Nursing & Midwifery - Occupational Health
The Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health aims to provide a higher level of education for nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers working in occupational health settings. The programmes purpose is to provide a platform for achieving greater efficiencies in applying healthcare discoveries to clinical practice.
| Award Name | Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 9 NFQ |
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the programme you must:
Must be active on their professional register
Hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification or similar
Be working in occupational health settings in order to obtain the required experiences required as part of the programme (this applies to PgDip in Occupational Health only and not to students undertaking the PgCert in Occupational Health or PgDip in Nursing)
Please note:
*If you do not hold a level 8 qualification, you may still be eligible to join the programme through our pathway programme, please contact us for further information on this route.
Further information
Continuing professional development is a key professional requirement for nurses and postgraduate academic qualifications have been linked to positive patient outcomes through improved communication, expanded knowledge and stronger critical thinking skills.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health aims to provide a higher level of education for nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers working in occupational health settings. The programmes purpose is to provide a platform for achieving greater efficiencies in applying healthcare discoveries to clinical practice.
It takes a stepwise approach – taking cognisance of future development needs while covering a range of multidisciplinary topics relevant to occupational health.
The programme also offers opportunities for students who may have taken similar courses at National Framework of Qualifications level 8 to continue on to Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters level.
The core modules aim to provide the knowledge base to practice safely, effectively and efficiently in practice. The six modules contained in the programme enable students to gain specialist knowledge on skills and competencies required to practice at a higher level within occupational health settings.
Successful completion of the programmes will equip students with the required skill set to perform their roles in a quality-based, consistent and efficient manner. Furthermore the advanced research methods and advanced leadership and critical analysis skills acquired from the programme will further the students’ skills as a member of the interdisciplinary team.
Modules
The programme modules are:
Module name Credits Assessment method
Advanced Research Methods 10 Assignment
Advanced Leadership - Professional and Clinical 10 Assignment
Professional Critical Reflexivity and Competence 10 Assignment
Safety in Occupational Health 10 Poster and assignment
Occupational Health and Wellbeing 10 Brochure and assignment
Leadership in Occupational Health 10 Presentation and assignment
The programmes aim to:
Develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of government legislation and policies in relation to the health and safety of workers in the range of work settings/ establishments. It will also be used to critically challenge student’s ability to be proactive in responding to changing circumstances and national needs in occupational health and safety.
Explore the contemporary issues in occupational health: it will facilitate and guide the student’s knowledge and understanding in developing skills needed to be proactive in responding to changing circumstances and national needs in occupational health and safety; it will also be used to equip a better practice, in a manner that recognises the need for concerted and coordinated action to improve occupational health and safety and incorporate environmental, biomedical and social action perspectives.
Critically analyse and review the communication within the occupational healthcare team and with other employer or employee groups in the workplace about options for the development and implementation of strategies to improve the health and safety record of the workplace. It also proposes evidence-based possibilities for the occupational health services to further enhance the health and safety of all workers.
The various entrance and exit strategies depend on prior academic achievements and professional registrations and are arranged on an individual basis. Interested candidates are advised to contact the RCSI School of Nursing & Midwifery to discuss individual requirements. The Programme Director for Occupational Health programmes, Dr Sherly George, welcomes enquires from nursing colleagues and can advise on the most suitable pathway for individual nurses.
Registration and fee information: Erika White
Programme Director: Sherly George