Routes into HCSW roles

Routes into HCSW roles

Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) enter the role via a number of access points including school leavers, college, university, other NHS roles or from a non-NHS background. Some new HCSWs may have already achieved relevant healthcare experience and / or related qualifications prior to starting in post for example:

• If a new HCSW has completed a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), including access to nursing / allied health service at SCQF Level 6, they can progress onto an HNC programme (SCQF Level 7) or decide to work as a HCSW
• New HCSWs who have completed a Foundation Apprenticeship while in year 5 and 6 at High School will have gained work experience, a National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6 and the core units of an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6
• A new HCSW may have left a health-related degree programme early and achieved a Diploma in Higher Education (SCQF Level 8)Using Recognition of Prior Learning and mapping learning against the SCQF levels helps to identify a new HCSWs starting point and their future direction.

The HCSW Development and Education Framework can assist you to identify the core knowledge, skills, and behaviours across the four pillars of practice that staff require at levels 2, 3 and 4 of the career framework for health.