Occupational Therapy Assistant
The objective of this course is to provide learners with the essential skills needed to advance toward potential employment as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), working under the guidance and supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT).
| 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
This is a one year, full time course running from September to May.
Entry Requirements
A Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent is required, although exceptions are given to mature students who are over 23 years of age. Entry is subject to interview.
Careers / Further progression
Employability Statement
On completion of this Programme, learners may pursue roles within the Health, Family and Social Care sector which may include working as Health Care Support Workers, Carers, Youth Workers or in a broad range of roles in this industry in the public, community and private sectors. Recognition of regulatory and statutory bodies is confirmed for some programmes.
Course Progression
There are a wide range of progression opportunities available for FET graduates via the CAO website. Please view the entry requirements for all Higher Education colleges here: https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=scoring&s=fetac
Further information
Course commences 7th September 2026
Mayo College of Further Education & Training is offering no tuition fees for September 2026, which covers exam fees, student consumables, and journals. This includes courses across campuses in Ballina, Castlebar, and Westport, aimed at relieving the cost of living crisis. Some specific courses or materials might still have costs, but tuition is free.
Mayo College students are eligible to apply for a SUSI grant. SUSI is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. They offer support to eligible students in approved, full-time courses at PLC. Please visit http://www.susi.ie/for more information and to make an application.
Programme Aim
The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work under supervision in a variety of healthcare settings to enhance their role in service provision to service users or to progress to further and or higher education and training.
Work placement / work experience may be a core feature/element of programmes in this field facilitating the enhancement of employability and transversal skills.
Work Experience (5N1356)
Communications (5N0690)
Anatomy & Physiology (5N0749)
Care of the Older Person (5N2706)
Care Support (5N0758)
Human Growth & Development (5N1279)
Infection Prevention & Control (5N3734)
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice (5N3765)
Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory (5N3766)
5M3782 - Health Service Skills
Award: Successful completion of this course will result in a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills, 5M3782
Westport Campus Newport Road,
Westport,
Co. Mayo,
F28TP82
Tel: 094 90 75000
Email: westport@mayocollege.ie