First Cohort of Degree-Level AP Health Apprentices Successfully Progressed to End-Point Assessment

In total, 10 students studying on the Assistant Practitioner (Health) Level 5 Apprenticeship completed their EPA. As part of their studies, students undertook modules in Foundations of Professional Practice, Public Health and Health Promotion, Theory of Patient-Centred Assessment, Managing Safety, Risk and Self, and Anatomy and Physiology, while also completing an optional specialist unit in their second year linked to their area of practice.

Students also study one specialised unit in Year 1 and two specialised units in Year 2, plus two further units entitled Research and Quality Improvement, and Developing Professional Practice. These units complete the 200 credits necessary for students to enter the EPA. The EPA is integral to completing the final two units for the second year

Chloe, who studied on the course, had already been working as a Band 4 practitioner for many years. She said: “Balancing studying, work, life and university can be challenging. The course opened doors to Occupational Therapy in the future if I wished to pursue that route. It was great to learn at the college, and although I already had the clinical skills, the course added auditing, research and professional writing skills, which was really valuable. I work in a physical health team in the community, but this course helped me gain accreditation for the role that I actually do.”

Thomas Bennett, Link Tutor at HSU, said: “This cohort represented a significant milestone for the programme and the wider partnership with Health Sciences University, as the first group to successfully progress through the integrated EPA model.”

He added: “Collectively, the students demonstrated a high level of professionalism, resilience and commitment throughout their apprenticeship journey, balancing the demands of employment, academic study and clinical practice to a very high standard. Their successful progression through the EPA reflected not only the capability and dedication of the students themselves, but also the strength of the partnership approach in supporting the development of a confident and capable future healthcare workforce.”

This achievement reflects the commitment and resilience of the students, showcasing how our partnership with HSU has created valuable apprenticeship pathways that develop confidence, practical skills and a future-ready NHS workforce.

For more information on the Assistant Practitioner (Health) Level 5 Apprenticeship. see: Assistant Practitioner Health Level 5 Apprenticeship