HNC Occupational Therapy Support (Distance/Online)
- Location
- Distance/Online Learning
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HNC
- Course Type
- Part-Time
- Duration
- 18 months (start dates usually in August and January)
This course is aimed at people working alongside Registered Occupational Therapists who want to develop in-depth knowledge about the various contexts, models and procedures involved in occupational therapy, and its vital role as part of the overall treatment and recovery process in health and social care. You need to be employed in the NHS, HSCP, supported Education or the Voluntary sector as support staff and have direct contact with the people who use the service.
What will I learn?
The HNC Occupational Therapy Support course includes:
- Context and development of occupational therapy
- Needs and rights of service users
- Policies, procedures and professional standards in the workplace
- Philosophy, theory, and practice models of occupational therapy
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology applied to occupational therapy
- Sociology applied to occupational therapy
- Audit and quality assurance
- Graded unit
Assessment is continuous, with a mix of practical and theoretical assessments.
Distance learning online students are already in the workplace so there is no practice placement as part of the part-time distance learning course and you will apply your learning to practice throughout the course.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- At least 6 months practice experience working alongside a Registered Occupational Therapist and carrying out supervised interventions with the people who use your service
- Preferably a relevant NC / NQ in a health or care related subject at SCQF Level 6
- In the personal statement section of the application you should demonstrate a detailed interest in and understanding of occupational therapy
- A supportive reference from your supervising Registered Occupational Therapist or Manager to confirm you are able to undertake this course of study which involves online attendance for an agreed one half day per week.
We also welcome applications from those who have no formal qualifications but who can evidence significant relevant life and/or work experience and interest and understanding of occupational therapy
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.
Employer and industry links
The course is supported by employers across the health, social care and supported education in statutory and third sector services through provision of placements and work place supervision.
Your work place provides extensive experience to understand how theory relates to practice across all subject areas.
Articulation Routes
We have articulation routes with :
- Glasgow Caledonian University (2nd year entry with interview and depends on academic progress)
- Queen Margaret University (2nd year entry with interview and depends on academic progress)
Jobs and further study
The College supports students with the UCAS process and application for university as part of the course.
We have relationships with Occupational Therapy degree programmes including Glasgow Caledonian, Queen Margaret and Robert Gordon and previous students have moved to study at Brunel, Manchester and Cumbria Universities who can offer 1st year or 2nd year entry.
Options for further study include:
- BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
- Masters Occupational Therapy
- BA (Hons) Integrated Health and Social Care
- BA (Hons) Higher Education: Education and Social Services
- Students may also choose to apply for any other degree programme that links to care or health, e.g. social work or nursing
- Employment as a support worker within occupational therapy or related areas of health, social services or supported education in a wide range of adult and children/young people areas e.g. learning disability, mental health, physical health, rehabilitation reablement and community support.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.