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Healthcare Practice: HNC

Two care students discuss notes at a hospital bed during a training exercise
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HNC
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

1 Year - 2.5 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn, East End
Apply now

Course overview

Take the next step towards a rewarding career in healthcare.

The HNC in Healthcare Practice is designed for those who want to build a professional career in the health and social care sector or progress to further study in fields such as Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions, or Paramedic Science.

This course offers a strong foundation in the skills, values and knowledge essential for delivering compassionate and safe care. You’ll explore health, wellbeing, communication, and clinical practice through a blend of classroom learning, group work, and simulation-based activities that reflect real healthcare environments.

A key feature of the HNC is the 12-week clinical placement within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, giving you vital hands-on experience in patient care. You’ll spend 24 hours per week on placement (typically two 12-hour hospital shifts) alongside two days per week in college — helping you connect theory directly to practice.

By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence, competence and understanding to work effectively within healthcare teams and support people across diverse settings.

This course is ideal for:

  • Individuals passionate about providing compassionate care and supporting others in healthcare environments.
  • Learners aiming to progress to degree-level healthcare qualifications, such as Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions, or Paramedic Science.
  • Those already working or volunteering in care who want to formalise their experience and advance to a professional role.
  • Students who have completed an NC or SWAP programme and are ready to take the next step towards a clinical or healthcare career.

What you will learn

The course includes nine integrated units taught through interactive methods such as tutorials, simulations, and collaborative learning. You’ll develop both technical and interpersonal skills essential for effective care practice.

Core areas of study include:

  • Professional Standards for Care Practice – develop the values, ethics and professionalism expected in healthcare.
  • Therapeutic Relationships & Understanding Behaviour – learn how to build trust and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
  • Safe Working Practice for Care – explore infection control, risk management and health and safety responsibilities.
  • Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners – gain hands-on experience in basic clinical procedures and observations.
  • Sociology and Health in Scotland – understand social factors and health inequalities affecting wellbeing.
  • The Human Body in Health and Illness – study anatomy, physiology and how body systems respond to illness.
  • Exploring Mental Health – recognise the importance of mental wellbeing and holistic care.
  • Understanding Personal and Professional Development – reflect on your learning and growth as a practitioner.
  • Graded Unit 1 – integrate your learning through an independent healthcare project.

Assessment methods include essays, reports, closed-book exams, presentations, practical observations and assessments, and group work.

Care student Mehwish at Glasgow Kelvin College wearing a white uniform and speaking on camera in a simulated hospital room, holding a microphone.

Meet Mehwish HNC Healthcare Practice student at Kelvin. 🌟

Meet Mehwish, one of our Care students, as she shares her journey and the opportunities she’s experienced while studying at Glasgow Kelvin College.

From developing practical skills to gaining real-world experience, Mehwish reflects on how her time at Kelvin has supported her growth and future career goals.

Her story is a reminder that every journey starts with one opportunity. 🌟💚

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ 1 Higher (Grade C or above) — preferably in English, Modern Studies, History, or Human Biology - and National 5 Maths or Application of Maths is preferrable OR

✅ Level 6 NC Health & Social Care, or a related subject OR

✅ SWAP Access to Nursing, paramedic science or related programme

Additional requirements:

  • You will complete a PVG Scheme application from Disclosure Scotland before placement.
  • Also undertake an occupation health assessment
  • Applicants will be assessed through their personal statement and may be invited for interview as part of the recruitment process.

Your personal statement should include:

  • Why you wish to study Healthcare Practice.
  • Which field of healthcare interests you and why.
  • What you understand by discrimination, and how you would respond if you witnessed it in a care setting.
  • The skills and qualities that make an effective care worker, with an example from your own experience.
  • The skills, qualities and attributes you believe make you suited to your chosen healthcare field.

If you do not meet all criteria, you may be offered an alternative course within the Care suite.

ℹ️ You must be 17 years or older at the start of placement in November. 

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This qualification prepares you for a range of roles within the health and social care sector, including:

💼 Senior Healthcare Support Worker

🏥 Clinical Support Assistant

💙 Care Coordinator or Community Support Worker

It also meets the academic requirements for entry to degree-level study in Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions or Paramedic Science.

Future prospects

Graduates can progress to:

  • Year 1 of the BSc Nursing (Adult or Mental Health) at Glasgow Caledonian University or the University of the West of Scotland
  • Degree-level study in Allied Health Professions or Paramedic Science
  • Employment within NHS or private healthcare environments

This course offers the perfect balance of theory, clinical experience, and professional development to prepare you for your next step in healthcare.

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Read What Our Student Said

Video Transcript – Mehwish: HNC Healthcare Practice

Hi everyone, my name is Mehwish Navid.

This year I have done my HNC Healthcare practice. I'm about to go to University UWS.

Opportunity means pursuing your career further. The opportunity I take is to gain clinical skills.

I have learned a lot this year. I have done my placement in Royal Infirmary by being on the placement and being intellect with the patients.

I have met so many different people, different profession people like doctors, nurses, midwives and that was a huge opportunity knowing each other. Seeing a world from other people's eyes made me realize that there is a lot to learn and there's a lot to gain.

I would like to give advice for anyone who want to pursue this nursing career. Please go for it. Work hard on it and believe on yourself. Keep being consistent and keep pushing yourself and moving on.

Please do this course. This is the best course. I never have imagined being a single parent and studying further. Glasgow Kelvin College given us a very big opportunity to move forward in our lives. That has changed my life.

I never imagined that I'm going to go to the university soon. I am an opportunity grabber.

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