LASER Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Working in Health and Social Care Professions

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of providing activities to promote the well-being of health and social care service users.
• Know about different types of activities that can be provided within health and social care settings.
• Select and plan appropriate activities to meet the needs of individual health and social care service users.
• Understand the role of the health or social care professional in supporting individuals to participate in activities.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe how body systems are organised
• Explain how the respiratory system functions
• Explain how the cardiovascular system functions
• Explain how the nervous system supports body functions
• Explain how the skeletal system functions

What you'll be able to do

• Conduct a job search and application process.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the meaning of the term ‘Mental Health’ and its various aspects.
• Understand the differing methods used for treating and managing mental illness.
• Understand different techniques for managing anger effectively.
• Understand the importance and application of therapeutic communication skills in mental health care.
• Understand the roles and functions of various agencies and individuals involved in providing care services for people with mental health conditions.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key features of the care planning process within mental health settings
• Understand aspects of good practice in the care planning process, including person-centred approaches

What you'll be able to do

• Define Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its key characteristics.
• Describe the different types of ASD and their associated behaviours.
• Explain the social and emotional impact of ASD for the individual and the family, including challenges and strengths.
• Describe the impact of ASD on communication, social interaction and sensory processing.
• Explain the potential causes of challenging behaviour in individuals with ASD.
• Identify triggers and antecedents to challenging behaviour.
• Describe strategies for managing problem behaviours associated with ASD, promoting positive behaviour support.
• Explain the importance of individualised approaches to managing behaviour.
• Describe how to implement de-escalation techniques in a safe and effective manner.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the legal requirements for the provision of first aid in the workplace, including employer and employee responsibilities.
• Understand basic first aid procedures for common workplace injuries and illnesses.

What you'll be able to do

• Know about the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the ageing process.
• Know about common conditions and illnesses that affect older people, and their potential impact.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with older people, considering their individual needs and preferences.
• Know about good practice principles in caring for older people, including promoting independence, dignity, and well-being.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate a range of career options within a chosen sector.
• Research the skills, qualifications and experience required for different career paths.
• Assess career options based on personal skills, interests and values.
• Evaluate the suitability of different career options.
• Plan to achieve a career-related goal by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.
• Identify the steps required to achieve a career-related goal.
• Describe different routes of career progression within a chosen sector.
• Identify opportunities for professional development and advancement.

What you'll be able to do

• Demonstrate effective communication skills in a health and social care context.

What you'll be able to do

• Extract and interpret statistical information from various sources.
• Understand the difference between discrete and continuous data, and provide examples of each.
• Represent discrete and continuous data using appropriate charts and graphs.
• Compare two sets of data using different types of average, such as mean, median and mode.
• Find the range to describe the spread within sets of data.
• Identify the outcomes of combined and independent events and calculate probabilities.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify different types of loss and grief experienced by individuals.
• Describe the impact of loss and grief on individuals.
• Explain the process of grieving and adjusting to loss.
• Describe the stages of grief and how individuals may experience them differently.
• Explain how a health and social care professional can support an individual to adjust to loss or grief.
• Identify appropriate communication techniques to use when supporting individuals experiencing loss or grief.
• Identify support services available for people grieving or adjusting to loss.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what dementia is, including its impact on cognitive function and daily life.
• Understand key features of the theoretical models of dementia, including biological, psychological, and social perspectives.
• Know the most common types of dementia and their causes, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
• Understand factors relating to an individual’s experience of dementia, including personal history, social support, and environmental factors.

What you'll be able to do

• Know what is meant by the term diabetes, including its different types and characteristics.
• Know the various risk factors associated with developing type 2 diabetes.
• Know the different treatment and management options available for individuals with diabetes.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
• Recognise and respond appropriately to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).
• Know the links and potential interactions between diabetes and other health conditions.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the meaning of the term disability and how societal and environmental factors can affect people with disabilities.
• Understand the key principles of the different models of disability, including the medical and social models.
• Recognise stereotypical images and language used about people with disabilities in literature and by the media, and understand their impact.
• Understand the impact of disability legislation on the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the concept of duty of care in the context of health and social care settings.
• Know the role of relevant legislation and workplace policies in supporting health and social care organisations and staff to fulfil their duty of care responsibilities.
• Know about common ethical dilemmas and challenges that can arise in relation to duty of care.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the academic demands of a course of study in Health and Social Care.
• Understand how personal challenges may impact on their course of study in Health and Social Care.
• Understand how personal aspirations may impact on their course of study in Health and Social Care.
• Understand different ways of learning and relate these to own learning preferences.
• Understand how self-assessment can help to improve own learning.
• Understand how peer assessment can help to improve own learning.
• Understand how working with others in a group can help improve own learning.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental concept of ethics and its relevance to health and social care professions.
• Understand a number of common ethical issues that arise in health care settings, such as confidentiality, consent and resource allocation.
• Understand the complex range of factors that can be involved in ethical issues, including legal, social, cultural and personal considerations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the different roles and responsibilities of individuals when working as part of a group or team.
• Understand how to communicate effectively verbally with other members of a group or team.
• Understand the importance of actively listening to the contributions of others within group situations.
• Allow other individuals to communicate within a group situation without interruption.
• Understand the importance of co-operation and collaboration when working in group situations.
• Understand how to receive praise and constructive criticism from other members of a group or team.
• Know when and how to give praise and constructive criticism to other members of a group or team.
• Understand the different types of relationships that can exist within a team and how these can impact on team performance.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand basic health care practices.

What you'll be able to do

• Select and use a variety of sources of information to meet needs.
• Search for, select and use internet-based information and evaluate its fitness for purpose.
• Select and use IT to communicate safely, responsibly and effectively.

What you'll be able to do

• Select appropriate software applications to meet specific needs and solve problems in a workplace context.
• Use selected software applications effectively to perform required tasks.
• Enter different types of information accurately and efficiently.
• Format information appropriately to suit its meaning and purpose, ensuring clarity and readability.
• Present information in ways that are fit for purpose and audience, considering factors such as layout, style, and visual appeal.
• Evaluate the selection and use of IT tools and facilities to present information, identifying strengths and weaknesses.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different ways of learning and how they relate to own preferences.
• Use own strengths, aptitudes and skills to determine realistic learning targets.
• Make informed decisions about how to achieve learning targets.
• Review own performance against set targets.

What you'll be able to do

• Use punctuation correctly to aid understanding in written communication
• Use grammar correctly to ensure clarity and accuracy in written communication

What you'll be able to do

• Present oneself effectively for an interview situation
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and communication skills during an interview
• Actively take part in an interview, responding to questions and providing relevant information
• Review own performance in an interview to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Improve own performance in future interviews

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the factors that impact on an individual with sensory loss.
• Describe steps that can be taken to overcome the challenges presented by sensory loss.
• Explain the importance of effective communication for individuals with sensory loss.
• Describe methods of communication that can be used to support individuals with sensory loss.
• Identify the main causes and conditions of sensory loss.
• Describe common conditions that lead to sight loss.
• Describe common conditions that lead to hearing loss.
• Describe how to recognise when an individual may be experiencing sight and / or hearing loss.
• Explain the signs and symptoms of potential sight loss.
• Explain the signs and symptoms of potential hearing loss.
• Explain how to report concerns about sensory loss within the workplace.

What you'll be able to do

• Reflect on what was learnt during a work placement experience
• Assess own performance during a work placement, identifying areas of strength and areas for development
• Use learning from a work placement to set realistic and achievable career-related goals
• Identify how the work placement has influenced career aspirations

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of quality standards in health care.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the basic concepts and applications used in X-ray imaging
• Understand the properties of sound waves and their application to medicine
• Understand how Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be applied in medical diagnosis
• Understand the advantages of non-invasive techniques in diagnosis

What you'll be able to do

• Know the meaning of key medical terms and job titles relating to the medical professions.
• Use the ‘stem’ within medical words to derive other medical terms.
• Know the meaning of key medical terminology relating to the human body, including anatomical terms and physiological processes.
• Know the meaning of key pharmaceutical abbreviations commonly used in medical settings.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand basic anatomy and physiology in relation to moving and positioning individuals.
• Know about guidance and requirements for moving and positioning individuals.
• Know about health and safety in relation to moving and positioning individuals.
• Move and position an individual.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the concept of person-centred care and its significance in health and social care settings.
• Understand the importance of person-centred care in promoting individual well-being and independence.
• Know about different person-centred approaches used in health and social care practice.
• Know about the key principles that underpin person-centred approaches.

What you'll be able to do

• Develop effective personal study skills.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe personal study skills
• Explain how to locate information
• Explain how to retrieve information
• Explain how to store information
• Produce written materials for study purposes
• Use written materials for study purposes
• Use technology to enhance own learning
• Make contributions in discussions

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the skills involved in preparing and delivering presentations, including planning, structuring, and using visual aids.
• Use different visual aids and delivery styles in presentations to engage the audience and enhance understanding.
• Plan a presentation, considering the audience, purpose, and key messages.
• Deliver a presentation confidently and effectively, using appropriate language and body language.
• Assess performance and identify areas for improvement in presentation skills, based on feedback and self-reflection.

What you'll be able to do

• Know about the gait cycle and its components
• Know about the use of walking aids and stair assessments for patients
• Understand the use of physiotherapeutic equipment in treatment plans
• Understand the use of physiotherapeutic techniques for patient care
• Understand the importance of effective practice in physiotherapy support work

What you'll be able to do

• Prepare for employment in health and social care settings.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify various work or training opportunities available.
• Understand the specific requirements for different work or training opportunities.
• Complete application forms accurately and effectively for work or training.
• Present oneself confidently and appropriately at an interview.
• Plan a personal career path, considering individual skills and interests.

What you'll be able to do

• Know about the company or organisation where work placement is planned, demonstrating an understanding of its structure, operations, and culture.
• Know about a work placement, including its purpose, benefits, and potential challenges.
• Know what the company or organisation expects of the learner during work placement, including responsibilities, conduct, and performance standards.
• Set targets relating to work placement, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

What you'll be able to do

• Know how infection is caused by various pathogens
• Understand how infection can spread through different routes of transmission
• Understand the ‘chain of infection’ and its components
• Understand the need to recognise Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) and their potential impact

What you'll be able to do

• Know the legal and organisational responsibilities of health and social care organisations in relation to protection and safeguarding.
• Know the responsibilities of health and social care practitioners in relation to protection and safeguarding.
• Know about good practice in keeping health and social care service users safe or at reduced risk of harm.
• Know about different forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of different forms of abuse.
• Respond to disclosure or suspicion of abuse, following organisational policies and procedures.
• Know about sources of information and support available in relation to abuse, for both service users and practitioners.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe how to locate, retrieve and store information in a health and social care setting, in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Explain the importance of confidentiality and data protection when handling information.
• Respond to written materials in a health and social care setting by extracting key information.
• Interpret and analyse written information relevant to the role.
• Produce written materials for specific purposes in a health and social care setting, using appropriate language and format.
• Write clear and concise reports, notes and summaries.
• Use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation in written communication.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different types of research methods and their uses, including qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Plan a piece of research, defining research questions and selecting appropriate methodologies
• Report on a piece of research, presenting findings in a clear and concise manner
• Evaluate a piece of research, assessing its validity and reliability

What you'll be able to do

• Identify and manage resources in nursing.

What you'll be able to do

• Communicate effectively with others
• Present information clearly to others
• Obtain information effectively from others
• Engage constructively in discussion

What you'll be able to do

• Know what a stroke is, including its causes and effects on the body.
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
• Understand the importance of managing risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Understand the critical importance of emergency response and timely treatment for stroke patients.
• Understand the various aspects of stroke management, including rehabilitation and long-term care.

What you'll be able to do

• Support individuals to make informed choices about food and drink, taking into account their preferences, dietary needs, and cultural requirements.
• Prepare the environment and resources to provide support for eating and drinking, ensuring a safe and comfortable setting.
• Provide support for eating and drinking in a way that promotes dignity, independence, and enjoyment.
• Clear away after food and drink, following hygiene and safety procedures.
• Monitor eating and drinking patterns, intake, and any difficulties experienced, and report any concerns to the appropriate person.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the support provided and make adjustments as necessary to meet the individual's needs.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the key characteristics of an effective team leader.
• Know about different leadership skills and styles and their impact on team performance.
• Understand the different roles and personalities within a team and how they contribute to team dynamics.
• Set clear and measurable objectives for the team to achieve.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of effective team-work in health, social care or children and young people’s settings.
• Know how teams are structured within health, social care or children and young people’s settings.
• Know the characteristics of effective teams in health, social care or children and young people’s settings.
• Work as an effective team member to complete a task or activity relating to health and social care or to the care of children or young people.

What you'll be able to do

• Define what constitutes effective time management, including prioritisation, planning, and organisation.
• Understand why it is important to manage their time effectively in the workplace, considering productivity and deadlines.
• Demonstrate time-management skills during the working day, such as prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Assess how well they are managing their time, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of differentiating between the individual and the disability
• Understand the concept of physical disability
• Understand how the challenges of living with a physical disability can be addressed
• Understand the importance of independence and inclusion for the individual with physical disability

What you'll be able to do

• Calculate, measure and record time in different formats, including hours, minutes, seconds, days, weeks, months and years.
• Estimate, measure and compare temperature using appropriate instruments, including reading scales and using conversion tables between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• Estimate, measure and calculate with length, distance, weight and capacity using common metric and imperial units, and convert between them.
• Find dimensions from scale drawings, using appropriate ratios and proportions.
• Calculate compound measures such as speed, density and pressure, and rate of exchange between currencies.
• Recognise and use common 2-D representations of 3-D objects, such as plans, elevations and isometric drawings.
• Find the perimeter of regular and composite 2D shapes, including circles, using appropriate formulae.
• Find the area of regular and composite shapes including circles and triangles, using given formulae.
• Find the volume of regular 3-D shapes (cuboids, cylinders, triangular prisms) using given formulae.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the different responsibilities relating to health and safety in health and social care settings
• Understand the use of risk assessments in relation to health and safety
• Understand procedures for responding to accidents and sudden illness
• Reduce the spread of infection
• Move and handle equipment and other objects safely
• Understand the principles of assisting and moving an individual
• Handle hazardous substances
• Know environmental safety procedures in the health and social care setting
• Understand procedures regarding handling medication
• Understand how to handle and store food safely

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the meaning of health promotion and health education.
• Understand the ethical issues relating to health education and promotion.
• Understand the principles involved when promoting health and wellbeing.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the need for secure handling of information in health and social care settings
• Access support for handling information in health and social care settings

What you'll be able to do

• Explain what is meant by the term ‘health and social care professions’
• Describe the types and needs of patients served by the health and social care professions
• Identify professional bodies related to the health and social care professions
• Describe the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the health and social care professions
• Describe current policy developments related to the health and social care professions

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what is meant by the term ‘medical profession’, including the different roles and responsibilities within it.
• Understand the types and needs of patients served by the medical profession, considering factors such as age, health conditions, and social circumstances.
• Know about professional bodies related to the medical profession, such as the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
• Know about the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the medical profession, including data protection and patient confidentiality.
• Know about current policy developments related to the medical profession, such as changes to the National Health Service (NHS) and public health initiatives.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what is meant by the term ‘mental health nursing’ and its role in healthcare.
• Understand the types and needs of patients served by the mental health nursing profession, including different mental health conditions.
• Know about professional bodies related to the mental health nursing profession and their functions.
• Know about the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the mental health nursing profession, including relevant laws and regulations.
• Know about current policy developments related to the mental health nursing profession and their potential impact.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role and responsibilities of a midwife.

What you'll be able to do

• Define the term ‘nursing’
• Describe the types and needs of patients served by the nursing profession
• Identify professional bodies related to the nursing profession
• Outline the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the nursing profession
• Describe current policy developments related to the nursing profession

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the meaning of the term 'occupational therapy' and its core principles.
• Understand the different types of patients served by the occupational therapy profession and their specific needs.
• Know about the key professional bodies related to the occupational therapy profession and their roles.
• Know about the relevant legislative framework and statutory obligations that apply to the occupational therapy profession.
• Know about current policy developments related to the occupational therapy profession and their potential impact.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the meaning of the term ‘paramedical profession’
• Understand the different types and needs of patients served by the paramedical profession
• Know about the roles and responsibilities of professional bodies related to the paramedical profession
• Know about the relevant legislative framework and statutory obligations for the paramedical profession
• Know about current policy developments related to the paramedical profession

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what is meant by the term ‘physiotherapy’.
• Understand the types and needs of patients served by the physiotherapy profession.
• Know about professional bodies related to the physiotherapy profession.
• Know about the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the physiotherapy profession.
• Know about current policy developments related to the physiotherapy profession.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what is meant by the term ‘radiography and medical imaging’
• Understand types and needs of patients served by the radiography and medical imaging profession
• Know about professional bodies related to the radiography and medical imaging profession
• Know about the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the radiography and medical imaging profession
• Know about current policy developments related to the radiography and medical imaging profession

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what is meant by the term ‘social care’
• Understand types and needs of patients served by the social care profession
• Know about professional bodies related to the social care profession
• Know about the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the social care profession
• Know about current policy developments related to the social care profession

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the meaning of the term ‘social work’ in contemporary society.
• Understand the different types of patients and their specific needs that are served by the social work profession.
• Know the roles and responsibilities of professional bodies related to the social work profession.
• Know the key aspects of the legislative framework and statutory obligations relevant to the social work profession.
• Know about current policy developments and their potential impact on the social work profession.

What you'll be able to do

• Recognise situations where the application of numeracy skills is required within Health and Social Care settings.
• Select the most appropriate mathematical approach to effectively solve problems encountered in Health and Social Care.
• Apply relevant numeracy skills accurately and effectively within a Health and Social Care context.
• Interpret the results obtained from the application of numeracy skills and communicate them clearly and accurately in Health and Social Care situations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how to set clear and achievable goals for a group or team.
• Understand their own responsibilities and the responsibilities of others in achieving the group's goals.
• Understand how to plan group activities effectively, including allocating tasks and resources.
• Participate actively in group activities, contributing to the achievement of the group's goals.
• Understand how to review group activities to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the structure of the National Health Service (NHS), including its different components and levels of organisation.
• Understand the differences between primary care, secondary care, and community care within the NHS, including the services they provide.
• Understand key workplace legislation regarding employment within the NHS, including rights and responsibilities of employees and employers.
• Understand the importance of personal development for individuals working in the NHS, including continuous learning and professional growth.
• Understand how to maintain health and safety in the workplace within the NHS, following procedures and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Understand how to maintain the rights of the patient within the NHS, ensuring their dignity, privacy, and access to appropriate care.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the purpose of a piece of writing.
• Use different writing styles to suit the purpose of the writing.
• Plan a piece of writing before starting.
• Draft and edit a piece of writing to improve its clarity and impact.
• Use writing in order to communicate effectively with others.