Healthcare Assistant
(Health Service Skills)

INTRODUCTION:

If you have a compassionate nature and would like to take on the roles and responsiblities associated with the profession of caring, then this is the course for you. Learn all of the required competencies and skills but also learn about the importance of issues such as dignity, respect, empathy and confidentiality. Being a care worker is such an important role and this course will prepare you in all of the best ways. Students will use a fully equipped nursing/HCA room for all the practical work.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Leaving Certificate, LCA or QQI Level 4. 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 undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.
• 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 through the college. 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:

€300 including QQI examination fees, plus €200 approx. for vaccines. Additional costs of €100 approx. for a work placement uniform. Medical card holders exempt from €50. See fees & payment for details.

CERTIFICATION

• QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills 5M3782.
• QQI Component Maths 5N1833 available as an option in the evening for learners requiring Maths for progression.

COURSE CONTENT

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS

• 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 Vulnerable Persons at Risk 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 learners 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 students 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 and responsibilities of the first Aider, understanding the principles of infection control. In addition, learners will describe and demonstrate how to assess a casualty- by conducting an initial check, physical examination, by obtaining a SAMPLE history, assessing levels of Response (AVPU) and identifying problems that are an immediate threat to life. Finally, learners will describe the requirements for a handover to other health care practitioners. A record of achievement from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion.
• 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (HSELand) – This course on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will enable and empower you to make an assessment on the selection of PPE for a task and to put on and remove PPE correctly. By the end of the course, you will be able to: Identify why you need to wear PPE and where you need to wear it.
  – Recognise the appropriate PPE to wear to protect the body, face and eyes, and hands in different situations.
  – Put on and remove all PPE in acute and non-acute setting.
  – Dispose of used PPE safely.
  – Reflect on your own actions and behaviours in relation to PPE and infection prevention and control.
• 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.

FAQs

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE

Students will undertake four weeks (min 150 hours) of work placement in a hospital or healthcare setting. Garda vetting is an integral part of the application procedure for this course. The college follows the National 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. Vaccinations are at the student’s own expense and administered outside of the College, organised by the student at a GP’s surgery/medical centre etc. Proof of Vaccinations may be required by the College Vaccination Office and work placement

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 progression opportunities include:

Morrison’s Island Campus: Advanced PsychoSocial Awareness (Inclusive Education & Training)

MTU Cork: Social Care (MT573).

SETU (Waterford): Applied Healthcare (SE928).

UCC:  Social Science (CK102).

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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