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Health Professions & Social Services

Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 1

Campus Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Full time

Duration 20 weeks

Start date Aug 2023

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Course overview

Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 1 (Formally Introduction to Health Services)  is your first step towards a rewarding career as a health professional. This course will prepare you for an entry-level job in the healthcare sector or further study at Edinburgh College. This course will suit those seeking a career change or wanting to further their studies. Previous students on this course have gained employment in health care or progressed to Gateway to Healthcare Phase 2 then to Level 6 Health courses, leading to university places for nursing and allied health professions. 

What you will learn

You will have opportunity to learn in our sector leading facilities in our Digital Care Hub, where you will have hands on experince of working in variety of health care settings. You will achieve a number of practical competencies which will improve your employability opportunites and give you the academic confidence to take your next educational step.

  • Practical Caring Skills
  • First Aid
  • The Human Body
  • Communication for Health and Care
  • Safe beginners
  • Wellbeing and Resilience

Placement information

  • There is no placement but you will have a variety of guest speakers from health and social care

How the course is assessed

  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Portfolio building
  • Reports
  • Closed book exams

Number of days per week

  • 3 days per week for 18 weeks

Entry requirements

  • Four National 4s including English and Biology or relevant Level 4 full-time course  
  • If you don’t currently have Biology at SCQF Level 4 then you need to apply to an SCQF Level 4 course with Biology first before progressing onto this course 
  • If you do not have the formal entry requirements but you are an adult learner with relevant employment or life experience skills, you will be considered for entry to this course 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • Be clear in your personal statement about your reason for applying and where you would like to work in the future. All applicants meeting the entry qualifications may be invited into College for an information session after which offers will be made 

English Proficiency Requirements

ILETS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • Progess to January Start Gateway to Healthcare Phase 2
  • Once Phase 2 complete can progess to SCQF Level 6 Route to Health Professions or other relevant course which will give you the entry requirements to study nursing and other allied health professions at a university 

Career options

  • Support work roles in health or social care 

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date Duration
Milton Road Campus Full time 28/08/23 20 Weeks
Sighthill Campus Full time 28/08/23 20 Weeks

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