Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing is an innovative, one-year pathway across Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth/Meath ETB campuses designed to widen access to third-level education. This unique preparatory program integrates QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies with foundational academic scaffolding, offering additional student support in mathematics, ICT, and essential study skills to build academic confidence. It serves as a direct, localized stepping stone that prepares learners to transition seamlessly into the four-year degree program at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349)
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Theory & Practice
Human Growth & Development
Care Provision and Practice
Work Experience
Communications
Understanding Mental Health
Infection Prevention and Control
Research and Study Skills
Mathematics
In addition to elements such as First Aid Response, Patient Moving and Handling, and HSeLanD courses, the program includes a clinical placement in an Intellectual Disability setting, ranging from a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of 150 hours.
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 |
| 5M4349 |
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:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
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
Graduating from this degree opens up rewarding professional careers as Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses (RNIDs) across community care settings, residential facilities, special education schools, and healthcare advocacy sectors, where they will promote independence and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.