Healthcare Assistant
This one-year programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience required to work effectively in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community and residential care settings, respite services, and nursing homes.
| 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 full-time.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements on all courses
• Applicants must be 17+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English required.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• A QQI Level 5 award is a prerequisite to access a Level 6 programme.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work as Health Care Assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, or community settings, with progression to Senior HCA or Team Leader roles.
Further study options include QQI Level 6 Healthcare or Supervisory Management, and degree pathways in Nursing, Social Care, or Health Sciences at institutes such as DkIT, TUD, ATU, and SETU.
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2026.
Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
A mature applicant route is available for those who don’t meet the minimum educational requirements. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year the course starts. We look forward to meeting at monthly Mature Student Coffee Meetings.
New Low Course Fees for 2026
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.
PLC MAINTENANCE GRANT (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI. Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
SOLAS FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
FSD provides funding to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. To access supports, students are required to declare their disability and provide documentation confirming their additional need. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students
Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.
Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2026. Application forms will be available on our of.ie website. For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
Email: mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online using the 'Application Weblink' above.
Online application process opens on 1st January. Ensure you apply as soon as possible.
Interview - Shortlisting process
Interviews are held in March/May/August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post. Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.
Course Description
This one-year programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience required to work effectively in a variety of healthcare environments, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, community and residential care settings, respite services, and nursing homes. It is suitable for both recent school leavers and experienced mature learners seeking to enhance their qualifications or pursue a career in healthcare. A supervised work placement forms an integral part of the course, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in real-world care settings.
Certification: 5M4339 QQI Level 5 Health Care Support
• Nursing Theory and Practice
• Care of the Older Person
• Care Skills
• Human Growth & Development
• Care Support
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Safety & Health at Work
• Communications
• Work Experience
Additional Certifications
• Safe Guarding Vulnerable Adults
• Infection Prevention Control
• First Aid Responder
• Patient Moving and Handling
• Hand Hygiene and Infection Control
5M4339 - Health Care Support
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie