ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

Accredited by ProQual

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The ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills is a high-impact, RQF-regulated qualification designed for practitioners ready to transition from foundational assistance to recognized clinical leadership. In an evolving healthcare landscape, this certificate serves as a powerful validation of your ability to manage complex care needs with a high degree of autonomy. It is specifically engineered for experienced support workers and aspiring senior leads who require a formal, nationally recognized credential to reflect their expanding responsibilities and technical proficiency.

What sets this Level 3 qualification apart is its strategic focus on specialized practice and the oversight of person-centered care pathways. It bridges the gap between general caregiving and advanced clinical support, aligning your expertise with the rigorous quality standards expected by the NHS and private healthcare providers. By mastering advanced competencies in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety coordination, and specialized clinical interventions, you transform your daily workplace performance into a robust academic portfolio that commands professional respect.

Choosing this certificate is a decisive investment in your career trajectory, providing an academic standing equivalent to an A-Level. Whether you are aiming for a Senior Care Assistant role or preparing for a Nursing Associate pathway, this qualification provides the strategic authority and practical evidence required to excel. It is not merely a certification; it is a professional catalyst that positions you as a trusted expert and a vital link in the delivery of high-quality, dignified healthcare.

Prerequisites

Course Entry Requirements

To maintain the high standards of this advanced qualification, candidates must satisfy specific criteria related to their current role and academic readiness:

  • Educational Background: While no specific prior certificates are mandatory, candidates should demonstrate the ability to study at an advanced level. It is recommended that learners hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in a related field or possess significant industry experience.
  • Professional Experience: Active employment or a consistent volunteer placement within a health or social care setting is essential. Candidates must be in a position that allows them to perform advanced tasks to generate the required workplace evidence.
  • Age Requirements: This qualification is approved for learners aged 16 and over, though it is primarily targeted at experienced professionals seeking to move into senior or lead practitioner roles.
  • English Language Proficiency: Learners must possess a high standard of written and verbal communication. This is necessary to accurately interpret complex care plans, maintain clinical records, and engage in professional discussions with multidisciplinary teams.

Course Content

Detailed Curriculum Structure

To achieve the ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills: Candidates must achieve a minimum of 13 credits: a minimum of 8 credits must be from the Level 3 units and the remaining 5 credits can be from any combination of units from the Level 2 or Level 3 or Level 4 units

Level 2 Units

Sr#Unit TitleCredit
Value
GLH
1Implement person centred approaches in health and social care533
2Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care310
3Assist in the administration of medication431
4Carry out personal hygiene for individuals unable to care for themselves330
5Support individuals with speech and language disorders to develop their communication skills427
6Perform the non-scrubbed circulating role for perioperative procedures320
7Minimise the risk of infection when transporting and storing healthcare waste330
8Assist in the issuing of prescribed items330
9Assist in the manufacture and assembly of medicinal products722
10Assist in the preparation of documentation, materials and other items for manufacture and assembly of medicinal products1032
11Support individuals to carry out their own health care procedures223
12Provide support for therapy sessions26
13Contribute to the discharge of individuals to carers245
14Paediatric Emergency First Aid123
15Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings320
16Support individuals to meet personal care needs224
17Contribute to the safe use of medical devices in the perioperative environment425
18Causes and Spread of Infection220
19Prepare documentation, materials, components and other items for the preparation of aseptic products638
20Introduction to duty of care in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings128
21Provide support for mobility230
22Assist others to plan presentations238
23Order Routine Pharmaceutical Stock333
24Dementia Awareness213
25Support individuals to manage continence326
26Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care425
27Handle information in health and social care settings143
28The role of the health and social care worker240
29Obtain and test specimens from individuals214
30Prepare individuals for healthcare activities327
31Assist in planning and evaluating learning activities335
32Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures235
33Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities232
34Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities232
35Work in partnership with families to support individuals445
36Minimise the risk of infection during the removal of used linen227
37Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities324
38Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work in health care settings420
39Monitor and maintain the environment and resources during and after clinical / therapeutic activities320
40Prepare and dress for scrubbed clinical roles326
41Care for individuals with naso-gastric tubes326
42The principles of Infection Prevention and Control324
43Assist with the provision of a pharmacy service to meet individuals’ needs325
44Contribute to the effectiveness of teams328
45Support individuals who are distressed310
46Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities426
47Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens220
48Assist in the sale of medicines and products822
49Prepare aseptic products1022
50Prepare and apply dressings and drains to individuals in the perioperative environment225
51Planning and Monitoring Work228
52Cleaning, Decontamination and Waste Management216
53Ensure your own Actions Reduce risks to Health and Safety214
54Introduction to equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings230
55Provide agreed support for foot care325
56Contribute to health and safety in health and social care437
57Support independence in the tasks of daily living535
58Prepare equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection230
59Maintaining quality standards in the health sector123
60Support participation in learning and development activities124
61Provide support for sleep330
62Remove wound closure materials323
63Support individuals to eat and drink225
64Undertake agreed pressure area care332
65Service improvement in the health sector243
66Meet food safety requirements when providing food and drink for individuals432
67Understand loss and grief in end of life care230
68Understand how to work in end of life care228
69Collection of used equipment335
70Sort used equipment and dispose of waste341
71Stroke awareness230
72Introductory awareness of sensory loss234
73Assist in the issuing of pharmaceutical stock338

Level 3 Units

Sr#Unit TitleCredit
Value
GLH
1Work with babies and young children to promote their development and learning645
2Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings310
3Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities431
4Support individuals who are bereaved430
5Prepare for and carry out extended feeding techniques427
6Provide support to continue recommended therapie320
7Insert and secure nasogastric tubes430
8Develop positive relationships with children and young people430
9Provide advice and information to enable parents to promote the health and well-being of their newborn babies322
10Facilitate and monitor housing and accommodation services to support individuals with mental health needs532
11Collaborate in the assessment of environmental and social support in the community423
12Influencing Others at Work16
13Care for the physical and nutritional needs of babies and young children645
14Support families who have a child with a disability323
15Support individuals to manage their finances3 20
16Obtain venous blood samples324
17Implement therapeutic group activities325
18Collate and communicate health information to individuals320
19Provide information and advice to individuals on eating to maintain optimum nutritional status538
20Assist in the implementation of programmes to increase mobility, movement and functional independence428
21Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field430
22Prepare anaesthetic environment and provide support for pre and post-operative anaesthesia and recovery538
23Make recommendations for the use of physical resources in a health setting533
24Maintaining quality standards in the health sector213
25Understand Models of Disability326
26Support individuals to access and use services and facilities425
27Promote and implement health and safety in health and social care643
28Support young people with a disability to make the transition into adulthood540
29Understand mental well-being and mental health promotion314
30Carry out vision screening427
31Assist professionals to support individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to access speech and language therapy services535
32Implement hydrotherapy programmes for individuals and groups535
33Deliver exercise sessions to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing532
34Provide support to the surgical team when preparing individuals for operative and invasive procedures432
35Facilitate person centred assessment, planning, implementation and review645
36Work in partnership with families to support individuals427
37Support individuals to develop and run support groups324
38Monitor own work practice in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings320
39Perform first line calibration on clinical equipment to ensure it is fit for use320
40Monitor and review individuals progress in relation to maintaining optimum nutritional status326
41Give presentations to groups426
42Support individuals in undertaking their chosen activities424
43Control the use of physical resources in a health setting325
44Support children and young people experiencing transitions328
45Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings310
46Contribute to the prevention of aggressive and abusive behaviour of people426
47Service improvement in the health sector320
48Understand the process and experience of dementia322
49Understand Physical Disability322
50Support individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare325
51Undertake urethral catheterisation processes428
52Promote good practice in handling information in health and social care settings216
53Understand mental health problems314
54Perform routine Electrocardiograph (ECG) Procedures430
55Undertake treatments and dressings of lesions and wounds425
56Adapt and fit healthcare equipment, medical devices, assistive technology, or products, to meet individuals’ needs637
57Administer oral nutritional products to individuals535
58Promote effective communication with individuals with sensory loss430
59Work with other professionals and agencies to support individuals with physical disability323
60Support individuals to access housing and accommodation services424
61Identify information requirements in a health context430
62Prepare and reproduce permanent radiographic images423
63Develop and prepare speech and language therapy resources for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) use425
64Carry out wound drainage care432
65Prepare and provide surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team643
66Care for a newly born baby when the mother is unable to do so432
67Understand Child and Young Person Development430
68Provide support to maintain and develop skills for everyday life428
69Facilitate learning and development activities to meet individual needs and preferences535
70Enable individuals with behavioural difficulties to develop strategies to change their behaviour841
71Reprocess endoscopy equipment430
72Support individuals with cognition and learning difficulties534
73Assist in testing individuals’ abilities prior to planning physical activities538
74Support individuals to manage dysphagia535
75Provide advice on foot care for individuals with diabetes323
76Transport, transfer and position individuals and equipment within the perioperative environment532
77Understand Sensory Loss321
78Support families who are affected by Acquired Brain Injury330
79Support individuals during a period of change429
80Perform intravenous cannulation434
81Care for individuals with urethral catheters430
82Conduct routine maintenance on clinical equipment430
83Assist and support individuals to use alternative and augmentative communication systems (AAC)535
84Measure and record individuals’ body fluid balance in a perioperative environment423
85Support parents/carers to interact with and care for their newborn baby430
86Deliver training through demonstration and instruction321
87Principles for implementing duty of care in health social care or children’s and young people’s settings15
88Promote Child and Young Person Development325
89Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies424
90Undertake physiological measurements323
91Undertake stoma care430
92Assure the effective functioning of radiographic image processing equipment425
93Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood collection540
94Advise and inform individuals on managing their condition531
95Assist others to monitor individuals’ progress in managing dysphagia538
96Support carers to meet the care needs of individuals530
97Maintain pharmaceutical stock34
98Anatomy and Physiology for Maternity Support Workers220
99Receive prescriptions from individuals315
100Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions328
101Support Individuals with Specific Communication Needs535
102Obtain and test capillary blood samples430
103Support individuals at the end of life753
104Contribute to effective multidisciplinary team working320
105Analyse and present health related data and information430
106Remove wound drains427
107Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to reach specific communication goals538
108Operate equipment for intraoperative cell salvage blood processing and complete intraoperative cell salvage blood process539
109Support parents/carers and those in a parental role to care for babies during their first year536
110Obtain a client history322
111Manage the availability of physical resources to meet service delivery needs in a health setting533
112Administer medication to individuals, and monitor the effects530
113Undertake an in-process accuracy check of assembled prescribed items prior to the final accuracy check411
114Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings28
115Understand the impact of Acquired Brain Injury on individuals328
116Support individuals to live at home425
117Promote person centred approaches in health and social care641
118interact with and support individuals using telecommunications536
119Undertake tissue viability risk assessments326
120Manufacture equipment or medical devices for individuals within healthcare430
121Provide support for individuals with communication and interaction difficulties539
122Monitor individuals’ progress in relation to managing their body weight and nutrition326
123Assist in implementing treatment programmes for individuals with severely reduced movement/mobility529
124Assist in the delivery of perioperative care and support to individuals431
125Examine the feet of individuals with diabetes432
126Communicate with individuals about promoting their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer315
127Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People325
128Support Children and Young People's Health and Safety215
129Develop Positive Relationship with Children, Young People and Others Involved in Their Care18
130Working Together for the Benefit of Children and Young People215
131Understand How to Support Positive Outcomes for Children and Young People325
132Assessment and planning with children and young people535
133Promote the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people430
134Professional practice in children and young people’s social care430
135Support individuals to prepare for and settle in to new home environments323
136Promote positive behaviour644
137Support use of medication in social care settings540
138Provide information and advice to children and young people322
139Support young people to move towards independence and manage their lives320
140Work with children and young people in a residential care setting535
141Support positive practice with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs428
142Support children or young people in their own home430
143Support positive attachments for children and young people755
144Support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions433
145Prepare, load and operate decontamination equipment323
146Carry out sterilisation and product release of reuseable medical devices324
147Understand how to monitor the decontamination process219
148Monitor and solve customer service problems18
149Plan, allocate and monitor work of a team640
150Understand Stroke Care Management525
151Conduct hearing assessments436
152Conduct External Ear Examinations538
153Carry out intravenous infusion428
154Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines430
155Diabetes Awareness430
156Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a Health Trainer646
157Establishing and developing relationships with communities while working as a Health Trainer420
158Enable individuals to change their behaviour to improve their health and wellbeing while working as a Health Trainer310
159Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Anatomy and Terminology525
160Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Fundamentals of Care324
161Clinical Imaging Support Worker: Radiation Protection and Awareness648
162The Use of Contrast Media in Clinical Imaging324
163Speech and Language Support for 11-16s: From Theory into Practice215
164Speech and Language Support for 5-11s: From Theory into Practice963
165Communication Support for 0-25s with Severe and Complex Needs: From Theory into Practice963
166Speech and language support for under 5s: From theory into practice963
167Receive pharmaceutical stock39

Level 4 Units

Sr#Unit TitleCredit
Value
GLH
1Support disabled children and young people and those with specific requirements645
2Enable children and young people to understand their health and well-being538
3Develop and agree individualised care plans for babies and families538
4Understand the needs of children and young people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty and
disadvantage
540
5Support individuals to access education, training or employment431

1: Implement Person-Centred Approaches in Health and Social Care

  • Understand and apply person-centred values in practice.
  • Recognize the importance of consent and choice in care.
  • Promote dignity, independence, and rights of individuals.
  • Adapt care approaches based on individual needs.

2: Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care

  • Identify signs and symptoms of abuse.
  • Understand policies and procedures for safeguarding.
  • Respond appropriately to suspected abuse.
  • Recognize the role of different agencies in protection.

3: Assist in the Administration of Medication

  • Follow protocols for medication administration.
  • Identify different types of medication and their effects.
  • Ensure safe storage and handling of medication.
  • Recognize and report adverse reactions.

4: Carry Out Personal Hygiene for Individuals Unable to Care for Themselves

  • Understand personal hygiene needs of individuals.
  • Maintain dignity and privacy while assisting with hygiene.
  • Use appropriate techniques for hygiene assistance.
  • Identify and report any hygiene-related health concerns.

5: Support Individuals with Speech and Language Disorders to Develop Their Communication Skills

  • Understand different types of speech and language disorders.
  • Implement communication strategies and tools.
  • Support individuals in developing effective communication skills.
  • Work collaboratively with speech therapists.

6: Perform the Non-Scrubbed Circulating Role for Perioperative Procedures

  • Understand the role and responsibilities in perioperative care.
  • Maintain a sterile field and assist surgical teams.
  • Monitor and support patients during perioperative procedures.
  • Follow safety and infection control measures.

7: Minimise the Risk of Infection When Transporting and Storing Healthcare Waste

  • Identify different types of healthcare waste.
  • Follow procedures for safe handling and disposal.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) effectively.
  • Understand regulations related to healthcare waste management.

8: Assist in the Issuing of Prescribed Items

  • Follow procedures for issuing medication.
  • Understand the legal and ethical considerations.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals receiving medication.
  • Maintain accurate records of issued items.

9: Assist in the Manufacture and Assembly of Medicinal Products

  • Understand the manufacturing process of medicinal products.
  • Follow safety and quality standards.
  • Use appropriate equipment for assembling medicinal products.
  • Maintain accurate records of production.

10: Assist in the Preparation of Documentation, Materials, and Other Items for Manufacture and Assembly of Medicinal Products

  • Prepare necessary documentation for compliance.
  • Ensure quality control measures are followed.
  • Organize materials efficiently for production.
  • Maintain records in accordance with regulations.

11: Support Individuals to Carry Out Their Own Health Care Procedures

  • Encourage independence in self-care procedures.
  • Provide guidance on correct techniques.
  • Recognize risks and take appropriate action.
  • Support individuals with emotional and practical care.

12: Provide Support for Therapy Sessions

  • Assist individuals in participating in therapy sessions.
  • Follow guidance from healthcare professionals.
  • Maintain a safe and supportive environment.
  • Record and report observations.

13: Contribute to the Discharge of Individuals to Carers

  • Understand the discharge planning process.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals and carers.
  • Provide necessary support and resources for a smooth transition.
  • Follow up to ensure continued care and well-being.

14: Paediatric Emergency First Aid

  • Recognize and respond to paediatric emergencies.
  • Perform CPR and first aid techniques.
  • Use appropriate equipment for paediatric care.
  • Communicate effectively with emergency responders.

15: Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

  • Understand the importance of effective communication.
  • Use different communication methods and techniques.
  • Recognize barriers to communication and address them.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional standards.

16: Support Individuals to Meet Personal Care Needs

  • Assess and understand individual care needs.
  • Provide support while promoting independence.
  • Follow hygiene and infection control protocols.
  • Maintain dignity and respect during care procedures.

17: Contribute to the Safe Use of Medical Devices in the Perioperative Environment

  • Understand different medical devices and their uses.
  • Follow safety protocols for handling medical devices.
  • Assist healthcare professionals in device preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations.

18: Causes and Spread of Infection

  • Identify common sources of infection.
  • Understand how infections spread in healthcare settings.
  • Implement measures to prevent and control infections.
  • Follow hygiene and disinfection protocols.

19: Prepare Documentation, Materials, Components, and Other Items for the Preparation of Aseptic Products

  • Maintain accurate documentation for aseptic production.
  • Prepare sterile materials and equipment.
  • Follow regulatory guidelines for aseptic preparation.
  • Work within a controlled environment to ensure safety.

Introduction to Duty of Care in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

  • Understand the concept of duty of care.
  • Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities.
  • Implement best practices to ensure well-being.
  • Report concerns in accordance with policies.

Achieving the Level 3 Certificate transforms your daily workplace performance into a nationally recognized asset, providing the following strategic advantages:

  • Academic Parity: Attain a qualification that sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 3, providing academic equivalent status to A-Levels, which is vital for university applications.
  • CQC Compliance Support: Provide your employer with audited proof of staff competency, directly assisting in achieving "Good" or "Outstanding" ratings during regulatory inspections.
  • Evidence-Based Assessment: Eliminate the stress of traditional exams with a 100% portfolio-based model that uses your actual workplace performance as the primary evidence of your skill.
  • Career Progression: Secure the necessary credentials to apply for NHS Band 3 or Band 4 roles, or use the credits as a "bridge" toward a Nursing Associate pathway.
  • Specialized Expertise: Choose from a wide array of optional units to tailor your learning to high-demand areas such as dementia, mental health, or specialized clinical interventions.

Course Features

Duration: 3 to 6  months

245 Modules

Online Learning

Get in Touch

+44 2035 764371

+44 7441 396751

info@inspirecollege.co.uk

www.inspirecollege.co.uk

FAQ's About ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare and Social Care Support Skills

The primary difference is the credit value. The Certificate requires a minimum of 21 credits, offering a much broader and deeper validation of skills. The Award is a "bite-sized" version requiring only 6 credits, usually focused on one specific task rather than overall clinical leadership.

There are no fixed "semesters" or term dates. Because the qualification is work-based, you can progress at your own pace. Most active professionals complete the full certificate within 3 to 6 months, depending on their access to specific workplace tasks.

Yes. The ProQual unit bank is exceptionally diverse. You can select specific units such as Perform the Non-Scrubbed Circulating Role or Prepare and Dress for Scrubbed Clinical Roles. This makes the Certificate a popular choice for theatre support workers looking to formalize their technical expertise in a surgical environment.

ProQual qualifications undergo a two-tier quality check. First, your work is assessed by a qualified Internal Verifier (IV) at your training center. Then, an External Quality Assurer (EQA) from ProQual audits the center to ensure the standards meet Ofqual's national requirements. This rigorous process is why the qualification is trusted by the NHS and major private healthcare groups.

Yes, which is rare for a general social care qualification. You can select specialized units related to the Preparation of Aseptic Products or Assisting in the Manufacture of Medicinal Products. This makes the Certificate highly relevant for Pharmacy Technicians or those working in specialized clinical labs.

One of the optional units specifically focuses on Service Improvement in the Health Sector. By choosing this, you learn how to identify gaps in care delivery, propose evidence-based changes, and monitor the outcomes. This skill is highly attractive to employers aiming for a CQC "Outstanding" rating in the Well-Led domain.

ProQual Qualifications

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