Health and Social Care

Healthcare assistant practitioners are a vital part of the modern health and social care workforce, providing direct care and support to service users under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals. The role sits at a critical junction in the NHS and social care system, enabling qualified nurses and other clinicians to focus on the most complex aspects of care while ensuring that patients and service users receive consistent, skilled support in their daily needs and clinical monitoring. This two-year full-time programme at Southampton Solent prepares you for this important and growing role.

You will study the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively as part of a wider health and social care team, covering areas including anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, clinical procedures, safeguarding, communication, and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern care provision. The programme combines academic study with substantial practice-based learning in health and social care settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real environments and to develop the professional confidence that effective practice requires. Southampton Solent's connections with healthcare providers in the region provide a rich placement environment.

Graduates from this programme are prepared to work as healthcare assistant practitioners in a range of settings, including NHS hospitals, community health services, care homes, and social care organisations. The qualification typically supports eligibility for registration as a nursing associate, and many graduates go on to further study, including top-up routes to registered nurse qualification. The role provides a meaningful and direct contribution to patient care, and the programme is designed for people who want to build a professional healthcare career from a foundation of real practice.