Course description

Course Details
CMIT is offering learners an opportunity to pursue the QQI Healthcare Support (Level 5 Major Award). This major award meets the Irish educational requirements to work in public and private healthcare facilities. The course has been designed to equip learners with the recognised qualification within a 12-month duration. Upon the completion of this course learners will have gained the practical and theoretical skills needed to work safely and effectively as a healthcare assistant in a variety of healthcare settings with a strong focus on individual and person-centred care. In a climate where time is precious, CMIT is offering an innovative approach to learning. The CMIT eLearning system enables learners to work at their own pace while being fully supported by a qualified Tutor.

There is a qualified Healthcare Tutor assigned to all learners to provide guidance and assistance throughout the course and written personalised feedback is provided on all assessment work.

By choosing to complete the major award in healthcare with CMIT, learners have 24×7 access to CMIT eLearning for the duration of the course. This includes comprehensive Course Manuals, Live Webinars, Videos, Quizzes, and personalised Tutor Support. The course is user-friendly and easy to follow. Learners will also be able to upload assessments online and receive Tutor feedback. The eLearning system can be used from any computer that has internet access.

Who should complete this QQI Healthcare Support course?

The programme is aimed at learners who wish to gain an accredited qualification in healthcare.
The programme has been developed to facilitate those with no previous healthcare knowledge as well as those who may have some professional or personal experience providing care.
Those who wish to pursue a career as a Healthcare Assistant working in areas such as a hospital, nursing home or homecare setting.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites

Leaving Cert, Level 4 award or equivalent, and/or relevant Life or Work Experience.
Applicants who are not currently in employment in a registered healthcare setting will be required to secure work experience in the healthcare sector for 120 hours. This can be carried out at any stage of the course either on a full or part time basis (please contact the Student Support Team for further details). Those who do not have work experience in place will be required to complete a course suitability interview.
Learners will be required to participate in live online classes/webinars.
Some assessments require completion of work, which must be evaluated by a suitably qualified supervisor or manager.
Learners will be required to successfully complete Garda Vetting prior to commencing work experience in a registered healthcare setting. Please contact the college if you require assistance in completing Garda Vetting.
Learners must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland and hold a valid PPS Number.
Basic working knowledge of computers and access to a computer with internet access is required to do the course. For technical requirements click here>>
As this NFQ qualification is delivered through English it is necessary learners will have sufficient written English skills to complete this course. Learners for whom English is not a first language will be required to provide evidence of meeting a minimum English language and literacy competency of B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
Learners entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 will usually be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing, and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information

Topics covered in this QQI Healthcare Support course

Component 1: Care Support

Care Planning
Working in healthcare
Personal Development

Component 2: Care of the Older Person

The needs of older people
Working in healthcare
Care of the older person in specific situations

Component 3: Work Experience

Preparing for work experience
Learning goals
Work experience diary and review
Career planning
Learners maybe required to complete Patient Manual Handling Training & Cardiac/Basic First Aid Training before completing their work experience module. Please contact our Student Support Team for assistance.
Insurance during work placement/work experience is provided by CMIT through their insurance provider.

Component 4: Care Skills

Understanding care needs
Intimate Care
Safe use of care equipment

Component 5: Safety and Health at Work

The importance of health and safety
Health and safety planning
Hazard identification
Health and Safety Practice

Component 6: Teamworking

Team Development
Managing team performance

Component 7: Infection Prevention and Control

Understanding Infection
Planning infection prevention and control
Implementing standard precautions

Component 8: Care Provision and Practise

Understanding care needs
The role of the care worker
Care provision

Assessment

The programme is assessed through completion of written assignments, online exams and practical skills demonstrations (which involves attending one onsite assessment centre day). All work submitted must be your own work.
As part of our quality assurance, assessment work will be marked by an Internal Assessor, then checked by an Internal Verifier and an independent QQI External Authenticator.

Transfer and Progression to Further Studies

This course leads to a level 5 Major Award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Learners who complete this programme of study may progress to relevant level 6 courses on the National Framework of Qualifications.
More information on progression opportunities can be found on the CAO website here and on the QQI website here.
Information on the progression to careers in nursing can be found here.
It is possible to gain exemptions from certain components of the course. If you already hold a qualifying QQI Level 5 award, please contact us with your details, and we will advise you of available exemptions.

Protection for Enrolled Learners

As this course is of 3 months duration or longer, learners who enrol on this course are protected under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012.
CMIT has approval to offer students learner protection insurance. Learner Protection insurance is only in place when each student receives their Insurance Policy. Each learner should ensure that they receive a Learner Protection Insurance Policy in their name. Learner Protection insurance is provided by Arachas and underwritten by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC. The learner protection policy provides for a refund of fees as specified in the 2012 Act. In some circumstances, it may be possible for a learner to transfer to a similar programme in another provider. In such circumstances, the learner may opt to receive the cost of an alternative similar academic programme. Transfer to another programme is always only a second option. The learner protection insurance policy is governed by s. 65(4)(b) of the 2012 Act.’

Accreditation

Following successful completion of all required modules, you will receive a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support (5M4339).
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. CMIT is registered with QQI to offer programmes leading to QQI awards in the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.