Healthcare Professions Support for England HTQ Higher National Diploma

Step into a course that brings healthcare to life and prepares you for a truly rewarding future.

This dynamic programme gives you the opportunity to train in our state-of-the-art simulation wards and care rooms, where you’ll practise real-world scenarios in a safe, supportive environment. Here, you won’t just learn theory — you’ll actively develop the essential hands-on skills, confidence, and professional judgement that are crucial when working in any care setting.

You’ll study just two days a week in college, with the rest of your time spent gaining valuable experience on work placement. Already working in health or social care? Even better — your current role can count towards your required placement hours, allowing you to build your qualification around your real-life experience.

This course is designed to help you grow into an independent-thinking, adaptable professional. It equips you to meet employer expectations, respond to the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, and thrive in a constantly changing world. At the same time, it expands your access to higher education and significantly enhances your long-term career prospects.

You’ll gain essential healthcare knowledge and practical skills that prepare you for success in modern health and social care settings. Career pathways include roles such as Healthcare Assistant Practitioner, with opportunities in nursing support, care navigation, care planning, and assessment. Throughout the course, you’ll explore the wide range of roles within healthcare and understand the vital importance of teamwork and collaboration at every level.

The programme also explores culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, and professional values — ensuring you are ready to provide inclusive, compassionate, and person-centred care. You’ll examine current health and social care challenges and learn how integrated approaches improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
Work experience is a central part of your development:
- Level 4 includes a minimum of 225 hours in a healthcare setting
- Level 5 includes a minimum of 450 hours in a minimum of two healthcare settings

By the time you complete the course, you will have developed the skills, techniques, resilience, and personal attributes that employers are looking for — and you’ll be fully prepared to step into employment, progress in your current role, or move on to higher education such as a pre-registration degree in nursing or allied health.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, this course is your opportunity to turn that passion into a powerful and purposeful career.