College launches healthcare HNC to meet skills gap

Furness College is launching a new healthcare management course to meet the skills needs of the sector.

The college will introduce an HNC in Healthcare Practice (Healthcare Management) for people who want to start on the path of becoming a healthcare professional or to progress in existing roles.

Starting in September 2023, the nationally-recognised qualification will help develop students with the skills to meet the demands of employers in health and social care.

Furness College’s Head of Faculty, Foundation Learning & People Services Keith Wardle said it will lead to a variety of careers across the healthcare sector.

“The course is for people with a passion to work in this meaningful sector who want the skills to make their mark in a positive way.

“Qualifications can lead to roles in lower non-clinical managerial, co-ordinator and supervisory roles in healthcare administration, operation and support services, for example information, office, patient services, estates, health improvement services.”

He said the new course can also help students progress on to HNDs, which will be available at college in future, or higher apprenticeships with routes into university.

It includes modules on law, policy and ethical practice, professional principles and values and well as developing operational management skills, reporting and practical learning.

Kate Colebourn said applications were open now for the course, which is studied part-time at the Channelside campus with practical learning in the new, university-standard clinical skills suite.

“We wanted to ensure we had a qualification that people can fit around job and family life that is a great grounding in the sector.

“A HNC is a recognised route into the healthcare sector or the chance for those already working in health and social care to get the qualifications they need to progress in their career.”

The college offers a wide range of healthcare courses taught by experienced lecturers including T Levels in Health and Healthcare Science, apprenticeships and Level 3 courses in health and social care at the Rating Lane sixth form. It is keen to hear from employers who wish to help their staff upskill.

For more information on any of the courses, email info@furness.ac.uk