Update on the HCS Apprenticeship Programme (Revised 18/05/2016)
Healthcare Science (HCS) Assistant (Level 2)
The Level 2 Apprenticeship for HCS Assistants was accepted by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills [BIS] at the end of last year. In order to implement the Level 2 Standard, an End-Point Assessment (EPA) had to be developed and approved by Ministers. This has now been achieved.
The Level 2 Diploma which underpins the Standard will be ready in September 2016 when it is anticipated the Standard will then be launched. The Level 2 Standard and the End Point Assessment (EPA) Programme which is integral to the delivery of the Standard can be found at:
Level 2 Standard
End Point Assessment (EPA) Programme
Healthcare Science (HCS) Associate (Level 4)
After extensive review and consultation, the apprenticeship standard for HCS Associates (Level 4) was submitted to BIS and has now also received ministerial approval. Work on the Level 4 EPA and Level 4 Diploma is on-going and it is anticipated that this standard will be ready for implementation during 2017. The Level 4 HCS Associate Standard can be accessed at:
Level 4 HCS Associate Standard
Expression of Interest for Development of Levels 5 (Senior HCS Associate) and 6 (Healthcare Science Practitioner) HCS Apprenticeships
An Expression of Interest (EOI) for higher apprenticeship standards at Level 5 for HCS Senior Associates (underpinned by a Foundation degree) and Level 6 for HCS Practitioners [HCSPs] (underpinned by the BSc (Hons) Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) or an approved Biomedical Science degree). BIS is currently considering this, but whilst that process takes place there is a Draft Level 6 Apprentice Standard for HCSPs which is now available for discussion, review and comment.
Action needed: Please send your comments (if possible in track changes) on the Draft Level to Professor Shelley Heard at by the 10th June. The Draft Standard is attached below as a Word document.
MS WORD: DRAFT APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD FOR HEALTH CARE SCIENCE PRACTITIONERS (HCSPs) (Level 6)
