Occupational Therapy Assistant
This course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skills required to progress on to potential employment as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) or as a Health Care Assistant.
| 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
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?
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.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application 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?
On completion of this programme learners will have the skills, knowledge and competencies 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.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Health Service Skills (5M3782).
What will I study?
Anatomy and Physiology (5N0749)
Care Support (5N0758)
Communications (5N0690)
Infection Prevention and Control (5N3734)
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice (5N3765)
Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory (5N3766)
Rehabilitation Support (5N3775)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M3782 - Health Service Skills.
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