems and how healthy bodily function is achieved. You will explore respiration and energy metabolism in the human body and the homeostatic mechanisms that work to maintain the internal environment of the body
This unit will help you to understand the principles that underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals, which are the foundation of all services within health and social care. Students will learn about the values, skills and principles of meeting care and support needs and how these should be applied in practice. You will look at some of the challenges and approaches that may arise when personalising care and how legislation, governance and regulation affect the provision of care and support to meet individuals’ needs.
Students will cover the key microbiological concepts relevant to the field of health science and the role of microbiology in the diagnosis and spread of disease on a local, national and international scale. Students will gain an understanding of the different types of microorganisms that cause infection and disease in humans, the conditions they need to thrive, and common methods for controlling them. You will examine the effectiveness of the human body’s natural defence mechanisms, used to establish its own immunity from infectious disease.
Health and Social Care is an amazing subject for those who take an interest in working with people who are in need of care. It teaches you about how health care systems work, how to treat and care for different individuals and how different illnesses impact people's lives.
Mackenzie. Year 13 Student.
I have found that in Health and Social Care my teachers are always able to give me support where I need it through helpful feedback and assistance in certain tasks. It's reassuring to know that help is always available, even outside of lessons. I have never found the workload too overwhelming, meaning it's well suited to people who enjoy learning at their own pace and learning about topics that interest them.
Megan. Year 13 Student.
Every Thursday after school, students have the opportunity to attend the BTEC Cafe where staff are on hand to offer support and advice to anyone who has questions about coursework and exam preparation.
There are also regular revision sessions in the lead up to exams which are designed to help you master exam technique as well teaching you the skills needed to retain and recollect what you have learnt.
Coursework elements are delivered using the Google Classroom and therefore support online and from tutors is available daily to all students during the working week.
Could be ideal for you if you have an interest in providing essential physical, emotional and psychological care to children, young people and their families during a stay in hospital or out in the community. Child specialist nurses provide the help and support needed to improve and extend the health and life choices of young people via education, support, health promotion and advocacy.
One quarter of the population will experience a mental health problem at some point, and as a specialist mental health nurse you could help to provide the knowledge, skills and support needed to make a real difference to someones life. If you like the idea of working as part of a team and in a variety of settings, this challenging but rewarding career could be for you.
Midwives are the first and primary point of contact for expectant mothers, providing them with information on health, pregnancy, birth and practical caring skills. You would learn to provide essential care to women and their families during pregnancy, labour and in the post-natal period, helping to share and shape this most personal of experiences.
Speech and language therapists provide life-changing treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing. You'll help people who, for physical or psychological reasons, have problems speaking and communicating
An occupational therapists job role is to help people of all ages overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations. An occupational therapist will consider all of the patient's needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental.
Child and family social workers protect vulnerable children and support families in need of assistance. Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional issues