Level 4 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship
Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship | Level 4 | Includes Specialised Pathways | 24 Months (Including End Point Assessment)
Apprenticeship Overview
Healthcare Science Associates contribute to safe patient care across a wide variety of care sectors, as part of a wider healthcare team within clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic services. They perform a range of technical and scientific procedures in accordance with health, safety, governance and ethical requirements, supporting the work of healthcare science practitioners and clinical scientists.
Our Level 4 apprenticeship programme has been tailored to meet the vast and varied needs of healthcare science associates. We currently offer nine pathways within the healthcare science associate apprenticeship:
- Respiratory & Sleep
- Respiratory
- Respiratory, With Cardiac Physiology
- Cardiac Physiology (Adult) Pathway
- Cardiac Physiology (Paediatric)
- Cardiac Physiology with Respiratory Element
- Pathology
- Ophthalmology
- Decontamination/Sterile Services
Our experienced and passionate coaches have created each pathway to prepare healthcare science associates for the needs of the modern healthcare sector. You can find a full breakdown of each specialist pathway below.
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Pathways Breakdown
Respiratory & Sleep Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant physiologists and within Respiratory and Sleep departments.
Workplace Examples:
Respiratory and sleep hospital departments, sleep disorder centres, and physiological measurement departments.
Respiratory Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant physiologists within Respiratory departments.
Workplace Examples:
Respiratory hospital departments, and physiological measurement departments.
Respiratory with Cardiac Physiology Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant physiologists within Respiratory/Cardiac departments (combined ECG and lung function testing).
Workplace Examples:
Respiratory, Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory hospital departments, and physiological measurement departments.
Cardiac Physiology (Adult) Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant physiologists within Cardiac/Cardio-Respiratory departments.
Workplace Examples:
Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory hospital departments, and physiological measurement departments.
Cardiac Physiology (Paediatric) Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant physiologists within Cardiac/Cardio-Respiratory departments.
Workplace Examples:
Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory hospital departments, children's hospitals, and specialist paediatric cardiology units.
Cardiac Physiology with Respiratory Element
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant physiologists within Respiratory/Cardiac departments (combined cardiac investigations and Spirometry testing).
Workplace Examples:
Respiratory, Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory hospital departments, and physiological measurement departments.
Pathology Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and lab assistants.
Workplace Examples:
NHS pathology labs, and private diagnostic labs.
Ophthalmology Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and assistant ophthalmologists within ophthalmology departments..
Workplace Examples:
Ophthalmology hospital departments, and optometry led-clinics.
Decontamination/Sterile Services Pathway
For healthcare science apprentices and decontamination/sterile services technicians within sterile services departments.
Workplace Examples:
Central sterile services hospital departments, and private settings.
Progression Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship, learners can progress into the following roles or educational pathways:
· Progress to Level 6 Healthcare Science Degree Apprenticeship (e.g., Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences)
· Apply for Band 4/5 Healthcare Science Associate or Assistant Practitioner roles
· Transition into clinical specialisms such as Respiratory Physiologist, Cardiac Physiologist, or Biomedical Scientist (via further qualifications)
· Undertake CPD and leadership programmes within NHS Trusts or private providers
Watch: A Former Apprentice On Her Time On The Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Content
All pathways align with the Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate apprenticeship standard. This national standard is approved by Skills England, and is regulated by statutory frameworks to ensure quality, safety and scientific competence.
Each apprentice will complete a Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB) portfolio, and complete a Diploma and functional skills in Math’s and English (if applicable).
Delivered in partnership with the world‑renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital, this pathway immerses learners in the essentials of ophthalmic diagnostics, imaging, and patient monitoring.
Core Units
- Unit 76: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology of the Visual System
- Unit 74: Ophthalmic Pharmacology
- Unit 75: Instillation of Eye Medication for Diagnostic/Treatment Purposes
- Unit 77: Imaging the Eye (Fundus Camera & OCT)
- Unit 78: Visual Acuity Measurement
- Unit 79: Visual Field Assessment
- Unit 80: Optical Prescriptions & Refractive Error Measurement
Optional Moorfields-Delivered Units
- Unit 70: Assist in Recording Visual Evoked Potentials
- Unit 71: Assist in Recording Electrophysiological Investigations
Learners have the opportunity to attend these in‑person sessions at Moorfields, benefiting from expert clinical exposure that connects academic learning with the realities of specialist ophthalmic practice.
Pathway Credit Flexibility
- If learners choose not to participate in Units 70 & 71, they complete:
- Unit 11: Scientific Basis of Healthcare Science
- If learners do complete Units 70 & 71, they then undertake:
- Unit 15: Scientific Basis of Healthcare Science: Mathematics, Statistics and Physical Sciences
Designed for employers delivering diagnostics in both respiratory and sleep medicine, apprentices develop hands-on capabilities as well as gain fundamental theoretical knowledge in full lung function testing (Spirometry, Gas Transfer and Static Lung Volumes), sleep diagnostics (Overnight sleep studies), and sleep therapy (CPAP).
This apprenticeship is suitable for roles in respiratory & sleep departments in hospitals, sleep disorder centres and other physiological measurement departments, and is delivered by our experienced and qualified inhouse Respiratory/Sleep physiologist.
Key Units:
- Unit 50: Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science: Anatomy, Histology and Physiology of the Respiratory System
- Unit 59: Spirometry and Bronchodilator Response in Adults
- Unit 60: Measurement of Single Breath Gas Transfer
- Unit 136: Measurement of Static Lung Volumes in Adults
- Unit 61: Sleep Diagnostics
- Unit 135: Sleep Therapy
Designed for employers delivering diagnostics in respiratory medicine, apprentices will develop hands-on capabilities as well as gain fundamental theoretical knowledge in full lung function testing (Spirometry, Gas Transfer and Static Lung Volumes), point of care testing and peripheral oxygen saturation.
This apprenticeship is suitable for roles in respiratory departments in hospitals and other physiological measurement departments. The pathway is delivered by our experienced and qualified inhouse Respiratory/Sleep physiologist.
Key Units:
- Unit 50: Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science: Anatomy, Histology and Physiology of the Respiratory System
- Unit 59: Spirometry and Bronchodilator Response in Adults
- Unit 60: Measurement of Single Breath Gas Transfer
- Unit 136: Measurement of Static Lung Volumes in Adults
- Unit 16: Point of Care Testing
- Unit 133: Measuring Peripheral Oxygen Saturation
Designed for employers delivering diagnostics in both respiratory and cardiac medicine, apprentices will develop hands-on capabilities as well as gain fundamental theoretical knowledge in full lung function testing (Spirometry, Gas Transfer and Static Lung Volumes), sleep diagnostics (Overnight sleep studies), and cardiac diagnostics (ECG).
This pathway is suitable for roles in Respiratory, Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory departments in hospitals and other physiological measurement departments. The pathway is delivered by our experienced and qualified inhouse Respiratory/Sleep and Cardiac physiologists.
Key Units:
- Unit 50: Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science: Anatomy, Histology and Physiology of the Respiratory System
- Unit 59: Spirometry and Bronchodilator Response in Adults
- Unit 60: Measurement of Single Breath Gas Transfer
- Unit 136: Measurement of Static Lung Volumes in Adults
- Unit 134: Performing Routine Electrocardiography in Adults
Designed for employers delivering diagnostics in cardiac medicine (adults), apprentices will develop hands-on capabilities as well as gain fundamental theoretical knowledge in cardiac diagnostics including performing and interpretation of ECG, ambulatory ECG and BP as well as assistant with cardiac stress tests.
This pathway is suitable for roles in Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory departments in hospitals and other physiological measurement departments. The pathway is delivered by our experienced and qualified inhouse Cardiac physiologist.
Key Units:
- Unit 049: Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science: Cardiac Embryology, Anatomy and Physiology
- Unit 134: Performing Routine Electrocardiography in Adults
- Unit 53: Recognising ECG Abnormalities in Adults
- Unit 54: Ambulatory ECG Monitoring
- Unit 55: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Unit 56: Assist in Cardiac Stress Testing
Designed for employers delivering diagnostics in paediatric cardiac medicine, apprentices develop hands-on capabilities as well as gain fundamental theoretical knowledge in cardiac diagnostics including performing and interpretation of paediatric ECGs, ambulatory ECG and BP as well as assistant with cardiac stress tests.
This pathway is suitable for roles in Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory departments in hospitals. Children's hospitals, specialist paediatric cardiology units and other physiological measurement departments. The pathway is delivered by our experienced and qualified inhouse Cardiac physiologist.
Key Units:
- Unit 049: Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science: Cardiac Embryology, Anatomy and Physiology
- Unit 134: Performing Routine Electrocardiography in Adults
- Unit 58: Recognising ECG Abnormalities in Children
- Unit 54: Ambulatory ECG Monitoring
- Unit 55: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Unit 56: Assist in Cardiac Stress Testing
Designed for employers delivering diagnostics in both respiratory and cardiac medicine, apprentices develop hands-on capabilities as well as gain fundamental theoretical knowledge in cardiac diagnostics including performing and interpretation of ECG, ambulatory ECG and BP, assistant with cardiac stress tests plus spirometry with reversibility testing.
Suitable for roles in Respiratory, Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory departments in hospitals and other physiological measurement departments. The pathway is delivered by our experienced and qualified inhouse Respiratory/Sleep and Cardiac physiologists.
Key Units:
- Unit 049: Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science: Cardiac Embryology, Anatomy and Physiology
- Unit 134: Performing Routine Electrocardiography in Adults
- Unit 53: Recognising ECG Abnormalities in Adults
- Unit 54: Ambulatory ECG Monitoring
- Unit 55: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Unit 59: Spirometry and Bronchodilator Response in Adults
For employers focused on sterile services and decontamination of medical equipment, this apprenticeship is delivered in collaboration with Eastwood Park, a globally recognised centre of excellence in decontamination training and equipment handling. Apprentices gain advanced knowledge and skills in maintaining hygiene standards, sterilisation protocols, and equipment safety.
Key Units:
- Unit 39: Principles and Practice of Decontamination Science
- Unit 40: Preparation of Medical Devices for the Cleaning and Disinfection Process
- Unit 41: Cleaning and Disinfection of Medical Devices: Manual Processes
- Unit 42: Cleaning and Disinfection of Medical Devices: Automated Processes
- Unit 43: Inspection, Assembly, Packaging of Medical Devices in a Controlled Environment
- Unit 44: Terminal Processing including Sterilisation and High Level Disinfection
- Unit 45: Testing, Maintenance and Breakdown Management of Decontamination Equipment
- Unit 46: Principles and Practice of Flexible Endoscope Decontamination
For employers focused on laboratory science and diagnostics, this pathway combines applied anatomical and physiological knowledge with fundamental lab practices. Apprentices are equipped to support diagnostic procedures across NHS and private lab environments, including microbiology, haematology and clinical biochemistry.
Key Units:
- Unit 11: Scientific Basis of Healthcare Science: Clinical Science
- Unit 17: The Building Blocks of Life
- Unit 15: Support Sample Reception and Pre-Analytical Procedures
- Unit 19: Conduct Basic Laboratory Tests
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Functional Skills Information
Functional Skills are qualifications in English and maths, embeded within apprenticeships, ensuring learners develop practical skills in the workplace.
- Entry Level 3: Assessed through internally marked tests in reading, writing, and maths, with a focus on everyday practical applications.
- Level 1 & Level 2: Assessed through externally marked exams in English (reading, writing, and speaking & listening) and maths, testing problem-solving and real-world application.
For Apprentices Aged 16-18 At The Start Of The Programme:
For level 3 apprenticeships and above, apprentices must pass Level 2 Functional Skills if they have not already achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher.
Apprentices with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, or a legacy equivalent (SEN statement or LDA), may be eligible to achieve Entry Level 3 Functional Skills in English and maths instead of the standard Level 1 or 2 requirements. This flexibility also applies if a thorough, evidence-based assessment by a qualified professional (such as the Head of SEN or an equivalent expert) identifies a learning difficulty or disability that presents a barrier to achieving the higher levels.
For Apprentices Aged 19+ At The Start Of The Programme:
Apprentices aged 19+ have the option to opt in or opt out of Functional Skills in English and / or Maths, with employer agreement.
If the apprentice opts in, they must undertake the assessments for the level they are working towards (e.g., Entry Level, Level 1, or Level 2). They can still complete their apprenticeship by proceeding directly to the End Point Assessment (EPA) without needing to pass Functional Skills assessments.
If the apprentice chooses not to opt in, they will complete the apprenticeship by proceeding directly to the End Point Assessment (EPA) without needing to upskill in maths and/ or English or pass Functional Skills assessments.
Please consider carefully, should you opt out, you may be affecting future progression opportunities.
The Apprenticeship Process
Apprentices are allocated a skills & development coach by a training provider such as Dynamic Training, who will support and guide them for the duration of their apprenticeship.
Training with the skills and development coach is delivered regularly throughout the length of the apprenticeship, both online and within the workplace itself. The training will always take place during the apprentice's normal working hours. The apprentice does not need to leave the workplace, or work additional hours, as part of their apprenticeship.
Apprentices will work to complete their portfolio of evidence for their apprenticeship, and submit assignments to the required standard, so that they can complete their apprenticeship and receive their qualification. The apprentice will also be learning and developing new knowledge, skills and behaviours within their workplace, and using this as evidence within their apprenticeship.
The skills and development coach will hold regular meetings with their learner and line manager, to see how the apprentice is developing and how much progress they are making with their portfolio of evidence. These meetings ensure that the learner is receiving the right support from both their employer and their training provider, and help move the apprentice forwards in their apprenticeship.
Being an apprentice requires access to a computer or other electronic device, as well a good internet connection, in order to complete their work and join online training sessions. Dynamic Training use Microsoft Teams for online meetings, and OneFile as our e-portfolio.
Frequently Asked Apprenticeship Questions
Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over, entitled to live in England and who are no longer in full-time education.
Whether they are starting their working career or are already in the workplace looking to upskill or retrain, apprenticeships can provide an opportunity to increase skills and knowledge.
As there is no upper age limit, apprenticeships can be a great way for working professionals to help achieve career progression or for career changers to learn a new profession.
With an apprenticeship, employees have a fantastic opportunity to learn, gaining industry desired skills and knowledge and behaviours in the workplace.
Apprentices can be employed as a new apprentice on a fixed term contract or you they can be an existing member of staff who would like to upskill or retrain.
Once an apprentice starts their programme, they are allocated a Skills & Development Coach from Dynamic Training, who will support them for the duration of their training and ensure they are ready for end point assessment.
Additionally, employers are expected to provide apprentices with a workplace mentor who is normally a senior member of staff, but who is not the apprentices' direct manager.
Working hours vary depending on the employer, however the minimum duration of an apprenticeship (12 months) is based on an apprentice working 30 paid hours per week. For apprentices working less hours, the apprenticeship duration must be extended.
You can find out more about off-the-job training from the below page which fully breaks down how many hours an apprenticeship requires.
For existing staff members, their existing rate of pay will not be affected and you will not have to take a pay cut to become an apprentice.
For new entrant employed as an apprentice, you can view the minimum wages on the government's website.
You are able to search and apply for all apprenticeship vacancies using the National Apprenticeship Service website
Already Working: If you are looking to complete your apprenticeship with your current employer, first talk to your line manager about the opportunity to start an apprenticeship. We will gladly then talk to your employer about the options available to get you started.
Find out more about apprenticeships and answer your questions by exploring our comprehensive explanation of apprenticeships.
Off-The-Job Training
Off-the-job training is training received by an apprentice during an apprentice’s normal working hours. This training is specifically for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary for the apprentice to reach the required standard.
Off-The-Job Training Explained
Examples Of Off-The-Job Training Activities:
- Attending Dynamic Training online sessions on respiratory and sleep physiology
- Completing reflective logs on observed respiratory or sleep testing such as spirometry or CPAP.
- Shadowing a senior respiratory/sleep physiologist on diagnostic procedures
- Attending Dynamic Training online ECG interpretation workshops
- Attending external CPD events or journal clubs
- Completing reflective logs on observed cardiac testing such as ECG.
- Completing reflective logs on observed ophthalmology testing such as visual field assessments.
- Attending Moorfield’s online ophthalmology sessions
- Research-based case study on refractive errors and treatment options
- Attending Eastwood Park sessions.
- Developing SOPs and reviewing infection control case studies
- Maintaining a reflective journal of safety audits and equipment use
- Completing 3D anatomical learning modules via LMS
- Attending a microbiology or haematology shadowing rotation
- Engaging in a project to improve lab workflow or sample tracking
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How To Get In Touch...
Address:
Unit 7, Brook Business Centre,
Cowley Mill Road,
Uxbridge,
UB8 2FX
Phone: 020 8607 7850
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