Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

BTEC National DiplomaThe 1080 GLH (usually 18 units) BTEC National Diploma extends the specialist workrelatedfocus available from the BTEC Certificate. There is potential for thequalification to prepare learners for employment in the appropriate vocational sectorand is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular areaof work.Some adult learners may wish to complete this qualification in order to enter aspecialist area of employment or progress into higher education. Other learners maywant to extend the specialism that they followed on the BTEC National Certificateprogramme.Progression from the BTEC National Diploma could be into employment wherelearners might take professional body examinations or complete NVQs. Alternatively,learners could continue to degree or other higher-education programmes in the samevocational sector or in a related sector.National Occupational Standards (NOS)BTEC Nationals are designed to relate to the National Occupational Standards (NOS)in the appropriate vocational sector. NOS form the basis of National VocationalQualifications (NVQs). BTEC Nationals do not purport to deliver occupationalcompetence in the sector, which should be demonstrated in a work context.However, the qualifications provide much of the underpinning knowledge for theNOS, as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possibleachievement of NVQs in due course.Relevant aspects of the NOS are addressed in the learning outcomes and content ofthe units, and these links are identified where appropriate.The Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care relate to the followingNOS:• Level 3 Health and Social Care• Level 3 Health.4BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007