This course is intended for those who are working in the health care sector, be it residential care or home care, or who are intending on starting a career in this sector of activity.

Its aim is to provide course participants with enough theoretical knowledge and practical experience for them to practice safely and efficiently.

It is open to anyone age 18 and over with a fairly good writing skill.

The course will contain 304 hours of theory and 150 hours of practical experience in the health care sector, mostly in private clinics and private residential care homes.

Conditions of recruitment

The student should be at least 18 years old.

Entry Requirement

Young candidates should have studied up to Cambridge School Certificate or equivalent.

Mature candidates should be able to read and write and take part in written projects.

Work experience as a Health Care Assistant is an advantage

Awarding Body:

Admission procedure

Candidates are requested to submit their curriculum vitae with a covering letter.

Selection Criteria

Admission to the course will be dependent on the outcome of an interview.

Assessments

Assessments will include:

• Written assignments in essay form.
• Written classroom tests.

Course contents: (20 sections) (304 hours)

(1 to 3) Writing skills & numeracy: (3 sections)

1. Text analysis ( 4 hours)

How to analyse a text and answer questions based on the text. How to find key words. Practice with texts on a variety of care issues

2. Mathematics: ( 6 hours)

Whole numbers and decimals - Addition & subtraction

Multiplication and division

3. Measures : (4 hours)

The measures of length – the measures of weight – the measures of volumes - the measures of surface area – the measures of time – Body Mass Index Conversion of different units

4. Digestive system ( 8 hours)

The digestive tract – digestive glands - nutrition - Digestion and absorption of nutrients - Hygiene. Common related medical conditions

5. Nervous system – Reproductive system – Respiratory system (10 hours)

Anatomy and physiology of the nervous system – sensory organs : sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch - Reproduction : male and female reproduction organs - Respiration : Respiratory organs and breathing mechanism

Common related medical conditions

6. Skeletal system (8 hours)

Description of the skeleton: bones, head, trunk, limbs. Growth of and accidents to the skeleton. Joints

Common related medical conditions

7. Nutrition (8 hours)

Daily minimum dietary requirements

Common related medical conditions

8. Circulatory system (8 hours)

Blood composition - plasma, red and white blood cells, platelets - clotting mechanism – Organs of blood circulation – circulation of blood

Common related medical conditions

9. Lymphatic system (8 hours)

Lymph glands & circulation

Common related medical conditions

10. Renal system (8 hours)

Organs involved. Absorption & excretion. Fluid balance

Common related medical conditions

11. Oral communication techniques (24 hours)

Theory and practice using video camera. Feedback session

Interview on personal and professional aspirations Communication skills

12 to 14. Study on sanitary and social themes (3 sections) (32 hours)

The elderly – Sanitary and social aspects of caring – public health

Common related medical conditions

15. Child and adult psychology (32 hours)

The child discover his body – Personality disorder

What is a child in good health? – The child and hospital

16 to 17. Socio – medical aspects (32 hours)

Medicines, drug addiction, alcoholism, cancer, diabetes, AIDS and other medical conditions prevalent at the time, e.g. Chikungunya

These will include the nature of the problem, the causes, symptoms, treatment & care

18. Philosophy of care practices (48 hours)

Holistic approach to care. The care team. Case studies. Assessment & care planning

19. Health and Safety (40 hours)

This will include ergonomics and manual handling techniques, Fire lectures and drills and health and safety at work

20. First Aid (24 hours)

Course participants will be sponsored to attend a basic first aid course organised by the Red Cross or the St John Ambulance