Healthcare Support
This course is designed to equip the learner with the academic knowledge and practical skills essential for working in a healthcare team. Its purpose is two-fold:
- It is a stand-alone qualification for employment as a Care Assistant/Healthcare Worker
- It can also be used as a route to 3rd Level Education
| 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 and runs from September to May.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate/LCVP or Leaving Cert Applied
A FETAC/QQI Level 4 qualification
Mature students (age 23+) welcome
Interview
Garda vetting must be successfully completed.
Police Clearance required if lived abroad for more than 6 months over the age of 18 years.
Careers / Further progression
Course Progression
There are 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.
Additional Costs Associated with this Course
A uniform is required consisting of a College Healthcare Tunic which can be ordered through the College. Prices for items ordered through the College are reviewed annually. Please note that First Aid Responder and Patient Manual Handling, Lifting & Moving courses are provided by a registered training institute and prices are reviewed annually. Vaccination for Hepatitis B needs to be arranged by the student at their own cost.
Means tested grants are available from SUSI.
Please visit http://www.susi.ie/ for more information and to make an application.
Yes
Experienced healthcare professionals instruct students in practical skills in our fully equipped ward. In addition, students must complete a period of work experience in a care setting. Prior to engaging in practical work experience, students will complete both People Moving & Handling and PHECC First Aid Responder courses. Successful students will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support – 5M4339.
Care Skills 5N2770
Care Support 5N0758
Care of the Older Person 5N2706
Infection Prevention & Control 5N3734
Intellectual Disability Studies 5N1652
Safety & Health at Work 5N1794
Communications 5N0690
Work Experience 5N1356
PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR)
People Moving & Handling
5M4339 - Healthcare Support
Phone: 094 9023134
Email: admin@ccfe.ie