NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

About This Course

This NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is a fully-recognised RQF qualification and prepares learners for skilled roles in health and social care settings. It equips them with the knowledge and competence to deliver quality care across a variety of environments.

Designed to support progression within the NHS or private sector, the qualification develops confidence in clinical skills, communication, safeguarding and team working – matching the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship standard.

Course Benefits

• Fully-recognised RQF qualification
• Aligned to the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship standard
• Develops hands-on skills for NHS, private, and community care roles
• Includes clinical, communication and safeguarding skills
• Study from home with access to expert personal tutor guidance

Course Units

Qualification Title: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Qualification Number: 610/2160/X
Credit Value: 83 Credits

Unit 1: Promote Communication in Care Settings

• Support verbal and non-verbal communication
• Adapt communication to meet individual needs
• Maintain accurate communication records

Unit 2: Promote Effective Handling of Information in Care Settings

• Access and handle information securely
• Follow confidentiality and data protection policies
• Support accurate and timely record-keeping

Unit 3: Promote Personal Development in Care Settings

• Reflect on own work and learning
• Develop personal and professional goals
• Participate in supervision and feedback

Unit 4: Promote Person-centred Approaches in Care Settings

• Support individual choice and control
• Promote dignity and respect in care
• Apply person-centred values consistently

Unit 5: Promote Equality and Inclusion in Care Settings

• Challenge discrimination in practice
• Support inclusive care delivery
• Recognise and value diversity

Unit 6: Promote Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Care Settings

• Implement safety procedures and policies
• Manage risks in the care environment
• Respond to incidents and emergencies

Unit 7: Responsibilities of a Senior Healthcare Support Worker

• Understand role and accountability
• Support colleagues and teamwork
• Promote service user wellbeing

Unit 8: Understand Mental Health Problems

• Identify common mental health conditions
• Recognise signs and symptoms
• Understand the impact on individuals

Unit 9: Understand Mental Wellbeing Promotion

• Define mental wellbeing and its importance
• Promote resilience and support networks
• Encourage positive lifestyle choices

Unit 10: Study Skills for Senior Healthcare Support Workers

• Develop independent learning strategies
• Use research and referencing skills
• Plan and organise study time effectively

Unit 11: Undertake Physiological Measurements

• Measure vital signs accurately
• Follow infection control protocols
• Record and report findings clearly

Unit 12: Assist in the Clinical Care of Individuals

• Prepare individuals for procedures
• Support during clinical activities
• Report changes and concerns promptly

Unit 13: Infection Prevention and Control Practices

• Apply standard precautions consistently
• Manage waste and hygiene safely
• Reduce cross-infection risks

Unit 14: Safeguarding Adults and Children

• Recognise signs of abuse and neglect
• Respond to safeguarding concerns
• Follow local protection procedures

Unit 15: Support Person-Centred Care and Independence

• Encourage self-care and choice
• Adapt support to individual needs
• Promote confidence and empowerment

Unit 16: Manage Risk in Health and Social Care

• Identify hazards and assess risks
• Implement control measures
• Monitor and review risk levels

Unit 17: Promote Equality in Practice

• Embed equality in daily activities
• Respect protected characteristics
• Ensure fairness in service delivery

Unit 18: Support Health Promotion Activities

• Encourage healthy habits and choices
• Support individuals to make changes
• Use appropriate health information

Unit 19: Manage Information in Care Work

• Handle information legally and ethically
• Store and share data securely
• Support quality assurance processes

Unit 20: Undertake Urethral Catheterisation Processes

• Perform catheterisation safely
• Prevent complications and infection
• Document procedures and outcomes

Unit 21: Undertake Stoma Care

• Clean and change stoma appliances
• Support patient independence
• Monitor skin condition and report issues

Unit 22: Understand Advance Care Planning

• Explore individual care preferences
• Respect legal and ethical considerations
• Support informed decision-making

Unit 23: Support Individuals During a Period of Change

• Recognise effects of life transitions
• Provide emotional and practical support
• Adapt communication and involvement

Unit 24: Support Positive Risk Taking

• Enable informed choices about risk
• Promote autonomy and independence
• Balance safety with empowerment

Assessment

No external examination required. Learners will be assessed via a portfolio of evidence submitted online.

Learners must already be working, volunteering or on practical placement to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and skills – minimum 250 hours placement needed.

Assessment methods include direct observation, witness testimony, reflective practice, professional discussion, and written assignments. Learners are supported throughout by an expert personal tutor.

Required Knowledge

Learners must be at least 16 years old and must be already working, volunteering or on placement to demonstrate real-work competency. There are no formal entry requirements, making this course a strong entry route into healthcare professions.

Awarding Body

Upon completing your course, you’ll receive a certificate recognising your achievement. NCFE, a renowned organisation offering vocational and technical courses, has provided quality education for over 170 years. In 2015, CACHE joined NCFE. Enrol in an NCFE CACHE course for two-year access to NCFE CACHE Alumni, a network offering resources and guidance for care, health, and education professionals.

Support

You have 12 months of tutor support to complete your course, starting from the day you enrol.

From the guidance of our personal tutors whose industry experience can help to support and mentor your studies, to our comprehensive study guide and course materials.

You too can take advantage of the extensive knowledge base of our personal tutors and use their experiences to get all of your questions answered. Similarly, our student support team are readily available to lend you their advice and guidance as they help you to decipher your course materials and answer your questions.