T Level in Health

T Levels are advanced, two-year Level 3 qualifications developed in partnership with employers and launched in England in 2020. They provide a high-quality technical alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships. Each T Level combines:

Classroom-based learning (approximately 80% of the programme).

Industry placement (minimum 315 hours).

Occupational specialism aligned with professional standards.

A T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and carries UCAS tariff points, making it a respected pathway into higher education, apprenticeships, and skilled employment.

Overview of the Health T Level

The Health T Level is designed to prepare students for careers in the healthcare sector. It develops both theoretical understanding of human health and practical skills needed to deliver safe and effective patient care.

It is the second most popular T Level nationally, with more than 3,700 entrants in 2024/25. Its strong uptake reflects the NHS skills shortage and the wide range of professional progression routes available in healthcare.

Subject Content

The core curriculum of the Health T Level covers:

• Working within the health sector – roles, responsibilities, and regulatory standards.

  
  

• Human anatomy and physiology – body systems, health, and disease.

  
  

• Infection prevention and control – hygiene, safeguarding, and workplace safety.

  
  

• Health and wellbeing – lifestyle factors, nutrition, and mental health.

  
  

• Clinical tasks and patient care – supporting service users in different healthcare environments.

  
  

• Data handling and digital systems – using health records, confidentiality, and data protection.

  
  

Students then select an occupational specialism, such as:

• Supporting the Adult Nursing Team

  
  

• Supporting the Midwifery Team

  
  

• Supporting the Mental Health Team

  
  

• Supporting the Care of Children and Young People

  
  

• Supporting the Therapy Teams

  
  

Each specialism develops specific clinical and care competencies, preparing students for defined roles within healthcare.

Industry Placement

Learners must complete a minimum of 315 hours (about 45 days) in a healthcare setting, such as hospitals, GP surgeries, community health centres, or care homes.

Placements provide:

• Experience in delivering safe and compassionate care.

  
  

• Opportunities to apply infection control and safeguarding procedures.

  
  

• Real-world practice in patient interaction, observation, and basic clinical support.

  
  

• Professional insight into multidisciplinary teamwork within the NHS and private healthcare.

Assessment

Assessment is multi-layered and includes:

• Core assessments – written examinations and an employer-set project testing knowledge of healthcare systems and responsibilities.

  
  

• Occupational specialism assessments – synoptic practical assessments where learners demonstrate applied clinical and care skills.

  
  

• Industry placement evaluation – confirmation that students can perform competently and professionally in real-world settings.

  
  

Grades awarded range from Pass to Distinction, with UCAS points allocated for progression into higher education.

Progression Routes

The Health T Level provides multiple progression opportunities:

• Higher Education: Degrees in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, biomedical science, or public health.

  
  

• Higher or Degree Apprenticeships: Nursing associate, radiography, healthcare science, or allied health apprenticeships.

  
  

• Employment: Entry into healthcare roles such as healthcare assistant, support worker, maternity care assistant, or therapy assistant.

Transferable Skills

In addition to sector-specific knowledge, students gain skills valuable across many careers:

• Communication and Empathy – building trust and supporting patients sensitively.

  
  

• Teamwork and Collaboration – working with nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.

  
  

• Problem Solving – responding to patient needs and adapting care approaches.

  
  

• Professional Conduct – following policies, safeguarding, and data protection.

  
  

• Resilience and Adaptability – managing challenges in fast-paced and emotionally demanding environments.

Conclusion

The Health T Level provides a robust foundation for those aspiring to careers in the healthcare sector. It balances academic study with practical, patient-focused training, addressing critical skills shortages and offering clear progression routes into higher education, apprenticeships, and employment.

By combining clinical knowledge, industry placement, and transferable skills, it equips learners to contribute effectively to the future NHS workforce and beyond.