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Special Needs Assistant - Community Health Services

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M4468

If you have an aptitude for and an interest in working with children that have specific needs then it is worth considering this course. Learn all of the knowledge and skills required to function as an SNA in a school or other setting. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others this is definitely a course that will impact positively on children, families and society

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
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Macroom
Attendance Options:
Full time
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

35 Weeks

Entry Requirements

Education: NFQ Level 4 or equivalent when accessing a Level 5 programme. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English Mature learner entry requirements available via the local ETB pathway Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EEA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees (Please refer to Information for International Learners) *Each provider may have additional requirements, not outlined above.

Aptitude: Applicants 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.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.

Careers / Further progression

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Nursing homes, hospitals, agency work, day care facilities, private homecare sector, intellectual disability environments.
EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Some of our popular progression opportunities include:

MTU Cork: Early Childhood Education & Care (MT972)
MTU Cork: Montessori Education (MT970)
UCC: Social Science (CK102)
SETU (Waterford): Early Childhood Care & Education (SE911)
Other excellent progression opportunities to UCC and other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and SETU (Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrison’s Island locations.

Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Start Date 09/09/2025
End Date 09/05/2026

ADDITIONAL TRAINING/WORKSHOPS
Introduction to GDPR – This workshop gives learners an overview of GDPR. The workshop examines what GDPR stands for and gives an understanding of the current data protection rules and obligations. The learners also receive information on the types of data, the terminology associated with GDPR, the penalties with breaches, storage of data and general do’s and don’ts regarding data. A Certificate of Completion is issued on completion.

Microsoft Outlook – This Microsoft Outlook workshop will give information on accessing your college email, Outlook layout, how to send and receive emails, attaching/downloading a file and reply options.  It also covers organising your emails – folders etc, Outlook settings, signature, out-of-office reply, using the calendar, setting up meetings, setting up reminders and to do lists. A Certificate of Completion from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion. 

Work Experience Work Experience (5N1356) QQI
Communications Level 5 Communications (5N0690) QQI
Early Childhood Education And Play Early Childhood Education & Play (5N1773) QQI
Human Growth And Development Human Growth & Development (5N1279) QQI
Special Needs Assisting Special Needs Assisting (5N1786) QQI
Equality And Disability Equality & Disability (5N1273) QQI
Understanding Special Needs Understanding Special Needs (5N1709) QQI
Medical Terminology Medical Terminology (5N2428) QQI
Assistive Technology Assistive Technology (6N2211) QQI

5M4468 - Community Health Services

Bernie Angland
Mobile: 0860140217
Email: bangland@morrisonsislandcampus.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Macroom
Attendance Options:
Full time
Apply to:
Course provider