Occupational Therapy Assistant
The Occupational Therapy Assistant is a full-time programme offered in North Connaught College of Further Education, Tubbercurry, Sligo. The overall aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competence to work independently and in a supportive role as an Occupational Therapy Assistant within a variety of Health settings.
| 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 |
Duration
1 year
Entry Requirements
Education: The learner who has either successfully completed a programme leading to a level 4 QQI Certificate OR can demonstrate the levels of knowledge, skill and competence associated with NFQ level 4 will be eligible to apply for entry to this programme.
Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Careers / Further progression
Programme Progression
This course prepares students for employment in a wide variety of occupational therapy services such as Hospitals, Community Care services and Residential settings. It also prepares you for a variety of healthcare settings including Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Community Care services, Residential Settings for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, Day Care Centres and Homecare Agencies.
Following on from Occupational Therapy Assistant Level 5 there is direct progression onto Level 6 Health Supervisory Management in North Connaught College of Further Education. This course prepares you to work in a supervisory role in a range of healthcare services.
Students are also in a position to access third level degree courses in Health Science with Occupational Therapy Studies (ATU Letterkenny), mature entry to Occupational Therapy degree in Trinity College, Cork and Galway Universities, entry to Occupational Therapy degree in many UK Universities (e.g. Canterbury, Glasgow, Derry (Magee)). Opportunities within Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy, Physiology & Health Science and Sport & Exercise Science.
Further information
Students taking Further Education Courses are eligible for PLC maintenance grants. These grants are means tested and depend on individual financial circumstances. All grant applications are handled by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) www.susi.ie
This course helps students to develop their interpersonal, caring and practice skills which they can apply to a varied range of client groups in a variety of settings. Whilst at the same time understanding the importance of maintaining a client’s independence, dignity, respect, self-esteem and choice.
Students will learn a range of practical skills within the classroom in a simulated healthcare environment using equipment from an occupational therapy setting. This helps to prepare the student to work with the service user/clients on work-placement.
Students will gain practical experience in the areas of:
• Assist in the implementation of therapeutic programmes
• Personal care routines
• Working as part of a Occupational Therapy team
Other areas of study include:
• Infection Prevention & Control
• Communications
• Anatomy & Physiology
Work experience is also a core feature of the Occupational Therapy Assistant programme with students spending time in a occupational therapy setting, enhancing employability.
Students will also have an opportunity to take the following courses:
• Patient moving and manual handling
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
• First Aid
Title Award Award Body
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice (5N3765) QQI
Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory (5N3766) QQI
Care Skills (5N2770) QQI
Care Support (5N0758) QQI
Care of the Older Person (5N2706) QQI
Human Growth and Development (5N1279) QQI
Infection prevention and Control (5N3734) QQI
Anatomy & Physiology (5N0749) QQI
Nursing Theory and Practice (5N4325) QQI
Communications (5N0690) QQI
Work Experience (5N1356) QQI
*Modules may be subject to change.
5M3782 - Health Service Skills
Certification:
Level 5 Health Service Skills 5M3782
Phone: 071 - 91 85035
Email: nccollege@msletb.ie
www.northconnaughtcollege.net