Healthcare - Healthcare Support Practice - Apprenticeship
This Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice programme aims to develop compassionate, competent and confident advanced healthcare assistant practitioners (AHAPs) who are qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical and care skills, can work autonomously, and who demonstrate the requisite interpersonal skills.
| Award Name | Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
This programme is structured over two calendar years. There are three semesters per year each of 14 weeks' duration. The programme is delivered using a combination of 30 days a year in the classroom, and on-the-job training supported by a virtual learning environment. The programme is assessed using a combination of classroom-based assessments and on-the-job structured continuous assessment evidenced through an electronic portfolio.
Entry Requirements
You are employed by an approved employer who is willing to support you during this apprenticeship.
And one of the following applies:
• NFQ Healthcare level 5 Major Award with a minimum of 3 distinctions.
• Leaving Certificate with five subjects O6/H7, at least foundation mathematics, six months’ relevant work experience and two relevant NFQ level 5 healthcare components.
• Mature candidate with two years’ experience working as a healthcare assistant.
English Language Requirements
The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme.
Additional Requirements
Employers are required to ensure that apprentices have certified people moving and handling, and first aid responder skills in advance of their enrolment on the programme.
Candidates also need to be Garda vetted and have had any relevant vaccinations for the workplace.
Careers / Further progression
Graduates may take up positions as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners in hospitals, residential care centres, low-dependency community living units, home care arrangements and daycare centres.
They can also progress their education and training in the areas of social care, nursing or community studies at third-level colleges.
Further information
Intake Dates
Dublin - Blended - March 2024
Dublin - Blended - September 2024
Dublin Main Campus
Candidates will pay an annual registration fee of €1,000. Fees can be paid by flexible instalment payment plans.
Fees can be paid by flexible instalment payment plans.
Fees can also be paid by one's employer as part of training fees.
Looking to progress your health care assistant career?
The Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice apprenticeship programme is delivered through a carefully blended mix of classroom and workplace education and training. Apprentices are employed full time throughout the programme so they are earning while they are learning.
This Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice programme aims to develop compassionate, competent and confident advanced healthcare assistant practitioners (AHAPs) who are qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical and care skills, can work autonomously, and who demonstrate the requisite interpersonal skills.
Graduates may take up positions as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners in hospitals, residential care centres, low dependency community living units, home care arrangements and day care centres.
This programme is funded by the Apprenticeship Council of Ireland as part of a new initiative Generation Apprenticeship which is a major expansion project to more than double the number of learners of all ages and backgrounds taking the apprenticeship route.
Why Study Health Care with Griffith College?
This programme is a culmination of a two-year development process, during which there was extensive consultation with the healthcare sector. It has been developed specifically for healthcare assistants to provide them with a pathway from Further Education and Training (FET) at Level 5 to this programme at Higher Education and Training (HET) Level 6.
• Griffith College is supported by a strong Consortium Steering Group made up of Health Care Assistants, the Alliance of Healthcare Assistants in Ireland, and high-profile representatives from the Private Hospitals Association, Nursing Home Ireland, and Home and Community Care Ireland.
• Griffith College takes a holistic approach to learning, supporting apprentices throughout their apprenticeship programme through a network of academic success coaches.
• Full third-level college campus resources are available to support apprentices.
The programme will provide a logical progression for healthcare assistants who have completed the NFQ FET level 5 awards to progress their careers as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners. The programme is aligned to recent developments for healthcare assistants internationally, particularly in the UK and Australia.
Benefits for Apprentices
• Security of employment
• Earning while you are learning
• Successful candidates receive a Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice
• Enhanced skillset
• Pathway to a higher paid role
• Lifetime portfolio to evidence personal achievements
• Progression routes to further education
• Enhanced status in the healthcare team.
Year One Modules
• Communications and Interpersonal Skills Part 1
• Personal and Professional Development Part 1
• Sociology of Healthcare
• Clinical Skills Part 1
• Understanding the Body Part 1
• Health Promotion, Nutrition and Hydration
• Older Person Care and Dementia
Year Two Modules
• Introduction to Mental Health
• Communications and Interpersonal Skills Part 2
• Personal and Professional Development Part 2
• Clinical Skills Part 2
• Understanding the Body Part 2
• Ethical, Legal and Palliative Care
Elective Modules
• An Elective Module
• Supporting Care in the Community
• Supporting Operating Theatre Care Practice
• Supporting People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities
• Supporting People with Mental Illness
Course Highlights
• Learn how to take responsibility for your own learning
• Build and apply your leadership and management skills within the scope of your role as an advanced healthcare assistant practitioner
• Acquire new clinical skills
• Understand the relationship between body systems and diseases
• Gain greater insights into day-to-day care procedures
• Learn how to promote health and wellbeing
• Learn under the guidance of a dedicated, highly-qualified mentor.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What qualification will I receive at the end of the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship?
• Do I need to be employed to join the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship programme?
• How long is the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship?
• How can employers become involved with the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship?
Jonathan Murphy
Apprenticeships Head of Apprenticeship Department
Apprenticeships Lecturer, Dublin
Email: apprenticeship@griffith.ie
Dublin
South Circular Road, Dublin 8
Tel: +353 1 415 0400
Email: admissions@griffith.ie
Limerick
O'Connell Avenue, Limerick City, Limerick
Tel: +353 61 310 031
Email: admissions.gcl@griffith.ie