NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support is a fully recognised RQF qualification designed for learners preparing for skilled roles across health and social care. It develops both knowledge and practical competence, enabling learners to provide high-quality care in a range of settings.

This qualification is aligned with the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship standard, making it an excellent choice for those pursuing career progression within the NHS, private healthcare, or community care services. Learners gain confidence in clinical practice, safeguarding, communication, and collaborative working.

Course Benefits

• Fully recognised RQF Level 3 qualification

• Aligned with the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship

• Builds competence for NHS, private, and community care roles

• Develops skills in clinical practice, communication, and safeguarding

• Flexible study from home with guidance from a personal tutor

Qualification Details

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

Course Units

Core Skills in Care Practice

Unit 1: Promote Communication in Care Settings

• Support verbal and non-verbal communication

• Adapt to individual needs

• Keep accurate communication records

Unit 2: Promote Effective Handling of Information in Care Settings

• Access and handle information securely

• Follow confidentiality and data protection guidelines

• Maintain accurate records

Unit 3: Promote Personal Development in Care Settings

• Reflect on practice and learning

• Set personal and professional goals

• Engage in supervision and feedback

Unit 4: Promote Person-Centred Approaches in Care Settings

• Respect individual choice and control

• Apply dignity and respect in care delivery

• Consistently use person-centred values

Unit 5: Promote Equality and Inclusion in Care Settings

• Challenge discrimination

• Deliver inclusive care

• Recognise and value diversity

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

• Apply safety procedures and policies

• Assess and manage risks

• Respond to incidents and emergencies

Specialist Knowledge and Responsibilities

Unit 7: Responsibilities of a Senior Healthcare Support Worker

• Understand accountability and role boundaries

• Support colleagues effectively

• Promote service user wellbeing

Unit 8: Understand Mental Health Problems

• Identify common mental health conditions

• Recognise symptoms and behaviours

• Understand the impact on individuals

Unit 9: Understand Mental Wellbeing Promotion

• Define mental wellbeing

• Encourage resilience and positive lifestyle choices

• Support individual networks

Unit 10: Study Skills for Senior Healthcare Support Workers

• Develop independent study strategies

• Use research and referencing effectively

• Plan and manage study time

Clinical Skills and Procedures

Unit 11: Undertake Physiological Measurements

• Record vital signs accurately

• Follow infection control standards

• Report findings appropriately

Unit 12: Assist in the Clinical Care of Individuals

• Prepare for clinical procedures

• Provide support during activities

• Recognise and report changes

Unit 13: Infection Prevention and Control Practices

• Apply standard precautions

• Maintain hygiene and waste control

• Prevent cross-infection risks

Unit 14: Safeguarding Adults and Children

• Identify abuse and neglect

• Take action on safeguarding concerns

• Follow local procedures

Unit 15: Support Person-Centred Care and Independence

• Encourage independence and self-care

• Adapt to individual needs

• Build confidence and empowerment

Unit 16: Manage Risk in Health and Social Care

• Identify hazards and assess risks

• Apply control measures

• Monitor and review safety

Unit 17: Promote Equality in Practice

• Embed equality in care routines

• Respect protected characteristics

• Ensure fairness in service delivery

Unit 18: Support Health Promotion Activities

• Promote healthy lifestyle choices

• Encourage positive habits

• Share appropriate health information

Unit 19: Manage Information in Care Work

• Handle data ethically and securely

• Store and share records responsibly

• Contribute to quality assurance

Unit 20: Undertake Urethral Catheterisation Processes

• Carry out catheterisation safely

• Prevent complications

• Record and review outcomes

Unit 21: Undertake Stoma Care

• Clean and change stoma appliances

• Support independence in stoma care

• Monitor and report issues

Unit 22: Understand Advance Care Planning

• Respect preferences in future care planning

• Address ethical and legal aspects

• Support informed decisions

Unit 23: Support Individuals During a Period of Change

• Recognise challenges of transitions

• Provide emotional and practical support

• Adapt communication approaches

Unit 24: Support Positive Risk Taking

• Enable choice and autonomy

• Balance safety with independence

• Support informed decision-making

Assessment

• No external exams required

• Learners are assessed through an online portfolio of evidence

• Competence must be demonstrated through a minimum of 250 placement hours (work, volunteering, or practical placement)

• Assessment methods include:

  • Direct observation

  • Witness testimony

  • Reflective practice

  • Professional discussion

  • Written assignments

• Ongoing support is provided by an expert personal tutor

Entry Requirements

• Minimum age: 16 years

• Learners must be working, volunteering, or on placement to demonstrate real-work competence

• No formal qualifications required, making this an accessible route into healthcare

Awarding Body

Upon completion, learners receive an official NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support certificate.

About NCFE CACHE:

• NCFE is a leading awarding body with more than 175 years of experience in vocational education

• CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education) became part of NCFE in 2015

• Enrolling provides two years of free NCFE CACHE Alumni membership, offering professional networking, resources, and career support

Student Support

From enrolment, you’ll have access to:

• 12 months of tutor support from experienced professionals who provide mentoring, feedback, and guidance

• A dedicated student support team to help with course materials, study planning, and any questions

• Flexibility to complete the course at your own pace, within the support period