Healthcare Support
Due to the demand in our community for skilled care workers, this course will facilitate students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in this field of work. This qualification enables graduates to work in nursing homes, day care centres, and residential homes or as agency care workers within the community.
| 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
1 year full-time, September to May.
Entry Requirements
It is desirable that students should be of Leaving Certificate Standard or have achieved an Applied Leaving Certificate with Distinction. Portlaoise Institute welcomes applications from mature students. Mature students are assessed on their merits and do not require the above qualifications.
All students are required to complete an assessment before commencing a Further Education course in Portlaoise Institute. This assessment confirms if the student has the required level of English and Maths (if applicable) to complete a Level 5 course.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
General Nursing
Children & General Nursing (integrated)
Intellectual Disability Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Midwifery
Health Care Assistant
Higher Education Progression*
Here are examples of courses students can progress to based on successful completion:
Examples of courses you can progress to:
CW116 Pharmacy Technician Studies IT Carlow NFQ Level 6
CW106 Physiology and Health Science IT Carlow NFQ Level 6
WD188 Applied Health Care Waterford IT NFQ Level 7
WD175 Pharmaceutical Science Waterford IT NFQ Level 7
CW758 Applied Social Studies - Professional Social Care IT Carlow NFQ Level8
*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie
Further information
All learners are required to pay the following:
An acceptance fee of €50, to be paid when offered a place on a course.
Other costs (books, exams, equipment, professional membership fees, optional training etc.) are also payable. These costs vary depending on the course chosen. Information on costs is provided during Induction.
The website http://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/ is the go to website for information on funding your studies.
The website https://susi.ie/ is where you can go to apply for grants.
Yes
Applications usually begin in late January, early applications are always advisable to avoid classes filling up and increase your chances of getting a position.
Students will be given the opportunity to complete the following short courses during the academic year:
Additional Certificates
Patient Manual Handling
First Aid Responder (QQI Level 5 Module)
Programme of Study*
Care Support
Safety & Health at Work
Care Skills
Customer Service
Work Experience
Infection Prevention and Control
Care of the Older Person
Palliative Care Support
Word Processing
*Modules subject to change
5M4339 - Healthcare Support
Award: Certificate in Healthcare Support – QQI Level 5 - 5M4339.
Additional Certificates
Patient Manual Handling
First Aid Responder (QQI Level 5 Module)
Portlaoise Institute,
Mountrath Road,
Portlaoise,
Co. Laois.
R32 H392
email: info@portlaoiseinstitute.ie
Course Coordinator
Keith McClearn
Email: kmcclearn@portlaoisecollege.ie