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Health Professions & Social Services

Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 2

Campus Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Full time

Start date Jan 2025

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Course overview

Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 2 (Formally Introduction to Health Services) can lead towards a rewarding career as a health professional. This course will prepare you for an entry-level healthcare sector job or further study at Edinburgh College.

This course will suit those seeking a career change or furthering their studies. Previous students on this course have gained employment in health care or progressed to Level 6 Health courses, leading to university places for nursing and allied health professions. Most students will complete Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 1 before commencing this course.

What you will learn

You will have the opportunity to learn in our sector-leading facilities in our Digital Care Hub, where you will have hands-on experience working in healthcare settings. You will achieve several practical competencies which will improve your employability opportunities and give you the academic confidence to take your next educational step. Having completed Phase 1 this course will allow you to study health-related science required for healthcare courses at Level 6.

  • Practical Caring Skills
  • Biology: Cell Biology
  • Biology: Micro-organisms
  • Roles in Healthcare
  • Understanding Mental Health
  • Medical Conditions: Nursing Care and Treatment

How the course is assessed

  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Portfolio building
  • Reports
  • Closed book exams

Number of days per week

  • 3 days per week for 18 weeks

Entry requirements

  • Successfully completed Gateway to Healthcare: Phase 1 or Preparation for Access to Nursing
  • Four National 4s including English and Biology or relevant Level 4 full-time course  
  • If you don’t currently have Biology at SCQF Level 4 then you need to apply to an SCQF Level 4 course with Biology first before progressing onto this course 
  • If you do not have the formal entry requirements but you are an adult learner with relevant employment or life experience skills, you will be considered for entry to this course 
  • 16 years and over

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Be clear in your personal statement about your reason for applying and where you would like to work in the future. All applicants meeting the entry qualifications may be invited into the College for an information session after which offers will be made.

English Proficiency Requirements

ILETS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • Once Phase 2 is complete can progress to SCQF Level 6 Route to Health Professions or other relevant courses which will give you the entry requirements to study nursing and other allied health professions at a university 

Career options

  • Support work roles in health or social care 

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Sighthill Campus Full time 20/01/25

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