Private Care Sector Workforce Initiative
Survey regarding the PDA in Administration of Medication
The Workforce Initiative is requesting feedback in respect of the proposed Higher National (HN) Unit pertaining to the administration of medication. It is required for Monday 23 November at the latest, in order for us to contribute to the final version of the award. Please contact me on 07946 607532 or send the feedback to
SQA was invited to work with the Care Commission to certificate a Unit which could be used for the purposes of training staff in the delivery of medication within a care setting, and through a consultation exercise have established that the development of a Professional Development Award (PDA) is the preferred model of delivery.
A PDA is designed for people who are normally already in a career or vocation and who wish to extend or broaden their skills base. It assesses and certificates progression in a defined set of specialist occupational skills, in this case the administration of medication. Whilst the exact time allocated to the Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length is 40 hours. In addition, candidates are expected to contribute some of their own study time.
The HN Unit is aligned with National Occupational Standards, in this instance it is Unit HSC375 - ‘Administer Medication to Individuals’ from the SVQ Health and Social Care at Level 3. So, the whole PDA award will comprise the HN Unit and the SVQ Unit.
We are asking for comment on the draft HN Unit only as the SVQ Unit is already in place.
Can you please click here to look at the draft unit and click here for a very brief questionnaire to guide your feedback.
Thank you for your help.
