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RSPH Diploma Course

 in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Healthcare Science Associate Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme Application - In partnership with East Durham College.

 

RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)

Please note that candidates funded via the apprenticeship framework will be loaded onto our [North Tees] cohorts with other non-apprenticeship candidates and will work through the same training program. 

 

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, your work based placement / employing mortuary, must be based in England.

 

You will need to seek your employer’s approval for this apprenticeship training – candidates are recommended to contact their education departments / apprenticeship leads for further guidance before enrolling.     

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Contact: darren.makin@nhs.net if you have any further queries or information regarding this mortuary apprenticeship training.

 

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1. Key information:

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The apprenticeship levy for this training [RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology]: £13,000.


Standard number: ST0889

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Standard name: Mortuary Technician

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Apprenticeship provider: East Durham College, Peterlee Campus, Willerby Grove, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 2RN (contact: jackie.lanagan@eastdurham.ac.uk). East Durham college (UKPRN is 10002111) are now on the Salisbury DPS system for this apprenticeship.

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Sub-contracted RSPH qualification provider: North Tees Hospital, Pathology, Hardwick Rd, Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 8PE (contact: darren.makin@nhs.net)

 

Next cohort Start Date: 31/01/25

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Duration: 18 months (12 months theory + 6 months' work-based portfolio and skills consolidation). 


Attendance - x 10 mandatory teaching days delivered by the North Tees centre (live online learning - see next year's timetable dates here). No accommodation or transport required for these training sessions as the course is delivered via distance learning, with all live teaching sessions also recorded. 

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RSPH Examinations: There are x 4 external nationally set examinations for the RSPH qualification element of the apprenticeship - as from Jan 2023 all examinations will be held at regional hubs, click here for list of locations available. Accommodation and transport advice can be found on the 'link' button at the top of this page.

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Eligibility criteria: Please note that candidates must complete the RSPH level 3 diploma qualification element of this apprenticeship [inclusive of this training], and as such Mortuary eligibility criteria apply.

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Procurement: Salisbury Managed Procurement Services (SMPS) - please raise the URN (order form) and send to simon.dennis@nhs.net. Click here for call off order form.

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Other:

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EPAO for this Standard: SIAS

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Science Industry Assessment Service (education.gov.uk)

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Apprenticeship Standards overview can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) website:

 

Search / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

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2. Enrol with the North Tees Centre

 

Only complete the form below after the apprenticeship order form / contract has been arranged by your trust / organisation (note: the URN number required below can be obtained from your education department  / apprenticeship lead).

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Section 1:  Details of candidate:
Gender:
Section 2: Work place mentor details:
Section 3: Candidates current employment details:

To apply for this training you MUST be working in a mortuary as an APT in a substantive or trainee position. Please provide one piece of the following supporting evidence with  your  details on (you are required to upload a copy with this application form). Remember only PDF or Microsoft Office documents. 

Your employment supporting evidence:
Upload employment evidence
Section 4: Candidate roles / duties

  • You may be contacted prior to your attendance to discuss any additional  support required - documentary evidence may also be required for submission to RSPH when you attend the North Tees Centre.

  • NOTE: The Centre is not responsible for arranging / funding for any further tests which may be required – please speak to your mentor if you require additional support with testing (dyslexia for example).

Section 5: Skill scan

Before the apprentice starts their apprenticeship, we must assess their prior learning and experience. This is to make sure that they are eligible to do the apprenticeship and it is the right programme for them. Rate your knowledge and/or experience in the boxes below to record your current level - do not worry at this stage if you have limited knowledge in these areas! See course syllabus for further information on these topics.

Anatomy & Physiology:
Governance & Administration:
Mortuary Health & Safety:
Microbiology, Infection Control:
Effective Communication:
Preparation of mortuary:
Prepare for PM examinations:
Assist with PM examinations:
Viewing of the deceased:
Team work in mortuary:
Section 6: Candidate qualifications

​As part of this apprenticeship standard, apprentices are unable to sit their End Point Assessment without prior achievement of Maths and English qualifications. Please provide evidence that the candidate has the minimum English and Maths requirements at level 2.

 

Please contact the North Tees Centre before completing this enrolment form if the candidate does not have functional Skills at level 2 (or equivalent: GCSE A- C or level 4-9) in Maths and English. 

Upload qualification evidence
Section 7: Apprenticeship Declarations:
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a. The candidate:

I have read and fully understand the apprenticeship training requirements and eligibility criteria and commit to:

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  • Completing the full course which will involve a time commitment of 10 days at the North Tees Centre to be spread via modular online learning as outlined in the timetable supplied.

  • Completing all distance learning and assessment work (assignments and exams), set within the course timeframes.

  • Complete a portfolio of evidence that covers both your skills and knowledge in time for the final end point assessment (EPA).

  • I have attached a copy of my employment evidence / work experience honorary contract.

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Additional:

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  • You do not already hold an equivalent level qualification - please contact the North Tees Centre if you are unsure.

  • You are able to commit to the full duration of the apprenticeship - (approx. 18 months total from course start date).

  • You are able to commit to the 20% off the job requirement and that you log this: Click here for off the job training log template.

  • Agree to documented regular progress meetings (either face to face or distance phone / video meetings) – minimum of every 3 months throughout the duration of you training.

  • You have the right to work in England.

  • You have an eligible residency status.

  • You will be required to partake in two external end point assessments (EPA) in the following order:

1. An EPA for the RSPH level 3 diploma qualification against the course learning outcomes (units 3.5 to 3.10) - the RSPH level 3 diploma qualification must be passed before you can proceed to the next EPA.

2. A second EPA to ensure that the apprenticeship standards have been met.

  • Both EPA will, in part, require you (the candidate) to be observed (by an external assessor) assisting with post mortem.  

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b. The mentor 

The organisational mentor (at the organisation at which the applicant is currently employed / completing work experience) must read the following declaration.


I have read and fully understand the course requirements and eligibility criteria and commit to:

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  • Providing work-based mentor support to the candidate.

  • Sharing my knowledge, skills and experience of all aspects of mortuary practice.

  • Undertake regular assessment of the candidate's practical skills.

  • Provide the candidate with written evidence of skills demonstrated as part of the portfolio assessment.

  • Releasing the candidate for the time required to participate fully in the training.

  • Read and understand the role (s) of the mentor: click here for roles.

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Additional:

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  • Agree to documented regular tripartite [Candidate, mentor and North Tees Centre] progress meetings (either face to face or distance phone / video meetings) – minimum of every 3 months throughout the duration of the candidates training.

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c. Line manager / organisation 

I have read and fully understand the apprenticeship training requirements and candidate's eligibility criteria and commit to:

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  • Employer approval to enrol on this apprenticeship training programme.

  • The candidate's employer supports them and understands funds will come from their apprenticeship levy.

  • Support of the candidate and mentor requirements above.

  • Candidate is aged at least 16

  • Have evidence that the candidate is employed in an APT training role that would enable them to gather evidence for the apprenticeship.

  • Candidate has not been asked to contribute financially to their apprenticeship.

  • Candidate spends at least 50% of their working time in England (Non-levy payers and / or candidates from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland please contact the North Tees Centre before submitting this application).

  • Your candidate will be required to partake in two external end point assessments (EPA) in the following order:

1. An EPA for the RSPH level 3 diploma qualification against the course learning outcomes (units 3.5 to 3.10) - the RSPH level 3 diploma qualification must be passed before you can proceed to the next EPA - the lead for this will be AAPT.

2. A second EPA to ensure the apprenticeship standards have been met - the lead for this will be East Durham College.

  • Both EPA will, in part, require the candidate to be observed (by an external assessor) assisting with a post mortem.  

3. What happens now?


 

Once the candidate has enrolled with the North Tees Centre they will be contacted directly before the course due start date with their course joining instructions and password to access for the online course training materials.


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4. Overview of the apprenticeship  programme

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1. Before starting the apprenticeship:

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  • Candidate will require a skills scan (this will be carried out by North Tees Centre based on the information provided by the enrolment form).

  • Candidate will carry out a functional skills assessment (Maths and English) and provide evidence or Maths and English at level 2 (East Durham college will send an assessment link to the candidate to complete the online assessment).

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2. During the apprenticeship:

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  • Candidate progresses through the RSPH HCS level 3 diploma [APT].

  • Candidate  logs 20% of the job training (a work-based diary will be sent to each candidate  to complete - the level 3 diploma covers most of the off the job training, however candidates will be expected to add to their work-based diaries).

  • Regular tripartite meetings - with both the mortuary (mentor) and candidate will have a teams / phone meeting with the College every 8 - 12 weeks.

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3. To complete the apprenticeship

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EPA Gateway requirements:

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  • Signed off Competence Log (completed by mortuary).

  • Qualification completed: RSPH Level 3 Diploma in HCS (APT).

  • Achieved English and mathematics Level 2.

  • Portfolio of evidence (min 12 pieces of evidence - this can be the same evidence work used for the qualification portfolio).

 

EPA - 2 methods of assessment:

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  • PM observation with Questions (2hrs).

  • Professional Discussion underpinned by the portfolio of evidence (1hr).
     

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