Emergency Care Studies - Community Health Services - EMT
This course will assist those who plan on working in either the ambulance or fire service. Learners who successfully complete the course will gain essential knowledge and skills in areas relevant to these careers.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Emergency Medical Technician EMT |
| 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 |
| Emergency Medical Technician EMT | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
Duration
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
• Admissions Interview will be required.
• 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.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the employment opportunities?
The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in a range of community health service settings (healthcare assistant) or to progress to further and/or higher education and training. The demand for healthcare assistants is projected to increase over the coming years. Ireland has an ageing population and this trend is set to continue over the coming years. On successful completion of the EMT course -NQEMT award, learners will have EMT Practitioner status with registry on The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council website.
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B.Sc. in Paramedic Studies at University College Cork (UCC)
B.Sc. Paramedic Studies at University of Limerick (UL)
B.A. (Ord/Hons) Social Care at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.Sc. (Hons) General Nursing at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.Sc. (Ord) Health and Leisure with Massage at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B.A. (Hons) Psychology & Sociology at University of Limerick (UL)
B.Sc. (Hons) Psychology at University of Limerick (UL)
B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing at University of Limerick (UL)
B.Sc. (Ord) Applied Healthcare at South East Technological University (SETU)
B.A. (Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education at South East Technological University (SETU)
Paramedic Programme approved by ORMS HCPC in the UK
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time and part-time programmes should be made online - via the Kerry College website. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
This course will assist those who plan to progress to education and training to work in either the Ambulance or Fire Service. Learners who successfully complete the course will gain essential knowledge and skills in areas relevant to these careers.
Kerry College now offers an EMT Training course to run parallel to the Pre-Emergency Care program (planned EMT training to commence January to May, one day per week). Being accepted to Kerry College for the Pre-Emergency Care program does not automatically entitle a learner to participate in the EMT Training.
Potential candidates must meet the entry requirements for the EMT program. They will need to be actively competing the QQI level 5 Pre-Emergency Care program, have attendance above 80%, be up-to-date with assignments and demonstrate an ability to manage the workload.
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council accredited NQEMT Emergency Medical Technician Programme is designed to meet the needs of prospective EMT’s who wish to enter the field of Pre-Hospital Care. The programme employs a blended approach to education utilising current technology blended with practical hands on experience to offer students a rounded education in pre-hospital emergency care.
Higher Education opportunities may include: – BSc. Paramedic University of Limerick – Paramedic Science in many UK Universities.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
What will I study?
Anatomy & Physiology (5N0749)
Care of Older Person (5N2706)
Communications (5N0690)
Emergency Department Care Skills (5N4890)
Human Growth and Development (5N1279)
Infection Prevention & Control (5N3734)
Nursing Theory and Practice (5N4325)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
5-8 Denny Street,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y751
t: (066) 7122 590
e: dennystreet@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Thu 8:30am-5:00pm, Fri 8:30am-1:00pm