Healthcare Support / Caring for the Elderly
(Level 5)

INTRODUCTION:

Course Code: 5M4339

This full-time QQI Healthcare Support Course is designed to prepare students to work competently, safely and effectively as a Healthcare Assistant in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, hospitals and home help support. This course is unique in that Kinsale College is the only centre offering a fully accredited Dementia Care Module that underpins this course.

The course has also been highlighted at a National level at a forum on the future of dementia care. The course is structured to provide students with a high standard of training and assessment leading to a recognised qualification for those pursuing a career in the Health Care Sector. It is also a preparatory course designed for students who intend to pursue further training in Health and Care in the Institutes of Technology and in Universities.

Students spend four days per week in college-based training and 120 hours on work experience. The work experience is monitored so that the student receives on-going constructive feedback. The graduate from this course will be qualified to work independently with children, in a crèche or playschool setting.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Leaving Certificate or equivalent. For mature applicants appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
• All applicants will be required to attend an interview.
• An offer of a place on this course means the applicant has met the minimum entry requirements set out here and satisfactory presentation at interview.

START DATE:

September 2025.

DURATION:

This is a one-year course. Timetables vary from year to year please contact the college directly for detailed timetable information.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support / Caring for the Elderly (5M4339).

COURSE CONTENT:

The following subjects may be offered:

THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO:

• Develop a range of personal and interpersonal qualities necessary for work in a range of healthcare environments.
• Be capable of creating and maintaining appropriate relationships with the client, their family and other professionals.
• Acquire specialist knowledge in Dementia Care.

HOW TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications for all our courses will be available on the website and in the college from in January 2025 for all courses commencing in September 2025.

Interviews will be held for all courses throughout the college year. To apply, simply click HERE. Alternatively you can ring (021) 4772 275 for assistance with your application.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Students who successfully complete the course may be eligible for progression onto:

• MTU Cork: Social Care (CR031).
• Limerick Institute of Technology: Social and Community Studies (LC407).
• MTU Kerry: Applied Social Studies (TL190).
• Waterford Institute of Technology: Applied Social Studies in Social Care (WD135).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

On completion of this course students will be eligible for employment in a variety of care settings, including: care homes, working for agencies and in private homes.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Participants will be required to undertake 200 hours of work placement in a suitable environment. The College will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Students who successfully complete this course will be awarded:

• QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Award.
• City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Dementia Awareness.
• Certificate in Moving and Handling.
• Occupational First Aid QQI Level 5.
• Students have the opportunity to complete the Primary Course in Food Hygiene (HACCP).
• Management of Actual or Potential aggression (M.A.P.A).

TESTIMONIALS & HIGHLIGHTS: