Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) play an invaluable and ever increasing role in the delivery of modern healthcare services. They work in a range of settings in our local hospitals and in our communities, and alongside a wealth of healthcare professionals from doctors, nurses and midwives to audiologists and scientists. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ model of what an HCA looks like or of the tasks they carry out, but wherever they are and whoever they are, one fact remains the same – they play a pivotal role in delivering effective healthcare services to patients.

The Open University and UNISON partnership recognise the unique professional identity of the HCA. We understand and celebrate the variety in the HCA workforce and firmly believe that HCAs of all levels and backgrounds deserve the same rights to professional recognition and access to continuing professional development via education and training.

Pictured above: UNISON member and HCA, Ellen Timah  Read Ellen's Story in our 'About You' section of the site.

Your role as an HCA

Today, HCAs are increasingly expected to carry out more complex clinical tasks in order to assist and support nurses, who themselves have taken on extra clinical responsibilities. It is therefore imperative that you have access to the appropriate education and training to allow you to enhance your understanding, knowledge and skills to build on your existing competences to give  the confidence they need to practice safely.

The OU/UNISON partnership is in an excellent position to help support you in your role as an HCA. If you're looking for learning and development opportunities, representation or advice, we are confident that the partnership has something to help you. Here's how:

Ensuring your voice is heard

UNISON is Britain’s largest public service union and has a long and proud history of actively representing and supporting HCAs. Gail Adams, Head of Nursing for UNISON, is a passionate supporter of professional recognition and regulation of HCAs. She works tirelessly with UNISON’s HCA members to ensure that their voice is heard and that they are represented on all issues that concern the pivotal role they play in the delivery of contemporary healthcare services.

To find out more about UNISON's HCA community and the benefits of being a UNISON member, please visit their main website at the following link - UNISON HCAs.

Tailor-made study options

The OU has a rich range of courses and flexible study options that are perfect for the professional development of HCAs. Whether you are looking to get back into learning to enhance your understanding and practice, or you're seeking to move your career to the next leve, we offer uniquely flexible learning opportunities that allow you to determine the pace and direction of your study - and the best news is, you won't have to sacrifice your salary to study with us!

Our brand new Learning & Development Framework has been purposely designed to meet the needs and ambitions of healthcare workers at levels 2-4 on the Career Framework. It adopts a unique step-on, step-off model that can take you as far as you want to go at a pace that is right for you. Find out more by following the link below.

Learning & development opportunities for healthcare workers at levels 2-4

Financial and study support

Together, the partnership offers a range of discounts and financial support systems that could help you to meet the challenges of funding your studies. We have the power and expertise to negotiate work-based learning and employer sponsorship agreements and our strong networks of tutors, education officers and learning reps are always on hand to advise and support you on all aspects of your learning journey. 

Securing support from your employer

In our experience, having the support of your employer can make all the difference to your success with your studies. We are on hand to give you help and advice on initiating conversations with your employer, to help you understand the different funding and study options available to you, and to help make your learning journey as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

Below are some useful tips you might like to consider:

• Visit our Funding pages to find out how we can help you meet the costs of your study.
• Visit our Organising pages for advice on approaching your employer and helping them to understand how they would benefit from your studies too. If they would like to speak to us directly, you can put them in touch with your local branch of the OU. You will find the contact details for the OU in your region in our About section.
• Speak to your UNISON learning rep or your local branch of UNISON to explore your opportunities and the career pathway that is right for you.
• Do some research into which course is right for you. You can do this by visiting our HCA study options page or visiting the main Study at the OU website.