VTOS / QQI 5

Office Administration (Medical Secretary) 389489

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:

* 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 04/09/2023, Duration 39 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.

Apply for course #

Our Adult Literacy and BTEI courses are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020