Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This course provides a recognised qualification necessary for working as a Health Care Assistant in a variety of settings, including hospitals, day and residential care, mental health, palliative care and the home. The content of the course focuses on preparing the learner for the workplace. It equips the carer with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in this rewarding role as a member of the care team. Two days per week are allocated to facilitate work experience in order to prepare well for employment.
It is suitable for those wishing to embark on a care in caring and those already working in the sector who wish to gain a recognised qualification. Employers consistently seek to employ students directly from this course.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
-
Care Skills
Care Support
Safety & Health at Work
Communications
Work Experience
Infection Prevention and Control
Care of the Older Person
Palliative Care Support
Activities of Living Patient Care
Manual Handling & Patient Moving Techniques - one day course
First Aid & CPR
Components subject to change
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course leads to a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a possible progression route, click below:
| QQI Code |
| 5M4339 |
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
- Hospitals
- Residential Care
- Maternity Care
- Home Care
- Hospice Care
- Community and Day-Care Centres
- Activity Coordination