PDA in Technology Enabled Care
The Professional Development Award in Technology Enabled Care (PDA in TEC) at SCQF Level 7 has been developed in collaboration with employers and academia to meet the evolving needs of the sector.
The qualification equips Scotland’s workforce with the knowledge and skills to integrate digital solutions into health and social care, helping to improve services and support better health and wellbeing outcomes.
Introduction
Health and social care services face growing pressures around capacity and sustainability, affecting both the workforce and the people they support.
The PDA in TEC helps build the digital knowledge and skills needed to embed preventative approaches across health, housing and social care, supporting more effective and responsive services.
The qualification also supports Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Strategy by investing in workforce development and empowering people to thrive in an increasingly digital society.
What is the PDA in TEC?
The PDA in TEC is a nationally recognised qualification designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to use technology effectively in health and social care.
Delivered fully online, it combines self-directed learning with tutor support, digital resources and your own practical experience.
Who is the PDA in TEC for?
The PDA in TEC is for people who are new to digital health and care or looking to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
It supports staff across health, social care, social work and housing, including care homes and care-at-home services in the public, independent and third sectors. The award helps participants understand and apply digital technologies to enhance service delivery, support self-management and help people live independently.
The PDA also supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD), providing evidence of achievement that can support career progression in your current or future role.
Funded opportunities
Public Services Delivery Scotland (formerly NHS Education for Scotland) has funded over 400 staff across health, social care, social work and housing to complete the PDA in TEC.
Applications are now open for the January 2027 cohort. Applications close Monday 26 October at 12 noon.
Find out more here.
In addition to Public Services Delivery Scotland-funded places, individuals and organisations can self-fund the qualification as an investment in professional and workforce development.
For information about self-funding options, please see the links below:
Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Pathway
The Technology-Enabled Care Pathway provides guidance, resources and opportunities to support your development in delivering health and social care in the digital age.
By exploring the pathway and its resources, you can build the knowledge and skills needed to use digital tools and services to enhance the quality, efficiency and impact of care delivery across health and social care settings.
The PDA in Technology Enabled Care is one way to develop and formally recognise these skills through a nationally recognised qualification.
Find out more about the PDA in TEC.