Access to HE Health Professions: A Route into Healthcare, Midwifery and Allied Health

There is no single "healthcare qualification." A midwife, a radiographer, a paramedic and a dietitian all do very different jobs, yet adults wanting to train for any of them often start at the same place: an Access to HE Diploma focused on the health professions. If you are exploring a move into healthcare and you don't have A Levels, this is the route worth considering.

One diploma, many destinations

The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults aspiring to undertake health-related degrees. What makes it so useful is its breadth. Because it covers human biology, health studies, psychology and academic skills, it maps onto a wide span of degrees rather than just one, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, dietetics, paramedic science and operating department practice. That makes it a sensible choice if you know you want to work in healthcare, but haven't yet decided on a single profession.

As a Level 3 qualification, it is widely regarded as equivalent to three A Levels and can be worth up to 144 UCAS points. It is regulated by the QAA and, with Pass Learn, awarded by Open Awards and studied entirely online.

Midwifery

Midwifery deserves a special mention because it is one of the most sought-after health degrees. Midwives qualify through an approved degree and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A health-focused Access to HE Diploma can support progression into a midwifery degree, and many learners choose a nursing, midwifery and allied professions pathway to keep their options open. The Pass Learn guide to what qualifications you need to be a midwife explains the route in detail.

Paramedic and allied health routes

Paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and many other allied health professionals qualify via an approved degree and register with the Health and Care Professions Council. These courses are competitive and science-focused, which is precisely why a structured Access to HE Diploma can help adult learners demonstrate they are ready for degree-level study in the sciences.

What you need before you start

Health degrees expect Level 2 English and Maths, equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C, and usually a science. If you need to gain these, Functional Skills are widely accepted as equivalent and can often be studied alongside your Access course, while online GCSEs suit learners who specifically need a GCSE grade. For the full step-by-step picture, see the Healthjobs.co.uk guide to qualifications for a career in healthcare.

From Access to a healthcare career

After completing the diploma you apply to university through UCAS, then graduate and register with the relevant regulator for your profession. Because each health degree has its own entry requirements and not every university weighs qualifications the same way, always confirm the requirements for your specific course before enrolling. No diploma guarantees a place, but a recognised Level 3 qualification gives you a strong, credible foundation to apply from.