Healthcare Assistant with Intellectual Disability Studies
This one year course promotes a range of skills and competencies necessary for students to work as Healthcare Assistants in a range of care environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and in the community.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.
A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.
Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.
English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.
International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression & Career Options:
Students successfully completing this course can obtain employment in a wide range of care settings such as nursing homes, retirement villages, hospitals, community and care settings. Alternatively, graduates may progress to a range of related courses in universities and technological universities as listed below:
DkIT
TUS (Athlone)
SETU (Carlow)
Maynooth University
Further information
Course commences: September 2026.
Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/
Care Skills
Care Support
Safety & Health at Work
Care of the Older Person
Care Provision and Practice
Word Processing
Intellectual Disability Studies
Communications
Work Experience
Additional Qualifications:
Infection Control
People Handling
Safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons Awareness Programme
First Aid Responder (PHECC)
MAPA (Management of Actual & Potential Aggression) Certificate (optional)
5M4339 - Healthcare Support
Award: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support - 5M4339.
Additional Qualifications:
Infection Control
People Handling
Safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons Awareness Programme
First Aid Responder (PHECC)
MAPA (Management of Actual & Potential Aggression) Certificate (optional)
Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie