Healthcare Support – (QQI Level 5 Major Award)

Our online elearning QQI level 5 Healthcare Support Assistant Major Award is designed to give those wishing to work in the Healthcare system a thorough grounding in the necessary skills. The course is relevant and highly practical, with each module focusing on a specific area of care.

The course aims to prepare learners for a career both here in Ireland and Internationally by:

• Facilitating an understanding of the needs of the older person in relation to the maintenance of their independence, dignity, respect, self esteem and choice.
• Developing communication, intellectual, practical and caring skills to respond effectively and with empathy to the needs of the older person.
• Creating an understanding of current and emerging legislation that applies to the care of the older person.
• Raising awareness of the need for personal and professional development while working with older people and their families.

Whether planning to work in hospitals, in the community or in residential care, learners will find stimulating and functional modules with knowledge which can easily be applied to the workplace.

Due to our size and comprehensive range of quality QQI Awards, we can offer learners the option to design and study the awards/modules that best suit their learning style and career goals.

Modules Required Include:

Mandatory – All of the following components: – 90 Credits

• Care Skills (5N2770) – Click here for details »
• Care Support (5N0758) – Click here for details »
• Personal Effectiveness (5N1390) – Click here for details »
• Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)* – Click here for details »
• Work Experience (5N1356) – Click here for details »
• Care of the Older Person (5N2706)** – Click here for details »

Choose Any Two of the following components: – 30 Credits

• Activities of Living Patient Care (5N3707) – Click here for details »
• Infection Prevention & Control (5N3734)* – Click here for details »
• Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)* – Click here for details »
• Nutrition (5N2006)* – Click here for details »
• Palliative Care Support (5N3769) – Click here for details »
• Social Studies (5N1370)* – Click here for details »

*Students taking these modules will have to sit an online examination at the end of the module.

** Note: Learners are encouraged to complete this module (Care of the Older Person) as it is considered to be one of the essential modules for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as a Healthcare Assistant.

However, any learner who is unable to directly care for older people throughout the duration of their work placement, may be allowed to change this module for another from the Elective Components section above. All requests must be submitted to the college clearly outlining the reasons for the request. Learners are advised to choose modules that are suited to their own work experience placement.

All participants must have access to a professional Healthcare environment to fulfill the assessment requirements of the course – which is at least 150 hours work experience but we recommend 200 hours where feasible.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please ask about our requirements surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for entry.
• Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt from the above prerequisites.
• Please Note: Students must be a based in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number. Enrolments without either will not be accepted.
• Students will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) within the relevant vocational area. Note: This can be completed over the 13 month programme (Work Experience Module is issued from start).
• It is recommended that students complete a Manual Handling or Patient Handling course in conjunction with this course although it is not a mandatory module this is something that employers may look for. Also please note that some Healthcare providers may require proof of Covid 19 Vaccinations before work placements are accepted.
• English Language Requirement: Learners entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.
• Garda Vetting is required for all Healthcare placements and students can apply for this through The Open College. Please check our FAQ’s page for more information on Garda Vetting and International Vetting if you have lived outside Ireland for 6 months or more.
• Students undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
• As this programme is delivered through eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• Be competent in both written and spoken English.

Exemptions:

• It is possible to gain exemptions from certain components of the course. If you already hold a QQI / FETAC award, or any healthcare/childcare award, please contact us for details and we will advise you of available exemptions.

Assessments:

• A combination of module appropriate assessment procedures will facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes of the course.  These methods will include a combination of final written examinations (e.g. Health & Safety at Work or Nutrition Modules) and continuous assessment processes such as assignments, collection of work, learner records, projects and skills demonstration. All assignments will be designed to maximise the individual participant’s skills in their career development. All work submitted must be your own work.
• As part of our quality assurance, student assessment work will be marked by an Internal Assessor, validated by a verifier with an independent QQI External Authenticator to complete the process.

Employment Opportunities:

• Healthcare Assistants employed by the state sector – e.g. Homecare Support Scheme operated by the HSE.
• Healthcare Assistants employed by Agencies.
• Employees of registered care settings / private nursing homes who are required to meet the training standards for employment as a Healthcare Assistant.
• Those who are on work experience within a care setting who wish to acquire qualifications necessary for employment.

Transfer and Progression to Further Studies:

• This course is listed on the Higher Education Links Scheme, and, on successful completion, may be used to obtain access to a course at a higher level (e.g. Level 7 or 8 on the National Framework). Options include the QQI Level 8 Degrees in Social Studies in Social Care and Health Promotion and Physical Activity. For more details contact us.

Course Link: