RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (APT)
Level 3 Ref. Q000042
The Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) provides advanced knowledge and skills for anyone working in or aspiring to work in anatomical pathology. This accredited qualification ensures that you are well-prepared to handle the technical and sensitive aspects of anatomical pathology with professionalism and expertise.

What is the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science?
The Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) covers the principles and practices required for effective anatomical pathology. This includes understanding the procedures for post-mortem examinations, maintaining health and safety standards, and providing support to bereaved families.
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual.
Who is this qualification for?
The Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) is valuable for anyone working in or looking to enter the anatomical pathology sector, ensuring you are equipped to handle the responsibilities and sensitivities of the role.
New Starters
This qualification is only suitable for those employed as trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologists.
Trainee Anatomical Pathology technologists
Enhance your skills and knowledge to perform your role effectively.
Key skills
By completing this qualification, you will gain practical, actionable understanding of the following:
- Human anatomy and physiology for anatomical pathology technologists
- The Governance and administration of mortuary practices
- Employer and Employee responsibilities for Health and safety in the mortuary
- Microbiology and infection control for anatomical pathology technologists
- The principles of effective communication for anatomical pathology technologists
- How to Prepare and operate a mortuary
- How to prepare for postmortem examinations
- How to assist with postmortem examinations
- How to prepare the deceased for viewing
- How to work as a team
For full details, read the course specification below.
How long does it take to complete?
The qualification takes a total of 615 Total Qualification Time to complete, including 363 hours of guided learning time, followed by the completion of five knowledge units and five competency units assessed by one or more of the following: Course work, Task based controlled assessment or a written examination.
Career progression
Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) is a valuable step on the route to a wide variety of careers, including:
- Anatomical Pathology Technician
- Forensic Pathologist
- Mortuary Manager
- Bereavement Support Worker
- Pathology Assistant
Looking to advance your career even further? This qualification is part of the Anatomical Pathology pathway, designed to provide you with the tools you need to excel in the pathology and bereavement support fields.
Downloadable documents

Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) - Specification
PDF352.2kb
Find out more about the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)
Download fileHow do I apply?
Learners
You can apply for a course by contacting a Learning Centre directly via telephone, email, or in-person. Centres are listed below. You can enter a postcode or location to find the centres nearest to you.
Centres
If you are interested in offering this course or becoming a centre, we will be glad to help. Have a question? Just visit our Qualifications FAQs page for a helpful list of the most commonly asked questions regarding our qualifications.
Related qualifications
Learning Centres Offering This Qualification
North Tees & Hartlepool Solutions (NHSFT)
4 qualifications available
Find out moreRSPH Dummy Centre 1
90 qualifications available
Find out moreRSPH Dummy Centre 2
89 qualifications available
Find out more