BTEC Extended Certificate AAQ in Health and Social Care (Single) The BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in Health and Social Care and aiming to progress to higher education, higher level apprenticeships or full-time work in the care sector. Students will develop knowledge and skills throughout this qualification that are key to Health and Social Care related careers, such as organisation and critical thinking, communication, empathy and compassion skills. This qualification allows students to engage in various aspects of the Health and Social Care sector, as well as gaining an understanding of developmental milestones and developing knowledge on the organisation, structure and normal physiological functioning of the human body. Students are offered trips and courses to enrich their understanding of theory, practice and career pathways, as well as the opportunity to complete a work placement in a Health and Social Care setting. Embedding work placements into the curriculum gives students a more broad and rich experience and provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to progress into careers such as nursing, midwifery, primary teaching and social work.   BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care The BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Diploma) is ideal for post-16 students who are interested in a future in the Health and Social Care sector and are considering routes into higher education, higher-level apprenticeships, or full-time employment in care-related professions. Studying Health and Social Care will give you valuable insight into the key areas that shape care today, including public health, human development, and the psychological theories that underpin behaviour and professional practice. You will also explore current research that guides how care is delivered across a range of settings. A key feature of the course is integrated work experience — you'll complete a minimum of 100 hours in a care setting, working alongside professionals. This gives you the chance to apply your learning, develop key skills, and gain first-hand understanding of the demands and rewards of the sector.   BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care The BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Diploma) is designed for post-16 students with an interest in Health and Social Care and aiming to progress to higher education, higher level apprenticeships or full-time work in the care sector. Students will develop knowledge and skills throughout this qualification that are key to Health and Social Care related careers, such as organisation and critical thinking, communication, empathy and compassion skills. Studying Health and Social Care at post-16 provides a valuable insight into the key areas that shape care today, including public health, human development, and the psychological theories that influence behaviour and guide professional practice. You will explore current research that informs how care is delivered across a variety of settings, helping you understand the evolving nature of the sector. The course also includes specialist units such as Infection Prevention and Control, where you will learn how to manage and reduce the risk of infection in care environments; Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs, which focuses on identifying and supporting the physical, emotional, and social development of children; and Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care, where you will gain a detailed understanding of how the human body functions and how it is affected by illness or injury. This qualification offers a strong foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career or further study in health, social care, or early years settings.