Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to frequently asked questions are displayed below. If you still have questions for us, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your Questions Answered
What funding is available?
We have limited funding for HCAs wishing to undertake our core module Primary Health Care Assistant.
All other 2017/18 funding from Health Education England has been utilised. However in the meantime there is an option for you or your employer to fund the course in full directly through our website. This would guarantee you a place.
Please note that should further funding become available you would not be eligible for a refund.
For details of costs, please see individual courses.
What's the difference between accredited and non-accredited courses?
Courses that are accredited have gone through a formal process of approval by a university and have been awarded academic credits based upon the level and hours of study. Successful completion is based on attainment of assessment criteria relating to an examination, written assessment, competencies or a combination of these.
Non-accredited courses do not have academic credits. The actual content, delivery and learning materials are unchanged. The only difference is that if you do not require university credits, you do not have to do the written assessment part of the course. You will still have to complete any other assessment required by the course, for example true / false examination, competencies handbook or practical assessment. For more details, please see the individual course listings.
If you choose the non-accredited option you will not be registered as a student at Teesside University and the notional study hours for the course are reduced, but other than this (and the written assessment) everything else remains unchanged. On completion you will receive a Certificate from the Primary Care Training Centre.
At what stage do I decide whether to do the accredited and non-accredited courses?
You need to make your decision when you apply for the course. If you choose an accredited course you must understand that you are committing yourself to completing this course and cannot change your mind whilst on the course to do the non-accredited version. You will be registered as a student at Teesside University and there is an expectation that you will complete the course of study. The Training Centre will offer any support you need to fulfill this.
Similarly, if you register for the non-accredited course you cannot switch to the accredited version once the course has started.
Where can I attend workshop days?
Workshop days are held at the Primary Care Training Centre in West Yorkshire. We can deliver any of our courses anywhere in the United Kingdom or Ireland at no extra charge, subject only to minimum numbers.
What different courses do you offer?
We offer distance learning courses in the following topics:
Cardiovascular Disease Management
Diabetes Management
Respiratory Disease Management (includes Asthma and COPD)
Women’s Health Management
Minor Illness & Injuries
Primary Health Care Assistant
These training courses last for six months (nine months for Primary HCA) and are accredited by the University of Teesside. We also offer a range of short courses and study days, aimed at students who wish to update or expand their knowledge. These last from one to four days, depending on the topic. Some study days are available with optional accreditation. Please check the courses on this website for more details.
What is included in the price?
Your fee includes all learning materials, mentor support from our tutors and your university registration fee where appropriate. If you are attending workshop days at the Training Centre in Bradford, refreshments and a buffet lunch are also included. Those students on one of our University-accredited distance learning courses may also attend a free, optional revision day during their course, in addition to the compulsory workshop days.
What if I need help or support?
You can contact the Training Centre at any time during your course. Our contact details can be found on this website. Just click "Contact Us". If necessary, we will arrange for a tutor to call you back, at a time to suit you.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can cater for special dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance.
How do I access my results?
You can access your results once they are available on Teesside University's intranet and e-Vision websites. For details on how to do this, please go to our Resources section and open the pdf file "Accessing your results and feedback". You must read your feedback before you contact the Training Centre to discuss your results. You can get to the Teesside intranet login screen by clicking the Teesside logo at the bottom of this page.
Do the prices include VAT?
Yes, all the prices on this website include VAT at the prevailing rate. Currently this is 20%. Your practice or PCT should be able to reclaim the VAT on your course.
Will I be able to complete the course?
All our courses are written and delivered in English, and will require certain standards of literacy and numeracy. If you are in any doubt at all, we recommend that you visit the Skills for Health website where you can undertake various literacy and numeracy assessments. You can find a link to this site in our Resources section, under the heading "Before you start to study".
What is the difference between the electronic Distance Learning Pack and the old paper version?
The new ePack aims to replicate the old paper pack in terms of ease of use, but includes additional features that make your learning experience more interactive. There’s a navigation panel, so you can quickly and easily find the section you are looking for. You can bookmark pages, copy sections to a scrapbook and even add your own notes. Sample questions are marked for you so you can gauge your progress, and all hyperlink web addresses are clickable. Your progress through the pack is recorded so you can see how you are doing. There’s even a built in glossary if you forget what a particular word or abbreviation means. What's more, the ePack will always be more up to date, because changes we make will be instantly available on your pack, and you will be notified via your dashboard.
How do I access my electronic pack?
In order to use the pack, you will need a computer with internet access. It will work on any browser. Once you have accessed the pack for the first time, you will be able to download a copy and access it offline using a Kindle device or Kindle app. You can also print off sections yourself if required. Remember, though, that the online version will always be the most up to date and you should check your dashboard regularly as it is there that we will notify you of changes and updates.
How long can I access my electronic pack for?
Your course fee includes access to the electronic pack for one year from the start date of your course. After this, you may pay a small subscription fee (currently £30 per annum, discounts will apply for multiple subscriptions) to keep accessing the pack and receiving updates. Alternatively, you can download the pack to your Kindle device or Kindle app, or print a copy, though of course these will not get updated with new developments.
What if I lose my certificate?
For courses completed within the last five years we can supply a duplicate certificate. There is a charge of £30 for this. For courses completed longer than five years ago, will will not be able to issue copies of certificates.
Does the Primary Care Training Centre promote equality and diversity?
As a Collaborative Partner of Teesside University, we follow University policy in this area, which means that PCTC embraces diversity and actively opposes prejudice and is committed to communicating openly, honestly and respectfully at all times.
You can find the full "All Different, All Equal" vision at the following web address:
https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/studentsupport/different_equal.cfm
What are the Primary Care Training Centre's policies on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Equality & Diversity?
You can find a document stating our policies in the resources section of our website, under PCTC Policies, and displayed in the Reception area at Crow Trees.
