KCSE MEAN GRADE: DPLUS

EXAMINATION BODY & CERTIFICATION : TVET CDACC

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING BODY: KHPOA

RECOGNISED BOTH LOCALLY & INTERNATIONALLY

1. Course Overview

The Certificate in Health Service Support is designed to equip learners with foundational knowledge and practical skills to assist healthcare professionals in delivering quality health services.
The program covers patient care, infection control, health facility operations, and community health — preparing graduates to serve in hospitals, clinics, and public health programs as support staff.

2. Course Duration

• Duration: 1 year
• Mode of Study: Full-time, online, part-time  (classroom instruction, practical sessions, and clinical attachment)
• CLINICAL ATTACHMENT PERIOD: 3 MONTHS OF SUPERVISED WORK BY CLINICIANS, DOCTORS, NURSES

3. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, the trainee should be able to:

1. 1. Demonstrate understanding of basic anatomy, physiology, and healthcare systems.
   2. Provide assistance in patient care and basic nursing procedures.
   3. Apply infection prevention and control measures in health facilities.
   4. Maintain cleanliness, safety, and order in healthcare settings.
   5. Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and the community.
   6. Support administrative and operational functions in health facilities.
   7. Uphold ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism in healthcare practice.

4. Course Structure

• Introduction to Health Service Support
• Communication Skills
• Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Medical Terminology
• First Aid and Emergency Care
• Professional Ethics and Conduct
• Computer Applications
• Health Facility Organization and Structure
• Patient Care and Basic Nursing Procedures
• Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management
• Health Promotion and Education
• Record Keeping and Inventory Management
• Nutrition and Food Service in Health Care
• Community Health Support
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Clinical/Field Attachment
• Project Work and Practical Assessment

5. Teaching and Learning Methods

• Classroom Lectures and Tutorials
• Demonstrations and Practical Sessions
• Supervised Clinical Attachments
• Field Visits and Community Practice
• Case Studies and Group Discussions
• Skills Lab Simulation Exercises

6. Assessment Methods

• Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
• Written and Oral Examinations
• Practical Skills Evaluations
• Logbook and Clinical Reports
• Final Competency and Project Evaluation

7. Career Opportunities

Graduates can work as:

• Health Service Assistants
• Patient Attendants
• Community Health Aides
• Hospital Support Staff
• Sanitation and Safety Officers

Employment Sectors:

• Public and Private Hospitals
• Community Health Centres
• NGOs and Humanitarian Agencies
• Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Facilities
• Health Projects and Programs