Duration
6 Months
National Certificate - 6 Months
National Certificate in Health Facility Operations Assistance (HFOA)
This competency-based national certification equips non-clinical health facility staff with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes required to support healthcare delivery safely and effectively across Ghana.
Structure
4 Months + 2 Months Practicum
Level
Entry to Mid-Level Support
Fees
GHS 3,500
Programme aim
Build a certified support workforce for safer and more efficient facility operations.
Support daily facility operations under supervision
Maintain accurate patient and stock records
Ensure clean, safe, and compliant environments
Assist in patient flow and service delivery
Escalate clinical and operational risks appropriately
Target group
For frontline non-clinical staff supporting service delivery across Ghana.
Health facility assistants
Orderlies and ward assistants
Front desk personnel
CHPS support staff
Entry-level healthcare workers
Programme structure
Three phases covering foundation, core operations, and supervised practicum.
Phase 01
Foundation Phase (Weeks 1-4)
Phase 02
Core Operations Phase (Weeks 5-12)
Phase 03
Advanced Phase & Practicum (Weeks 13-24)
Functional domains
Support roles spanning patient flow, records, logistics, hygiene, and digital health.
Patient support and frontline services
Health facility operations and administration
Health records and data support
Logistics and supply chain support
Infection prevention and control support
Facility maintenance and environmental support
Public health and community interface
Digital health and ICT support
Scope of practice
What HFOAs can do and what they must not do.
Permitted: Perform non-clinical patient support activities
Permitted: Handle administrative and operational tasks
Permitted: Support logistics and facility coordination
Permitted: Use approved digital systems for data entry
Permitted: Assist healthcare workers under supervision
Prohibited: Diagnose or treat patients
Prohibited: Dispense medicines or interpret prescriptions
Prohibited: Perform clinical procedures
Prohibited: Provide medical advice
Prohibited: Make financial or clinical decisions
Certification framework
National certification built for quality assurance, supervision, and progression.
National Certificate in Health Facility Operations Assistance (HFOA)
Pass: 50-59%
Credit: 60-74%
Distinction: 75%+
Proposed issuing authority: Health Facilities Regulatory Agency
In collaboration with Allied Health Professions Council, Ghana Health Service, and accredited training institutions
Performance indicators
How success is measured in facility settings.
Reduced patient waiting time
Improved accuracy of records and data entry
Stronger compliance with IPC protocols
Better patient flow coordination
More accurate inventory and stock management