VTOS / QQI 5
Office Administration (Medical Secretary)
What is the aim of the programme?
The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to develop the relevant knowledge, skills and competence in a broad range of office skills which enable employment, in a general office setting and/or specifically in the area of medical (such as hospitals, GP and healthcare clinics, nursing homes and home help services) and/or to progress to further or higher education and training.
Students are offered ESOL support if needed. All our students avail of free Career and Educational Guidance and Information service.
Work placement is a mandatory part of the course. Garda vetting required.
What is the course content and certification?
This course leads to the Level 5 Full Award QQI Certificate in Office Administration.
| Title | Award | Awarding Body |
| Work Experience | Work Experience (5N1356) | QQI |
| Communications Level 5 | Communications (5N0690) | QQI |
| Audio Transcription | Audio Transcription (5N1549) | QQI |
| Information And Administration | Information & Administration (5N1389) | QQI |
| Reception And Frontline Office Skills | Reception & Frontline Office Skills (5N1407) | QQI |
| Word Processing | Word Processing (5N1358) | QQI |
| Audio Transcription | Audio Transcription (5N1549) | QQI |
| Medical Terminology – 5N2428 | Medical Terminology (5N2428) | QQI |
| Spreadsheet Methods | Spreadsheet Methods – (5N1977) | QQI |
What are the entry requirements?
- Education: Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing a Level 5 programme. Applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education although no formal qualifications are required.
- CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.
- Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
- Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.
- Screening Process: Applicants are invited to an English reading and writing and numerical assessment regardless of previous educational attainment. This assessment is called screening. Based on the outcome of this screening, applicants may be invited for an interview, offered an alternative course to suit their learning needs, placed directly onto a course or referred to our Guidance Service.
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 full time, during the day and it takes place in Adult Education Service Blanchardstown, Main Street, Blanchardstown Village, Dublin 15 (DDLETB North West)
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 through 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.
