ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN CAREGIVING & PATIENT SUPPORT
PROGRAMME DURATION: 12 Months
TOTAL GUIDED LEARNING HOURS: 1020 HOURS
MODE: WEEKDAYS / WEEKENDS
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Diploma in Caregiving and Patient Support Services aims to develop competent, compassionate, and professionally trained caregivers equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values required to provide quality patient care in hospitals, elderly care facilities, home care settings, rehabilitation centres, and community healthcare environments.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:
- Apply principles of caregiving and patient support in healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate safe and effective patient care techniques.
- Maintain infection prevention and healthcare safety standards.
- Assist patients with daily living activities and mobility needs.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Provide appropriate care and support to elderly individuals and persons with disabilities.
- Respond appropriately to basic healthcare emergencies.
- Demonstrate professional ethics, confidentiality, and patient rights.
- Maintain healthcare documentation and observation records.
Perform caregiving responsibilities effectively within supervised clinical environment
SEMESTER 1: FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVING
Duration: 4.5 Months
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO CAREGIVING AND HEALTHCARE PRACTICE
Duration: 45 Hours
Theory Hours: 25
Practical Hours: 20
Units
- Unit 1.1: Introduction to Healthcare Systems
- Unit 1.2: Roles and Responsibilities of Caregivers
- Unit 1.3: Professional Ethics and Patient Rights
- Unit 1.4: Confidentiality and Professional Conduct
- Unit 1.5: Healthcare Teamwork and Collaboration
Assessment
Written Assignment
- Professional Role of the Caregiver
MODULE 2: HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND HEALTH OBSERVATION
Duration: 60 Hours
Theory Hours: 35
Practical Hours: 25
Units
- Unit 2.1: Basic Human Anatomy
- Unit 2.2: Major Body Systems
- Unit 2.3: Vital Signs Monitoring
- Unit 2.4: Observation and Reporting Techniques
- Unit 2.5: Common Health Conditions
Assessment
Practical Demonstration
- Vital Signs Measurement and Observation Recording
MODULE 3: INFECTION PREVENTION, SAFETY AND HEALTHCARE HYGIENE
Duration: 60 Hours
Theory Hours: 25
Practical Hours: 35
Units
- Unit 3.1: Principles of Infection Prevention
- Unit 3.2: Hand Hygiene Procedures
- Unit 3.3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Unit 3.4: Healthcare Safety Procedures
- Unit 3.5: Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management
Assessment
Practical Assessment
- Infection Control Procedures Demonstration
MODULE 4: FUNDAMENTAL PATIENT CARE SKILLS
Duration: 90 Hours
Theory Hours: 30
Practical Hours: 60
Units
- Unit 4.1: Personal Care Assistance
- Unit 4.2: Feeding and Nutrition Support
- Unit 4.3: Bed Making and Patient Comfort
- Unit 4.4: Mobility and Transfer Techniques
- Unit 4.5: Positioning and Pressure Care
- Unit 4.6: Assisting Activities of Daily Living
Assessment
- Patient Care Practical Examination
MODULE 5: Communication and Psychosocial Care
Duration: 45 Hours
Theory Hours: 25
Practical Hours: 20
Units
- Unit 5.1: Communication in Healthcare
- Unit 5.2: Emotional Support and Compassionate Care
- Unit 5.3: Family Communication
- Unit 5.4: Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity
- Unit 5.5: Stress Management and Professional Behaviour
Assessment
- Role Play and Communication Assessment
SEMESTER 2: ADVANCED CAREGIVING PRACTICE
Duration: 4.5 Months
MODULE 6: ELDERLY CARE AND DEMENTIA SUPPORT
Duration: 70 Hours
Theory Hours: 40
Practical Hours: 30
Units
- Unit 6.1: Ageing Process and Elderly Care
- Unit 6.2: Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care
- Unit 6.3: Elderly Mobility and Safety
- Unit 6.4: Nutrition and Wellness for Older Adults
- Unit 6.5: Psychosocial Support for Elderly Clients
Assessment
Case Study Assignment
- Elderly Care Management
MODULE 7: DISABILITY SUPPORT AND REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE
Duration: 60 Hours
Theory Hours: 30
Practical Hours: 30
Units
- Unit 7.1: Understanding Disabilities
- Unit 7.2: Mobility Assistance Techniques
- Unit 7.3: Assistive Devices and Equipment
- Unit 7.4: Rehabilitation Support
- Unit 7.5: Independent Living Support
Assessment
Practical Demonstration
- Disability Support Techniques
MODULE 8: FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Duration: 50 Hours
Theory Hours: 20
Practical Hours: 30
Units
- Unit 8.1: Principles of First Aid
- Unit 8.2: Emergency Response Procedures
- Unit 8.3: CPR Awareness and Demonstration
- Unit 8.4: Accident and Injury Management
- Unit 8.5: Emergency Communication Procedures
Assessment
- Emergency Response Practical Assessment
MODULE 9: HOME CARE AND COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE PRACTICE
Duration: 40 Hours
Theory Hours: 20
Practical Hours: 20
Units
- Unit 9.1: Home Care Services
- Unit 9.2: Community Healthcare Support
- Unit 9.3: Care Planning and Documentation
- Unit 9.4: Home Safety and Risk Management
- Unit 9.5: Family and Caregiver Support
Assessment
- Home Care Planning Assignment
MODULE 10: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PREPARATION
Duration: 20 Hours
Theory Hours: 10
Practical Hours: 10
Units
- Unit 10.1: Professional Workplace Behaviour
- Unit 10.2: CV and Job Application Preparation
- Unit 10.3: Interview Skills
- Unit 10.4: Overseas Employment Preparation
- Unit 10.5: Career Pathways in Healthcare
Assessment
- Professional Interview Assessment
CLINICAL INTERNSHIP
Duration
3 Months Full-Time
Internship Locations
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Elderly Care Centres
- Rehabilitation Facilities
- Home Care Services
Student Responsibilities
- Personal care assistance
- Patient mobility support
- Feeding assistance
- Observation and reporting
- Infection control procedures
- Documentation support
- Communication with patients and supervisors
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete:
- Clinical Logbook
Daily records of clinical activities performed.
- Supervisor Evaluation
Assessment by workplace supervisor.
- Clinical Performance Assessment
Evaluation of practical caregiving competencies.
- Final Internship Report
Reflective report based on clinical experience.
FINAL INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Final Theory Examination
Comprehensive examination covering all academic modules.
Final Practical Examination
Demonstration of caregiving competencies including:
- Patient care procedures
- Mobility assistance
- Infection control
- Communication skills
- Emergency response procedures
Final Viva
Professional interview based on:
- Clinical internship experience
- Logbook review
- Professional knowledge
- Reflective learning
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may pursue employment as:
- Caregiver (Local or Overseas)
- Elderly Care Assistant
- Patient Care Assistant
- Home Care Assistant
- Nursing Home Caregiver
- Disability Support Worker
- Community Care Assistant
- Rehabilitation Support Assistant
- Personal Care Assistant
- Hospital Patient Support Worker
PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may progress to further studies in:
- Nursing Assistance
- Healthcare Support Services
- Community Health Care
- Elderly Care Management
- Disability Support Services
- Allied Health and Healthcare Studies
PROGRAMME HOURS
ACADEMIC PHASE (9 MONTHS)
Component | Hours |
Theory / Classroom Learning | 220 Hours |
Practical Laboratory Training | 240 Hours |
Workshops & Clinical Simulations | 60 Hours |
Continuous Assessments | 20 Hours |
Total Academic Hours | 540 Hours |
CLINICAL INTERNSHIP (3 MONTHS)
Component | Hours |
Full-Time Clinical Placement (Hospital / Elderly Care / Home Care) | 480 Hours |
TOTAL PROGRAMME HOURS
Phase | Hours |
Academic Phase | 540 Hours |
Clinical Internship | 480 Hours |
TOTAL PROGRAMME HOURS | 1,020 Hours |
ASSESSMENT GRADING CRITERIA
- 0 – 39: (Repeat Examination Required)
- 40 – 59: Pass
- 60 – 74: Merit
- 75 and Above: Distinction
Course Locations
Kandy Branch
337/1 Katugastota Road, Kandy
(Mawilmada Junction – 1st Floor, Pizza Hut Building)
Negombo Branch:
12, Thaladuwa First Lane, Negombo
(Behind the Negombo Central Bus Stand)