OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
(Ofqual-Regulated Qualification)
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OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care Overview
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care is a UK Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge and understanding of health and social care practices. It serves as an excellent starting point for individuals who are interested in building a professional career in caring services and community support roles.
This programme introduces key areas such as safeguarding, communication in care settings, health and wellbeing, person-centred care, and equality and diversity. Learners develop a clear understanding of how health and social care services operate and how professionals support individuals in maintaining dignity, independence, and quality of life.
The course is suitable for school leavers, beginners, and individuals seeking entry into healthcare, social care, nursing support, or community services. It helps learners build both theoretical understanding and practical awareness required to work effectively in care environments.
This qualification also provides a strong pathway to higher-level studies and career progression within the health and social care sector, supporting opportunities in hospitals, care homes, community health services, and support organizations.
Prerequisites
Course Entry Requirements
To enroll in the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
, learners are generally expected to meet the following entry requirements:
Course Content
Explore person-centred care approaches that support dignity, respect, and individual wellbeing
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
Mandatory Units
- Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care worker
- Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care
- Effective Communication and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Settings
- Person-centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings
- Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings
Course Features
Duration: 4 to 12 Months
Credits: 60
Online Learning
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Learning Outcomes
Identify and respond to basic health and wellbeing needs of individuals in care settings
Learning outcomes for Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care
Responsibilities of a Health and Social Care worker
- Understand working relationships in health and social care settings.
- Understand the importance of adhering to the agreed scope of the job role.
- Understand the importance of partnership working in health and social care.
Personal and Professional Development in Health and Social Care
- Understand what is required for competence in own work role.
- Be able to reflect on practice
- Understand how to evaluate own performance in the workplace.
- Understand personal development plans.
Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Practice
- Understand why effective communication is important in health and social care work settings.
- Be able to meet the communication wishes and preferences of individuals.
- Understand possible barriers to communication.
- Understand equality, diversity and inclusion within health and social care.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Health and Social Care Settings
- Understand responsibilities relating to health and safety in health and social care.
- Understand how to minimise the spread of infection
- Know how to recognise signs of abuse.
Person-centred Approaches in Health and Social Care Settings
- Understand person-centred approaches utilised in health and social care.
- Understand ways of working in a person-centred way.
- Understand the importance of establishing consent when providing support.
- Understand the importance of promoting active participation.
Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings
- Understand handling of information practice requirements in health and social care settings.
- Understand good practice in handling of information.
- Understand practices relating to confidentiality.
Course Benefits
Build a strong foundation for entry into healthcare and social care professions
Benefits of Health and Social Care
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care helps learners build essential knowledge and practical understanding required to work in care settings and support services. It develops a strong foundation for starting a meaningful career in health and social care or progressing to higher-level qualifications.
Career Opportunities
Support Worker positions in community and residential care services
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care opens the door to a rewarding career in caring services where learners can support individuals and make a real difference in people’s lives. It provides strong entry pathways into healthcare, community care, and social support roles.
- Care Assistant
- Support Worker
- Healthcare Assistant
- Nursing Assistant (Entry Level)
- Residential Care Worker
- Community Care Worker
- Home Care Support Worker
- Social Care Support Worker
- Day Care Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker (Junior Level)
- Hospital Ward Assistant
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Elderly Care Assistant
- Disability Support Worker
Learners can work in hospitals, care homes, community health centers, NGOs, and private care organizations, with opportunities for further study and career progression in nursing and healthcare professions.
Core Skills You Will Develop
Effective communication skills for interacting with patients and healthcare professionals
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care develops essential professional skills that prepare learners to work confidently in care environments where compassion, safety, and responsibility are critical. It builds a strong foundation for supporting individuals’ health, wellbeing, and daily living needs in a structured and professional manner.
- Strong understanding of person-centred care, ensuring individuals are supported according to their personal needs, preferences, and dignity.
- Effective communication skills for interacting with service users, families, and healthcare professionals in a clear and respectful manner.
- Awareness of safeguarding principles to identify, report, and respond appropriately to signs of abuse or neglect.
- Knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene practices to maintain safe and infection-free care environments.
- Development of empathy and compassion, enabling learners to provide emotional and physical support with care and respect.
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring fair treatment of all individuals regardless of background or condition.
- Skills in basic observation and reporting, helping monitor changes in health and wellbeing accurately.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary care team in hospitals, care homes, or community services.
- Problem-solving skills to respond appropriately to basic care challenges and support needs.
- Knowledge of health promotion and wellbeing support, encouraging healthy lifestyles for individuals.
- Development of time management and organizational skills to handle care duties efficiently and responsibly.
- Understanding of professional ethics and confidentiality, ensuring trust and professionalism in all care practices.
