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Healthcare Support Assistant - General

Lifelong Learning
5M4339
Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) Major QQI Level 5 NFQ
Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin 18
Attendance Options:
Part time, Online or Distance
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
NFQ Credit Value: 120 Credits

Duration

This Healthcare Support 5M4339 – QQI Level 5 Major Award course is completed through eLearning 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.

Entry Requirements

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.

Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) within the relevant vocational area. Note: This can be completed near the end of the 13 month programme (Work Experience Module) and other module completion is not restricted.

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: 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 learners can apply for this through The Open College. Please ask for details.

Learners must be a based in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.

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 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 award, or any healthcare/childcare award, please contact us for details and we will advise you of available exemptions.

Careers / Further progression

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 Web Page

Further information

Students can start this course at any time of the year that is convenient.

The full course fee is €1,190 and includes all documentation, lecturing, assessments, learner registration and QQI certification fees for all the 8 modules. No other hidden accreditation or certification fees to pay!

There is also an Easy Payment option of – €104 per month over 12 months with our unrivalled Easy Payment Plans. Enrol using your Debit / Credit Card or call us on (+353) 1 206 1828 to avail of this offer.
Garda Vetting is also provided at no extra cost.

Apply via our website (see "Application Weblink" below).

Course Description
Who should complete this course?
The Healthcare Support Course 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, in residential care or childcare 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.

We do not restrict and limit learners to set elective Modules and you can choose from 11 elective modules on this Major Award.

Some of the many benefits in studying with us on this course:
The ability to design a course that best suits your learning requirements and career goals.

Fully Online and Flexible and enrolling throughout the year. Earn while you Learn.

Ireland’s Largest QQI accredited distance learning course provider. All our Awards are Fully Validated & Approved by QQI.

More choice, Innovative Learning approach, High Quality and unbeatable prices.

All student fees for this Major Award are fully secure and protected by a Financial Bond.

Easy Payment Plan available on this online Healthcare Assistant course.

Work placement Insurance is covered by us and at no extra cost.
Group Discounts Available: Enrol 2+ people, for €1,130.00 per learner (a discount of over 5% per person on existing Special offer price).
We are an approved Garda Vetting Organisation.

Over 16,000 students successfully certified in last number of years.

Flexible Training Solutions for Employees and Employers:
The Open College offers the training in a flexible manner to suit both the needs of the Learner and/or the employer. Courses can be delivered in a variety of ways some of which are:

Part-time mornings, Part-time evenings, Saturdays, Day Release – one day per week, Block release, Distance Learning or Online eLearning. We can also deliver this Healthcare Major award or any of our 20 plus Healthcare modules on-site in Care Facilities.

Modules Required Include:
Mandatory – All of the following components: 90 Credits
Care Skills (5N2770)
Care Support (5N0758)
Personal Effectiveness (5N1390)
Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)*
Work Experience (5N1356)
Care of the Older Person (5N2706)**

Choose Any Two of the following components: 30 Credits
Activities of Living Patient Care (5N3707)
Infection Prevention & Control (5N3734)
Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)*
Nutrition (5N2006)*
Palliative Care Support (5N3769)
Social Studies (5N1370)*

*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.

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.

5M4339 Healthcare Support

Accreditation
Following successful completion you will receive a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support - 5M4339.

The Learning Centre,
Leopardstown,
Dublin 18.
Tel: 01 206 1828
Email: info@theopencollege.com

Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin 18
Attendance Options:
Part time, Online or Distance
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
NFQ Credit Value: 120 Credits