As we celebrate World Health Day 2024, our Head of Quality and Standards, Andrew Bardsley, shares his love for our Health Qualifications and explains how they are developed to bridge the skills gap and meet the demand of local authorities across the UK.
'Open Awards Health Qualifications prepare learners for the health workforce through a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Our qualifications are designed in consultation with industry experts and stakeholders to ensure that the content is up-to-date and relevant to the needs of the health workforce. We often work with local authorities and support the skills gaps highlighted in Local Skills Improvement Plans. Due to this, learners are then equipped with a solid understanding of theoretical concepts current to their chosen field within the sector. This includes topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, psychology, and healthcare ethics.
Our Access to HE courses have specific routes for medicine, nursing, midwifery and health professionals allowing progression into roles such as doctors, healthcare assistants, nurses, medical technicians, operating department technician, public health workers, medical research, community health workers, dieticians, therapists and many more. Assessment methods used in these qualifications often include a mix of written exams, practical assessments, case studies, and portfolio assessments. This ensures that learners demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competency before they enter the workforce.
Open Awards Health Qualifications align with relevant professional standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring that learners are prepared to meet the expectations of employers and regulatory bodies within the healthcare sector. For example, we work with the General Pharmaceutical Council who regulate out pharmacy and aseptic qualifications to prepare learners and apprentices working in Pharmacy. Such courses incorporate clinical experience and/or work placements within healthcare settings. This provides learners with firsthand exposure to the realities of working in the field, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios under the guidance of experienced professionals. In other qualifications learners may engage in laboratory work, simulations, and practical exercises to develop essential skills required in the health workforce.
I am extremely proud to work for an awarding organisation that develops fantastic health qualifications that equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to succeed in various roles within the healthcare workforce.'
If you are interested in delivering any of our Health related qualification, get in touch for a chat.