Decontamination Level 2

The Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant apprenticeship is an ideal start for those learners who wish to gain a recognised qualification and begin their academic journey, all whilst working within a relevant healthcare science related industry.  

The Decontamination pathway is specifically designed to support those learners working within a decontamination or sterile services departments, the course is a great introduction to these disciplines.

No previous work experience within Decontamination is required however learners will benefit from having a basic understanding of the role.

The start of the course will see the introduction of the core units where you will be welcomed into a remote online classroom with other L2 learners from a variety of specialist pathways. All learners will study the same core elements no matter the pathway they are on, this really helps promote a sense of multidisciplinary work as best practice is discussed freely as learners network within the taught session. 

There are seven core sessions in total, and these include topics such as: 

• Principles & Practice of Patient Care 
• The Role of the Healthcare Scientist 
• Health & Safety in the HCS Environment 
• Health & Disease

As learners gain confidence from completing the core units, they will then transition into their specialist pathway units and this time the remote sessions will be taught by a qualified industry expert.

The units covered include: 

• Receiving, Cleaning and Disinfection of Reusable Medical Devices 
• Inspection, Function Testing, Assembly and Packaging within a Controlled (Clean) Environment 
• Terminal Process (Sterilisation)

Optional Units

There is an additional option at this level to study extra units based on endoscopy if the learner is working in this area or wishes to progress there within their career. 

• Receiving, Cleaning and Disinfection of Reusable Flexible Endoscopes 
• Managing Product Release of Flexible Endoscopes

This course is designed to be the very starting point in academic study within your chosen workplace pathway and many learners who choose to start with this often have not studied academically for a prolonged period of time. 

Upon completion of the level 2 course, you may wish to progress onto the level 4 course if there is an opportunity to do so within your workplace. All our qualifications are scaffoldable and there would be a recognition of prior learning (RPL) if you progressed onto the level 4 course as long as it was within five years of completing your level 2 qualification. 

Most learners who progress onto a level 4 course are often seeking promotion or taking on a more senior role within the department. This could also include moving into another department and retraining in a different specialism to continue your development.

Decontamination and sterile services is often a faceless role within a clinical setting however it is an essential part of a patient’s journey as many diagnostic or surgical procedures would be unable to be performed without the sterling work of those within this department.  

Following the Health Technical Memorandum produced by the Department of Health, it is essential that decontamination staff have a recognised qualification and a full training record that highlights relevant competencies. 

This pathway delivers and upholds the essential knowledge, behaviours and skills necessary to gain the level 2 qualification.

We operate a remote teaching format where taught sessions are delivered once a month, followed by a 4-week period to complete the relevant assignments. 

Learners will build an ongoing portfolio of evidence throughout the duration of the course and are expected to showcase their practical competencies via remote assessment.  

Witness testimonies from peers will ascertain how the learner meets the behaviours expected of an apprentice and continued professional development from within the department logged as off the job training.

• Understanding the importance of the infection control 
• Ensuring quality standards are met 
• Maintaining health and safety within the department