National 5 Health Sector

Why study SfW Health Sector?

The Health Sector is one of the largest employers in the country and provides employment opportunities through a varied range of disciplines. Primary and secondary care in the NHS are the most common routes to employment, but this course will cover other areas such as complementary therapies, the retail pharmaceutical industry and the community and voluntary sectors.

The sector offers good opportunities for those who enjoy:

• working in a team

• solving problems

• learning about fitness and health.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Health and Medicine

Social, Caring and Advisory Services

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but it may help to have achieved the following:

• National 4 SfW Health Sector

What will I study?

The course is made up of five compulsory units, three taking 40 hours and two taking 20 hours of study:

• Working in Health Sector Settings OR Working in Health Sector Settings Scotland (6 SCQF credit points)

• Employability Skills in the Health Sector (6 SCQF credit points)

• Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals (6 SCQF credit points)

• Improving health and Wellbeing (6 SCQF credit points)

• Physiology of the Cardiovascular System (3 SCQF credit points)

You will learn about

• the diverse range of both clinical and non-clinical roles

• practice customer care skills in a clinical and non-clinical role

• job seeking skills and how to prepare for specific roles including mock interviews

• learn about different medical devices and how they diagnose and treat patients

• investigate the use of pharmaceutical products for medical conditions

• tackle current health and lifestyle issues through teamwork

• the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

Where will I take the course?

You will usually train at a local college. Training sessions will take place for a set number of hours and weeks during term time.

Work experience/placements

You may be able to arrange a related work experience placement by speaking to your pastoral care or guidance teacher in school.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be based on a range of practical activities in real or simulated workplace settings. Tutors will observe and keep records of your work.

What can I go on to next?

You may be able to progress to:

Employment/Training

• A Modern Apprenticeship in the Health sector.

Further/Higher Education

• A one year full time NC or NQ in Health Sector at a local college of further education.

Further study, training or employment in:

• Health and Medicine

• Social, Caring and Advisory Services

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• SfW Health Sector - Related Careers