BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care

This qualification is equivalent in size to one A-level.

The health and social care sector comprises two sub sectors; health care and social care. Health care encompasses all hospital activities, medical nursing homes and GP services, for example. The social care sector includes residential nursing care, residential nursing facilities, residential care facilities, domiciliary care and social work.

Students are able to progress into work in the sector through degree programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy, for example. There are more than 300 distinct career paths in this sector. The sector is a major employer, employing almost four million people across the UK.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

This qualification is equivalent in size to two A-levels.

The qualification accounts for two thirds of a two year fulltime study programme and is aimed at students intending to go on to further study, probably in this sector. It is intended as an Applied General qualification, and is equivalent in size to 2 A-levels. It supports access to a range of higher education courses in health and social care disciplines.

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education to ensure it supports progression towards higher study. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved, in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate for those interested in working in the sector