Healthcare Science Practitioner
Our practice-focused degree apprenticeship has cardiac, respiratory, sleep and neurophysiology specialisms.
Employers and Apprentices Information
Employers
- Accelerate the progression of your highest performing employees or introduce bright and enthusiastic new talent
- Teaching includes contributions from NHS and private sector specialists running biomedical laboratories and physiological science departments
- The qualification quickly prepares apprentices for registration as a healthcare scientist
Our employers say
“After three decades in Neurophysiology, I can see that degree apprenticeships promote quality within the profession, this is important as our apprentices are the Clinical Physiologists of the future,” says Caroline Finnegan of The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust.
Apprentices
- A practice-focused route to qualification as a healthcare scientist, combining workplace development with the theory and skills to advance your career in physiological sciences
- Specialist pathways will help align your learning with the requirements of your role – cardiac, respiratory, neurological and sleep
- Get support from a workplace supervisor and academic tutors to build best practice clinical and diagnostic skills that will improve the care you provide
Our apprentice students say
“This programme was a pathway to progress throughout the department to become a Cardiac Physiologist. The specialist cardiology teaching in the third year was particularly rewarding. I learned a great deal of theoretical knowledge, which I could then apply to a practical setting,” says Dylan Smith of Whiston Hospital.
About this Programme
The Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, developed with private and public sector specialists, blends academic theory with practical clinical skills.
The programme is ideal for those who diagnose and treat disease through their work in medical laboratories or hospital physiological science units.
Apprentices can specialise in:
- Cardiac physiology
- Neurophysiology
- Respiratory systems
- Sleep physiology
To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form, email [email protected], or call 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).
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Programme content
Apprentices will develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to register as a healthcare science practitioner in one of four specialist fields.
The core curriculum is grounded in biological science, and develops an in-depth understanding of human physiology. It also covers the laboratory and clinical techniques needed for scientific analysis.
Year one
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Physiological Systems
- Professional Practice, Research Skills and Physiological Measurements
- Scientific Basis of Physiological Sciences
Year two
- Disease Processes and Statistics
- Professional Practice, Signal Processing and Instrumentation
- Specialist Studies 1
- Specialist Studies 2
Year three
- Applying Specialist Studies to Practice 1
- Applying Specialist Studies to Practice 2
- Professional and Evidence-based Practice
- Project
- End-Point Assessment
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Programme length and approach
The programme is taught part-time over three years on our campus in central Manchester.
Each year there will be around 24 days of on-campus learning. This will usually be a day a week during term time, but can vary depending on which specialism is chosen.
As well as attending seminars, lectures and lab sessions, apprentices will apply what they have learned on campus in their workplace.
A skills coach at the University and a workplace supervisor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.
There are also induction activities to help apprentices get to know each other and balance undergraduate study with working full-time.
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Qualifications awarded
All successful graduates are awarded a BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship.
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Entry requirements
Applicants can be existing employees looking to develop their careers or new recruits aiming to get working life off to a flying start. They must:
- be 18 or older
- have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
- meet course entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of 120 UCAS points at A-level (grades BBB), including A-level grade C in biology, human biology or an equivalent.
They also need GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent – or must complete Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications alongside the apprenticeship. There are no additional charges for these qualifications.
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Funding
Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.
Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.
Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.
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Next steps
If you are an employer
We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits.
You can speak to us via our contact form, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).
If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.
If you are a student
Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.
For more information and advice on applying for an apprenticeship, visit our guide.
Current vacancies
Apprenticeship vacancies with our partner employers are advertised below.
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Upcoming Events
Degree Apprenticeship Careers Fair
After completing my first degree, my aim was to secure a full-time role. Since I lacked practical experience in neurophysiology, it was ideal for me to pursue an apprenticeship where I would gain both hands-on practical skills, as well as academic knowledge – which would ensure I was fully equipped with all the experience that I would need to be successful. I'm really proud of what I have achieved, and I'm very grateful to my colleagues at The Walton Centre and Manchester Met for helping me get to where I am today.
After completing my first degree, my aim was to secure a full-time role. Since I lacked practical experience in neurophysiology, it was ideal for me to pursue an apprenticeship where I would gain both hands-on practical skills, as well as academic knowledge – which would ensure I was fully equipped with all the experience that I would need to be successful. I'm really proud of what I have achieved, and I'm very grateful to my colleagues at The Walton Centre and Manchester Met for helping me get to where I am today.
