Healthcare Assistant Level 5 (Community Health Services)

HEALTHCARE 5M4468 NFQ LEVEL 5
PLSS Code 500665 | Fee €150

This one-year QQI Level 5 programme prepares learners for rewarding careers as Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), or Classroom Assistants. Combining theory with practical training, students develop the knowledge, expertise, and self-confidence to provide empathetic, person-centred care and support to those in healthcare, educational, and community settings.

The programme provides teaching and hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art health care room which includes a simulated hospital ward. We also have virtual learning headsets to assist in teaching and learning.

Essential for employment the programme includes certified First Aid and Patient Handling courses to equip graduates with the qualifications and practical experience needed for employment across the healthcare sector.

Entry Requirements

In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC Level 4 qualifications. Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses.

We also welcome applications from mature students on all our courses.

What Will I Study?

A full QQI Level 5 Award is attained on successful completion of eight modules. This must include all mandatory module listed for the programme. You will be assessed throughout the programme by a combination of continuous assessment, assignments and by exams in certain modules. On successful completion of each module, you will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

QQI Level 5 Mandatory Modules

Work Experience (5N1356)
Care Provision and Practice (5N2705)
Care of Older Person (5N2706)
Care Skills (5N2770)

QQI Level 5 Elective Modules

Customer Service (5N0972)
Nursing Theory and Practice (5N4325)
Palliative Care Support (5N3769)
Infection Prevention and Control (5N3734)
Special Needs Assisting (5N1786)
Word Processing (5N1358)

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What Qualifications Will I Get When I Finish The Course?

QQI Healthcare 5M4468 NFQ Level 5

Career Opportunities and Progression

There are approximately forty Higher Education Institutions including Universities, Technological Universities and private colleges offering places on a range of courses to QQI full award certificate holders. QQI’s information page Going to higher education using my QQI Award provides answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.

Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, applications processes and scoring systems with the Admission Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions or visit visit cao.ie.

Full awards can also be used for graduates' progression to Further Education level 6 courses or Level 7 and Level 8 programmes in Higher Education such as Social Care in TU Dublin - visit cao.ie for further information. Full awards can also be used for entry to UK, European and International universities, on a case-by-case basis. Further information on EUNiCAS can be found here.

Graduates go on to employment as classroom assistants and care assistants. Additionally, graduates may seek employment in a variety of residential and non-residential healthcare settings or as personal carers. Others choose to progress to Higher Education and training.

CAO Progression Routes for this Course