The Healthcare Science (HCS) Associate apprenticeship is a course that prepares individuals to work in technical and scientific roles within the healthcare sector. The programme focuses on developing skills and knowledge required to perform high-quality, safe diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring procedures in hospitals, general practice, and other healthcare settings. Students will work within a multi-disciplinary team and adhere to Good Scientific Practice standards, while contributing to the safe, efficient functioning of services. The course covers a range of activities, including quality control of technical processing, routine investigations, managing technical data, and writing technical reports. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to work as HCS Associates in a variety of healthcare settings.

During their apprenticeship, the individual will gain the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for their chosen role and industry. Below are examples of the subject areas to aid them in this effort:

• Practice professionally and within the limits of own competence and the role, adhering to the standards, policies and protocols used in the workplace.
• Provide technical scientific services and use problem solving skills to recognise and address issues.
• Support the provision of clinical care.
• Use communication techniques to facilitate understanding and provide feedback.
• Provide leadership to colleagues and work in partnership with the wider healthcare team.
• Maintain a healthy, safe and secure workplace and support others to do the same.
• Adhere to quality procedures relevant to own role and take part in audit or service improvement programmes that contribute to patient care.
• Contribute to innovation or research within scope of own role.
• Maintain and develop own competence and that of others by taking part in personal and professional development.
• Promote information governance and maintain confidentiality.

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

• Assessment Method 1: Observation of practice with questions
• Assessment Method 2: Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Healthcare science associate