Healthcare Support
This programme is for people who wish to pursue careers in the Healthcare Sector as Healthcare Assistants or Carers, specifically managing the care of the older person.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
39 weeks.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must have reached the current statutory school leaving age (16+).
- QQI Level 4 Major Award or its equivalent is essential (Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA).
- Mature applicant route available.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including verbal and written command of the English language. (CEFR B2 or Higher)
- Express an interest in learning and practicing new skills.
- Applicants must display a client focused personality and caring nature.
- Display characteristics of a good team worker and be capable of self-directed learning.
- Experience working in an care environment is an advantage but not a necessity.
- Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
- Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
- Due to the physical nature of this occupation, successful applicants may need to submit a recent medical report from their G.P. specifying any identified conditions or illnesses which may compromise the health and safety of any client or learner engaged on the course.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
What are the employment opportunities?
Ireland has an ageing population and this trend is set to continue over the coming years. As a result, the demand for qualified and capable healthcare assistants/carers is projected to increase.
Healthcare assistants are employed in public and private hospitals, public and private residential nursing homes, hospices, community care centres and by the HSE and private agencies for the Home Care Scheme.
Further information
Start Date: 25/03/2024.
Learners on full-time programmes at Kerry College have a number of funding options.
1. DEASP (Department of Employment and Social Protection). Contact your local INTREO office.
2. SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Apply at: www.susi.ie
If eligible, learners may only receive one of these payments while participating on a Kerry College full-time programme.
Learner Allowance
Also known as a Training Allowance.
To avail of a Learner Allowance, an applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying DEASP payment at course start. Allowances/payments are based on attendance and are paid by Kerry College directly to learners for the duration of the course. You may also receive accommodation or travel allowance if you meet the criteria.
Back to Education Allowance
To avail of a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) the applicant must apply directly to the DEASP. BTEA is paid by DEASP directly to learners for the academic year. There is no option to receive any other payment or receive an accommodation or travel allowance.
SUSI Grant
SUSI is a maintenance grant available only for courses that are SUSI approved. Payments are made directly to the learner in the form of grants to cover the academic year.
There is no option to receive any other payment or receive an accommodation or travel allowance. A full-list of eligible course along with details on how to apply is available on SUSI.ie.
No Payment
A learner who is not eligible for Learner Payment, BTEA or SUSI may still apply and participate on any Kerry College course.
Courses for employment offer travel or accommodation support payments, if criteria are met.
Funding towards Travel, Accommodation and Meals
At present, learners on courses for progression do not qualify for travel/accommodation/meal payments. These payments relate only to learners on courses for employment. Learners may receive Travel or Accommodation Allowance - but not both. Your payment will be calculated and processed at course registration.
Travel Allowance
A travel allowance is a contribution towards the learner’s cost of travel based on the distance from the learner’s primary place of residence to the campus location.
To qualify, learners must live more than 3 miles/5km away from the campus location they are attending. Travel Allowances are not payable to participants on Night Training courses.
Accommodation Allowance
An accommodation allowance may be paid to learners who need to relocate in order to attend a course for employment.
To qualify, learners must live more than 20 miles/32km away from the campus location they are attending. For up to date information on this, please see: kerrycollege.ie/learner-information
National Childcare Scheme
The NCS (National Childcare Scheme) provides childcare supports for those on full-time education and training programmes. Full details can be found on the www.ncs.gov.ie webpage.
You may apply via your MyGovID account or contact Kerry County Childcare Committee at 066 718 1582 to discuss which childcare supports are available to you.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system. If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Courses for Employment
Become work-ready with our range of employment-focussed education and training programmes.
This programme is for people who wish to pursue careers in the Healthcare Sector as Healthcare Assistants or Carers, specifically managing the care of the older person.
Why should I do this course?
- Integrated work practice
- High demand sector
- Practice-led tuition
- Range of employment options
- Opportunity to specialise within the sector
What will I study?
Care Support (5N0758)
Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)
Care Skills (5N2770)
Communications (5N0690)
Care of the Older Person (5N2706)
Patient Handling
Nursing Theory and Practice (5N4325)
Infection Prevention & Control (5N3734)
Work Practice Healthcare (5N1433)
First Aid Response (PHECC)
Career Planning & Job Seeking Skills
5M4339 - Healthcare Support.
Contact the Kerry College Admissions Office on 066 714 9696 or info@kerrycollege.ie