
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:
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.
Mandatory – All of the following components: – 90 Credits
Choose Any Two of the following components: – 30 Credits
*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:
Exemptions:
Assessments:
Employment Opportunities:
Transfer and Progression to Further Studies:
| Location Postcode | Dublin 18 |
| Course Category | Healthcare, Health Care |
| Course Type | Online Learning |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support – 5M4339. |
| Course Duration | 13 Months |
| Course Time | This Healthcare Support 5M4339 – QQI Level 5 Major Award course is completed through Distance Learning and there are no lectures to attend. Students can complete this course within 13 months which is ample time and can start it at any time of the year that is convenient. If students need to extend this period for any reason during or near the end of the course they can request an extension through the college. |
| Course Fee | 1190.00 |
| Entry Requirements | Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area (Healthcare/Childcare/Sports) 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. Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) within the relevant vocational area. It is recommended that learners complete a Manual Handling course in conjunction with this course although it is not a mandatory module this is something that employers may look for. English Language Requirement: Students 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 ask for details. Certain assessments require completion of work, which must be observed and evaluated by a Supervisor or Line manager. Learners 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 distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative. Be competent in both written and spoken English. If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband. |
| Career Path | - 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. - Employees within the Childcare Industry. 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 HETAC Level 8 Degrees in Social Studies in Social Care and Health Promotion and Physical Activity. For more details contact us. |
| Course Code | 5M4339 |



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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.