Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) England (RQF)
These qualifications are designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to care for others in a broad range of health or social care settings.
A Diploma in Health and Social Care is flexible to suit all fields of health and social care. Learners can select a pathway that suits their role – for example, working with people with a learning disability or people with dementia.
Thus, the three areas of focus to choose from are:
- Adults with Learning Disabilities
- Dementia Pathway
- Generic Pathway
This is the main qualification required by the Quality Care Commission in England and the Care Councils in Wales and Northern Ireland.
While completing this qualification, you’ll cover topics like:
- the role of a health and social care worker
- health and safety
- equality and inclusion
- personal development.
You’ll also cover specific skills and knowledge for the options you choose. This may include:
- administering medication
- supporting people with disabilities
- working with babies and young children
- helping people to eat and drink.
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) England (RQF) (Guided Learning Hours: 319 – 396):
You are a care worker or want to get your first care job. If you’re already working in care, you probably work mainly under supervision. This course increases your skills and qualifies you to take on more responsibility.
This level is suitable for:
- Healthcare assistants/Support workers
- Care workers/Assistants/Key workers/Support workers
- Personal assistants.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) England (RQF) (Guided Learning Hours: 315 – 447):
You’re a care worker, and you have some responsibility in your workplace. You sometimes work without supervision. You want to develop or demonstrate your skills, perhaps to become a senior care worker.
This level is suitable for:
- Senior healthcare assistants/Support workers
- Senior care workers/Assistants/Key workers/Support workers
- Personal assistants.
Note that both qualifications might also suit emerging new types of workers and multi-disciplinary health roles crossing traditional service barriers and delivery models.