NOCN
Level 3
QN: 603/4310/2
Curriculum Active
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by NOCN. Classified as a Other Vocational Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 4889 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
NOCN
Syllabus Units
194 Units
Guided Hours
4889 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Causes and Spread of Infection
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the six links in the chain of infection and explain how each contributes to the spread of infection.
- Describe the main types of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and give examples of infections they cause.
- Explain the different modes of transmission (contact, droplet, airborne, bloodborne) and their relevance in healthcare settings.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of standard precautions in breaking the chain of infection.
- Apply the principles of infection prevention to a given healthcare scenario.
2
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the importance of maintaining a clean environment in healthcare settings
- Describe the principles and steps of the decontamination process
- Apply the correct procedures for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation
- Evaluate the risks associated with poor waste management practices
- Implement safe waste segregation and disposal methods
- Justify the use of personal protective equipment during decontamination and waste handling
3
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Contribute to the effectiveness of teams
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the importance of own role in contributing to team performance.
- Reflect on own performance to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Apply time management techniques to prioritise and complete tasks effectively.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all team members.
4
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Care for individuals with urethral catheters
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the key requirements of legislation, national guidelines, policies, and protocols relevant to urethral catheter care.
- Describe the steps of the urethral catheterisation procedure, including aseptic technique and patient preparation.
- Identify appropriate catheter care equipment and explain its safe use and maintenance.
- Demonstrate how to prepare an individual for urethral catheter care, including psychological support and informed consent.
- Perform urethral catheter care in accordance with best practice, ensuring infection prevention and patient comfort.
- Monitor the individual and the catheter system, recognising and reporting signs of complications.
5
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Carry out vision screening
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, policy and good practice related to carrying out vision screening.Understand the factors related to vision screening.Be able to prepare to carry out vision screening.Be able to carry out vision screening.Be able to support individuals during and after the procedure.
6
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Care for a newborn baby
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice guidelines related to caring for newborn babies. Understand how to meet the physical, social, emotional and developmental needs of newborn babies.Be able to contribute to the safety of newborn babies within own care.Be able to feed, bathe and clothe newborn babies in line with local policy and protocol.
7
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Communicate with children and young people in care settings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain why effective communication with children and young people is important in the work setting.
- Demonstrate how to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of children and young people.
- Justify the use of play and distraction techniques for communicating with children and young people.
- Evaluate the implementation of play and distraction techniques in the work setting.
8
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Conduct External Ear Examinations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the anatomy of the external ear and its relevance to examination.
- Explain the legal and professional guidelines governing external ear examinations.
- Identify reasons for conducting an external ear examination.
- Prepare the patient, environment, and equipment for an external ear examination.
- Perform an external ear examination using correct technique.
- Record and report examination findings accurately and confidentially.
9
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Carry out wound drainage care
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand safety measures specific to undertaking wound drainage care.Understand the principles of wound drainage and use of related equipment.Understand procedures and techniques involved in wound drainage.Be able to prepare for wound drainage care.Be able to carry out wound drainage care.Be able to record and report outcomes from procedure.
10
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Administer oral nutritional products to individuals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to administer oral nutritional products to individuals in line with current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice guidelines.Understand common nutritional products and their uses.Understand how to manage possible reactions to the use of nutritional products.Be able to prepare for oral administration of nutritional products.Be able to administer oral nutritional products to individuals.Be able to maintain stock of nutritional products.
11
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist others to plan presentations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify a range of techniques used in planning presentations.
- Describe resources available for planning presentations.
- Explain the importance of audience analysis in presentation planning.
- Assist others in setting clear objectives for a presentation.
- Support others in structuring the content of a presentation.
- Help others to select appropriate visual aids and materials.
- Provide constructive feedback during the planning process.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the support provided in planning a presentation.
12
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Advise and inform individuals on managing their condition
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate good practice models for identifying individuals' information requirements in healthcare settings.
- Explain the pathophysiology and management of common long-term health conditions.
- Analyse the psychological, social, and physical effects of lifestyle changes on individuals' well-being.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills to ascertain the specific information and advice needs of individuals.
- Develop person-centred plans collaboratively with individuals to support lifestyle adaptation, including SMART goals and review mechanisms.
- Assess the role of multi-disciplinary teams in supporting lifestyle changes for individuals with complex conditions.
13
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Coordinate the progress of individuals through care pathways
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the key legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice guidelines relevant to coordinating care pathways.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of the multi-disciplinary team in care coordination.
- Apply communication techniques to effectively coordinate care with individuals, families and other professionals.
- Develop a person-centred care plan that reflects the individual's needs and preferences.
- Monitor and review the progress of individuals through their care pathway.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of care coordination in achieving positive outcomes for individuals.
14
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Carry out arterial puncture and collect arterial blood
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the legal and professional responsibilities of a healthcare support worker when performing arterial puncture.
- Describe the anatomy of the radial, brachial, and femoral arteries and their suitability for arterial puncture.
- Apply the principles of infection prevention and control when preparing for and performing arterial puncture.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for performing arterial puncture and collecting an arterial blood sample.
- Monitor the patient for complications during and after arterial puncture and take appropriate action.
- Record and report arterial blood gas results accurately and forward samples to the laboratory in accordance with protocols.
15
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Dementia Awareness
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define dementia and differentiate it from normal ageing.
- Explain the biomedical and social models of dementia.
- Describe the main types of dementia and their underlying causes.
- Explain how dementia affects an individual's daily life and identity.
- Evaluate the importance of person-centred care in dementia support.
- Analyse the impact of dementia on families and carers.
- Apply communication strategies that respect the individual's experience of dementia.
16
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist professionals to support individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access speech and language therapy services
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain current legislation and national guidelines relevant to supporting diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in speech and language therapy.
- Analyse the communication needs and abilities of individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- Evaluate strategies for providing speech and language therapy related care and support that respect cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Identify types of information and materials required to support access to speech and language therapy services.
- Demonstrate how to assist professionals in providing support to individuals and significant others from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
17
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in planning and evaluating learning activities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice that inform planning and evaluating learning activities.
- Explain different learning styles and how they impact on the planning and delivery of learning activities.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare support worker and other professionals in planning, implementing and evaluating learning activities.
- Assist in planning a learning activity by contributing to the identification of learning needs, objectives and resources.
- Evaluate a learning activity using agreed criteria and feedback from participants and others.
- Suggest improvements to learning activities based on evaluation findings.
18
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Contribute to the discharge of individuals to carers
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the procedures for discharging an individual to a carer
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare support worker in the discharge process
- Prepare an individual for discharge by assessing their needs and preferences
- Contribute to the discharge of an individual by implementing the discharge plan
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the discharge process in meeting the individual's needs
19
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Conduct hearing assessments
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the ear in relation to hearing.
- Explain the legal and regulatory framework governing hearing assessments.
- Outline the procedures for maintaining and calibrating audiometric equipment.
- Prepare the environment and individual for a hearing assessment.
- Perform a hearing assessment using appropriate techniques.
- Record and report hearing assessment results accurately.
- Evaluate the outcomes of hearing assessments to inform care planning.
20
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain how current legislation and national guidelines inform the support worker's role in treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced mobility.
- Describe the anatomical and physiological changes associated with severely reduced mobility and their implications for treatment.
- Outline the components of a treatment programme for an individual with severely reduced mobility.
- Demonstrate how to assist in implementing a treatment programme in line with the individual's care plan and professional boundaries.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment programme and suggest improvements based on observed outcomes.
21
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the health and safety requirements relevant to the use of medical devices in the perioperative environment.
- Demonstrate correct procedures for checking and handling medical devices according to health and safety guidelines.
- Assess the integrity of instrument trays and identify any defects or contamination.
- Apply safe methods for disposing of used items and equipment in the perioperative setting.
22
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist and support individuals to use alternative and augmentative communication systems (AAC)
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the key legislation, national guidelines, policies and protocols that underpin the use of AAC systems in health and social care.
- Describe the different types of AAC systems and their suitability for various individual needs.
- Explain how AAC systems can support the communication needs of individuals with complex communication difficulties.
- Demonstrate how to prepare AAC equipment for individual use, ensuring it is safe, clean and functional.
- Apply person-centred approaches when assisting individuals to use AAC systems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of AAC support in meeting individual communication needs.
23
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the health and safety measures implemented when receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens.
- Describe the reasons for using different containers and transport media for different clinical specimens.
- Demonstrate the ability to assist in receiving, handling, labeling and dispatching clinical specimens.
- Identify potential risks associated with specimen handling and how to mitigate them.
- Apply correct procedures for labeling and documentation of specimens.
- Evaluate the importance of maintaining specimen integrity during transport.
24
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist others to monitor individuals' progress in managing dysphagia
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the key requirements of current legislation, national guidelines, and local policies relevant to monitoring individuals with dysphagia.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare support worker when assisting others in monitoring dysphagia.
- Identify the signs and symptoms of deterioration or improvement in an individual's swallowing ability.
- Apply appropriate monitoring techniques to observe an individual's progress in managing dysphagia.
- Record monitoring outcomes accurately and in line with agreed protocols.
- Report concerns or changes to the appropriate professional in a timely manner.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring processes in supporting individuals with dysphagia.
- Justify the actions taken in response to monitoring findings, referencing relevant guidelines.
25
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Collaborate in the assessment of environmental and social support in the community
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the key legislation, national guidelines, policies, and protocols relevant to environmental and social support in the community.
- Describe the principles of good practice in assessing the need for environmental and social support.
- Apply a person-centred approach when conducting assessments with individuals and relevant others.
- Collaborate with individuals, families, and multi-disciplinary teams to gather comprehensive information for assessment.
- Identify environmental and social factors that impact on an individual's well-being and independence.
- Plan changes to the environment and social support in partnership with individuals and relevant others.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of planned changes in meeting the individual's needs.
26
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Adapt and fit healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, or products, to meet individuals' needs
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand relevant legislation, policy and good practice related to adapting and fitting healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, associated systems or products to meet individuals’ needs.Understand anatomy and physiology relevant to adapting and fitting prescribed items to meet individuals’ needs.Understand specialist technical requirements of healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, associated systems or products.Be able to adapt prescribed items to meet individuals’ needs.Be able to fit prescribed items to meet the needs of individuals.
27
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in testing individuals' abilities prior to planning physical activities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice related to assisting in testing individuals prior to planning physical activities.Understand health related topics in relation to physical activities.Understand motivation factors for physical activities.Be able to carry out preparations to assess individuals’ ability to exercise.Be able to assist the practitioner to administer tests to assess individuals’ ability to exercise.
28
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in the implementation of programmes to increase mobility, movement and functional independence
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice related to the implementation of programmes to restore mobility, movement and functional independence. Understand health topics related to restoring movement and functional independence. Understand treatment programmes related to restoring movement and functional independence. Be able to assist in implementing programmes to restore mobility, movement and functional independence. Be able to make records and provide information to the practitioner.
29
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Care for the elderly
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the ageing process.Be able to adapt communication techniques when caring for elderly patients.Understand how to care for elderly patients.
30
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Deliver training through demonstration and instruction
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to deliver training through demonstration and instruction.Be able to deliver training by demonstration and instruction.Be able to review learning and training.
31
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Control the use of physical resources in a health setting
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to control the use of physical resources in a health setting in line with local policy and protocol.Be able to advise team members on the control of expenditure and physical resource usage in a health setting.Be able to monitor expenditure and physical resource usage in a health setting.
32
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes in line with current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice guidelines.Know the anatomy and physiology of the upper gastrointestinal system and its relevance to naso-gastric procedures.Be able to prepare to carry out naso-gastric procedures.Be able to support individuals undergoing naso-gastric procedures.
33
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Anatomy and physiology for maternity support workers
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system.Know the anatomy and physiology of the breast.Understand physical changes during pregnancy.
34
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Conduct routine maintenance on clinical equipment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice related to conducting routine maintenance on clinical equipment.Understand the procedures involved in conducting routine maintenance on clinical equipment.Prepare to carry out routine maintenance on clinical equipment.Carry out routine maintenance on clinical equipment.Report and record on routine maintenance carried out on clinical equipment.
35
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice when assisting the practitioner to carry out health care activities.Be able to assist the practitioner in carrying out health care activities.
36
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Collate and communicate health information to individuals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice in collating and communicating health information to individuals.Be able to identify the information to be collated and communicated.Be able to communicate health information.
37
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Understand the key elements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.Understand ‘restraint’ as defined in the s6(4) Mental Capacity Act 2005.Understand the importance of complying with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice when working with individuals who lack capacity.
38
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Administer medication to individuals and monitor the effects
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand legislation, policy and procedures relevant to administration of medication.Know about common types of medication and their use.Understand procedures and techniques for the administration of medication.Prepare for the administration of medication.Administer and monitor individuals’ medication.
39
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in the administration of oxygen
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current organisational policies and procedures relating to the use of oxygen.Understand respiratory conditions that may require the use of oxygen.Understand the adverse effects of oxygen and how they can be minimised or prevented.Understand resources and equipment used when administering care in response to respiratory conditions.Be able to monitor and record saturation levels.Be able to assist in the preparation and administration of oxygen for individuals.
40
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in the administration of medication
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the current legislation, guidelines and policies relevant to the administration of medication.Understand own role in assisting in the administration of medication.Understand the requirements and procedures for assisting in the administration of medication.Understand the requirements and procedures for ensuring an individual's safety.Be able to prepare for the administration of medication.Be able to assist in the administration of medication.Be able to contribute to the management of medications and administration records.
41
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Deliver exercise sessions to improve individuals' health and wellbeing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the impact of current legislation and national guidelines on the delivery of exercise sessions in healthcare settings.
- Explain the physiological effects of exercise on the human body systems.
- Apply the principles of exercise programming to design safe and effective sessions for individuals with varying needs.
- Demonstrate the correct and safe use of exercise equipment in a healthcare context.
- Deliver a structured exercise session that meets the individual's health and wellbeing goals.
42
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Contribute to the care of a deceased person
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know the factors that affect how individuals are cared for after death.Be able to contribute to supporting those who are close to deceased individuals.Be able to contribute to preparing deceased individuals prior to transfer.Be able to contribute to transferring deceased individuals.Be able to manage own feelings in relation to the death of individuals.
43
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Communicate with individuals about promoting their health and wellbeing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse concepts of health and wellbeing.Understand factors influencing health and wellbeing.Communicate appropriately with individuals and others. Encourage individuals to address issues relating to their health and wellbeing.
44
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
End of life and dementia care
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand considerations for individuals with dementia at end of life.Understand how to support individuals with dementia affected by symptoms at end of life.Understand how to support carers of individuals with dementia at end of life.
45
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to provide physical care for babies and young children. Be able to provide routines for babies and young children that support their health and development. Be able to provide opportunities for exercise and physical activity. Be able to provide safe and protective environments for babies and young children. Be able to provide for the nutritional needs of babies under 18 months. Understand how to provide for the nutritional needs of young children from 18-36 months.
46
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Contribute to monitoring the health of individuals affected by health conditions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand monitoring of the health of individuals affected by health conditions.Be able to carry out observations of the health of individuals affected by health conditions.Be able to record and report on observations.Be able to respond to changes in an individual’s condition.
47
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice which impact on own role.Understand the procedures involved in the collection of arterial blood.Be able to prepare to carry out blood collection.Be able to carry out blood collection procedures.Be able to record, report and forward on blood samples.Be able to monitor and report on blood collection.
48
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the potential effects of the perioperative environment and procedures on individuals undergoing perioperative care. Be able to support individuals in a perioperative environment according to their care plan. Be able to monitor individuals in a perioperative environment according to the requirements of their care plans.
49
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Assist individuals who have mental health problems when they are transferring between agencies and services
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how legislation and organisational policies impact on the transfer of individuals between agencies and services. Be able to apply agency and service procedures correctly in preparing people for, and supervising them during, transfer from one service to another.Be able to respect the rights of the individual and value diversity. Be able to use communication skills effectively in working with individuals and the agencies and services to which they are being transferred.
50
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Carry out intravenous infusion
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the legal and professional responsibilities of a healthcare support worker when carrying out intravenous infusion.
- Describe the principles of intravenous infusion, including fluid balance, tonicity, and flow rates.
- Prepare the patient, environment, and equipment for intravenous infusion in accordance with local policies.
- Perform intravenous infusion using aseptic technique and correct procedures.
- Monitor the patient and infusion, recognising and responding to potential complications.
- Report and document the intravenous infusion process and outcomes accurately.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/4310/2
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- NOCN
- Qualification Type
- Other Vocational Qualification
- Operational Start
- May 2019