VTOS / QQI 5
Healthcare Support & Nursing Studies
What is the aim of the programme?
The aim of this programme is to prepare students for work as qualified care assistants or/and for entry into further and higher education. The is a one year, full-time programme leading to a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies 5M4349 or Healthcare Support 5M4339 – this depends on module choice. All students study and complete certificates in People Manual Handling and in basic first aid. No particular prior educational qualification is necessary; all students are assessed for their ability to study at level 5.
Students are offered ESOL support if needed. All our students avail of free Career and Educational Guidance and Information service. On completion of this programme, learners will have the skills, knowledge and competency to work under supervision in a variety of healthcare settings and / or to progress to further or higher education and training.
Work placement is a mandatory part of the course. Garda vetting required.
What is the course content and certification?
This course leads to Level 5 Full Award QQI Certificate in Nursing Studies/Healthcare.
| Title | Award | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | Work Experience (5N1356) | QQI |
| Safety And Health At Work | Safety & Health at Work (5N1794) | QQI |
| Anatomy And Physiology | Anatomy & Physiology (5N0749) | QQI |
| Care Of Older Person | Care of the Older Person (5N2706) | QQI |
| Care Skills | Care Skills (5N2770) | QQI |
| Care Support | Care Support (5N0758) | QQI |
| Human Growth And Development | Human Growth & Development (5N1279) | QQI |
| Nursing Theory And Practice | Nursing Theory & Practice (5N4325) | QQI |
| Communications (Community) | Communications (5N0690) | QQI |
What are the entry requirements?
- Education: The learner who has either successfully completed a programme leading to a level 4 QQI Certificate OR can demonstrate the levels of knowledge, skill and competence associated with NFQ level 4 will be eligible to apply for entry to this programme.
- Aptitude:
In order for the learner to have a realistic chance of achieving the standard of a level 5 award, it is expected that the learner should be able to:
• Proficiently read, draft, prepare and understand information across a broad range of topics, for example, in relation to a community concern or a work based plan or solution
• Proficiently read, draft, prepare and understand quantitative information
• Assume partial responsibility for consistency of self-understanding and behaviour
• Solve predictable problems, independently and as part of a familiar and less familiar group
• Demonstrate a range of practical and cognitive skills and tools
• Act with a considerable amount of responsibility and autonomy
• Attend timetabled classes for the duration of the programme
• Complete self-directed hours of learning in the form of practice time, preparation, study time and reflection time, as appropriate
• Participate in all programme related activities
• Participate in work experience, as appropriate - Previous Experience: The learner may be progressing onto this programme from community education, Youthreach, second-level education or other formal or informal learning. The learner may or may not have had a positive experience of education in the past but will have expressed an interest in learning new things and practising new skills. It is expected that the learner will have a range of learning styles, strengths and needs related to the programme.
How much does it cost?
There are no fees for people who are VTOS eligible. To be VTOS eligible, the applicant must be over 21 years of age and:
- Getting Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance or signing for credits for at least 6 months (156 days) or
- Getting One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit* or Invalidity Pension for at least 6 months (156 days) or
- Getting Blind Pension, Deserted Wife’s Allowance/Benefit, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Non-Contributory Pension or Prisoner’s Wife’s Allowance for at least 6 months (conditions may apply in the case of these payments) or
- A dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of an eligible person
- A person who received statutory redundancy but who has not been in receipt of a qualifying payment for the required period.
- Periods spent on FET training courses, Community Employment Schemes, Job Initiative, Youthreach programmes and time in prison can count towards the qualifying period.
* If you are claiming Illness Benefit, you should contact your local social welfare office about exemption/entitlement to continuation of your Illness Benefit payment.
When does it happen?
This course is a full time, during the day and it takes place in Adult Education Service Blanchardstown, Main Street, Blanchardstown Village, Dublin 15 (DDLETB North West). Students attend classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and spend Wednesday on Work Experience.
Starting Date 05/09/2022, Duration 34 weeks – Full time
*This course, times, dates and modules are subject to change.
How to apply?
Please apply though www.fetchcourses.ie clicking the link below before the start of term.
If the application deadline has passed and you still want to be considered for the next intake or put your name on a waiting list, please contact the Guidance and Information Office at 01-8200952.
