GP Practice Assistant
(Nursing Studies)

INTRODUCTION:

This course provides the skills and knowledge required for a new role identified by the HSE to support GPs to expand their practices. It is a “hybrid” role with both assistant to the Practice Nurse and medical admin/secretary functions.

GP Assistants carry out certain basic tasks such as taking temperatures, pulse, weight and promoting positive mental/physical/nutritional health with patients etc. Sterilising equipment, restocking consultation rooms, covering administrative duties, communicating with patients, relatives and carers all form part of the role.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7, with Ordinary Level Maths (grade O6 preferable). Leaving Certificate Biology is considered an advantage.
• Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement.
• CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.
• All applicants will be interviewed for a place on the course.
• An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

Note: This course requires students to be Garda vetted. Prospective students should also be aware that some aspects of this course are physically demanding and should satisfy themselves that they are physically fit enough to undertake it.

DURATION:

September to May.

FEES:

Fees status currently being updated for 2024/2025. 

CERTIFICATION

• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies (5M4349).
• QQI Component Maths (5N1833) – available as an option in the evening for learners needing Maths for progression.

COURSE CONTENT

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS

• Socrates Medical Package – Socrates software is a medical records system for a General Practice. It is used by Irish GPs. Our Socrates course which is certified by Morrison’s Island Campus includes the management of patient files and the addition of new patients, managing the appointment system for the practice.  It includes organising the waiting room and consultations of patients once they arrive at the practice, printing repeat prescriptions and referral letter as well as billing and fee management functions.  This course gives the student a valued experience in what it would be like to work as a receptionist in General Practice. A Certificate of completion is issued on completion..
• Phlebotomy course – This is a largely practical course covering equipment selection, preparation and management, blood draw techniques and complications and management and storage of blood samples.
• People Moving and Handling Certification (requirement for work experience) – This workshop teaches safe and effective techniques used in the safe moving and handling of people in a variety of settings. This training is mandatory for person’s involved in manual handling and people moving and handling tasks. It is required by legislation under The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation 2007 Part two chapter four. The training involves the theory module which is completed online (HSELanD.ie) and the practical module which is classroom based. The certificate obtained is valid for three years. 

• HSE Safeguarding Adults at risk of abuse Certificate (requirement for work experience) – Its primary focus is to inform learners on the guiding practice and procedures to keep vulnerable adults safe in the community and residential settings.  The content includes leaners being informed of their safeguarding responsibilities, the different types of abuse and neglect and how to recognise them and how to report concerns in line with HSE guidelines. All learners receive a certificate on completion at the end of the course. 
• First Aid Workshop (online) – This First Aid Workshop will introduce the learner to the principles of First Aid. The workshop includes identifying the role of the First Aider. Learners will understand how to respond to various injuries and illnesses including choking, fainting, burns, heart attacks, strokes, panic attacks, sprains and strains. A Certificate of Completion from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion. The purpose of this workshop is to give the learner a basic understanding of how to deal with First Aid Emergencies. It is not intended as a substitute for a full First Aid Response Course.  
• AMRIC Hand Hygiene (HSELand) – Effective hand Hygiene is the single most effective thing that you can do to protect the people you care for and yourself from healthcare acquired infections. HCAI’s. But knowing is not enough – it’s important to apply what you have learnt and believe that it can be done. By the end of this course, you should know: Why hand hygiene is important:
  – When to practice hand hygiene.
  – How to perform hand hygiene in line with the WHO 5 Moments.
  – How to take care of your hands.
• AMRIC Infection Prevention and Control (HSELand) – Practical programme which includes specific measures for prevention of infection in all healthcare facilities, how to identify hazards and carry out a well-informed risk assessment. How to control the sources and prevent onward transmission of infection

WORK PLACEMENT/EXPERIENCE

Students will undertake four weeks (min 150 hours) of work placement in a GP practice, clinic or healthcare setting. Garda vetting is an integral part of the application procedure for this course. The college follows the National Immunisation Advisory Committee’s (NIAC) Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland which states that healthcare students should, as a minimum, receive or have received completed courses of immunisations for:

• Hepatitis B (minimum 2 doses),
• Influenza
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR 2 doses)
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)  (1 or in some cases 2 doses).

Some placements may have additional vaccination requirements e.g. Covid-19.

Work placement is a highly valued component of the student experience here at the college. An excellent opportunity for you to gain insight into the world of work.  Students are encouraged to source their own Work Placement but you will be supported by the Work Placement team should you need assistance to do this.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Some of our popular progressions opportunities include:

UCC

• CK708 Paramedicine L8
• CK710 General Nursing
• CK712 Childrens & General Nursing
• CK720 Mental Health Nursing
• CK730 Intellectual Disability Nursing
• CK740 Midwifery.

SETU

• SE928 BSC Applied Healthcare (SETU Waterford).

MTU Cork:

• MT573 Social Care.

Excellent progression opportunities to 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.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

GP Practice Assistant, Healthcare Assistant.