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Professional Healthcare Support Course (QQI Level 5 Major Award)

Awarded By
QQI Level 5
Duration
1 Academic Year
Timetable
Mon & Wed: 6:30PM - 9:30PM
Start / End Dates
Start Date: 19/01/2026
End Date: 16/09/2026
Delivery
Face to Face Classes
Fees
€2000 (Inc Exam Fee)
Deposit €150
Ongoing 20% Discount

Flexible payment options available.  Apply Online!

Why Study Healthcare Support at Dorset College Dublin:

Embark on a rewarding career in healthcare support with our comprehensive programme, designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. This course is suitable for aspiring healthcare professionals and individuals seeking to begin a fulfilling career in this field.

Why Choose This Course?

✔  Start a Rewarding Career – Make a positive difference in the lives of others
✔  Recognised QQI Qualification – Earn an industry-respected certification in Healthcare Support
✔  Increase Job Opportunities – Enhance your employability in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities
✔  Advance Your Career – Build a strong foundation for further studies in healthcare
✔  Strengthen Your CV – Gain a valuable, career-enhancing qualification
✔  Develop Essential Skills – Learn practical healthcare techniques and patient care fundamentals
✔  Flexible & Practical Learning – One-year programme designed to support your career growth
✔  Boost Earning Potential – Improve job prospects and salary opportunities
✔  Comprehensive Training – Gain the competence to work confidently in a dynamic healthcare environment

Healthcare workers continue to be in high demand, with opportunities to travel and work internationally. If you have any questions, please contact our Professional Courses Advisor at [email protected] or call 01-5746850.

Download The Professional Courses Brochure.

What learning experience will this course offer you:

On the Healthcare Course, you will learn in a supportive, student-centred environment where experienced healthcare professionals mentor and guide you throughout your studies. You will develop essential healthcare skills and knowledge, complemented by valuable practical work experience to help you achieve your career goals. Throughout the programme, you will study core areas of healthcare and apply your learning through hands-on experience, ensuring you confidently bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Care Skills

The purpose is to equip you with the knowledge, skill, and competence to care for clients in a safe and hygienic environment. 

 At the end of the module learners will be able to: 

✔  Perform basic skills in understanding client care
✔  Assist clients with personal and physical needs
✔ 
Provide a safe environment for staff, clients, and stakeholders
✔ 
Promote dignity, choice, and empowerment of residents
✔ 
Encourage clients to use a range of care equipment and assistive devices correctly
✔ 
Respond effectively to the changing needs of clients 

 Module Assessment

Assignment: 40% Skills Demonstration: 60%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS

Course Code: 5N2770

Health & Safety at Work

This module will equip you with the knowledge, skill, and competence to promote and maintain safety and health in a work environment. 

 At the end of the module learners will be able to: 

✔  Understand the necessity for safe codes of practice
✔  Keep up-to-date with health and safety legislation
✔ 
Develop proactive skills in health and safety at work
✔ 
Create awareness of risks associated with the workplace
✔ 
Develop risk identification, prevention, and reporting skills Develop attitudes of self-accountability for health and safety 

Module Assessment 

Assignment: 60% Examination: 40%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS

Course Code: 5N1794

Care Support

The aim of this module is to promote good practice and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion, and culture in care work.  

At the end of the module learners will be able to:  

✔  Understand the principles of care support by providing for diversity, advocacy, and choice for clients
✔  Identify strengths and weakness in own performance
✔ 
Promote strategies for clients which could improve their quality of life
✔ 
Develop communication skills to work effectively with a multidisciplinary healthcare team
✔ 
Provide a person-centered approach to the client
✔ 
Understand the healthcare system in Ireland 

 Module Assessment 

Assignment: 30% Learner Record: 70%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS

Course Code: 5N0758

Care of the Older Person

Gain the knowledge, skill, and competence to meet the full range of needs of older people in a variety of care settings. 

 At the end of the module learners will be able to: 

✔  Understand the role of the healthcare assistant
✔  Acquire best practice skills in the provision of holistic care
✔ 
Understand the range of services available to older people
✔ 
Acquire the skills to communicate effectively with all stakeholders
✔ 
Acquire the basic therapeutic intervention skills 

 Module Assessment 

Project: 40% Skills Demonstration: 60%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS

Course Code: 5N2706

Nursing Theory and Practice

Gain knowledge, skill, and competence in the theory, principles, and practice underpinning the nursing process and nursing profession to enable the learner to perform a range of basic nursing skills.  

At the end of the module learners will be able to:  

✔  Understand the historical development of the nursing profession
✔  Carry out basic observations and nursing skills
✔ 
Demonstrate and utilise the activities of living patient care
✔ 
Explain the importance of precision in administering drugs
✔ 
Implement correct reporting and recording procedures
✔ 
Create and practice a safe working environment  

Module Assessment 

Skills: 50% Examination: 50%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS 

Course Code: 5N4325

Work Experience

Gain the relevant knowledge, skill, and competence to participate in the workplace for a limited time, carrying out work-related tasks independently while under general direction.  

At the end of the module learners will be able to:  

✔  Examine work organisations and personal career opportunities in a healthcare
✔  Understand and analyse key challenges and opportunities
✔ 
Understand the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
✔ 
Develop a career plan and appropriate skills audit that meets challenges in the healthcare sector
✔ 
Participate effectively in work experience, including good timekeeping, working independently
✔ 
Reflect on workplace experiences, to include feedback from supervisors or mentors
✔ 
Explore options for future education, training, and employment in light of work experience 

 Module Assessment 

Portfolio: 60% Skills: 40%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS

Course Code: 5N1356

Communication

Gain the relevant knowledge, skill, and competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks, and in work-related tasks, operating independently while under general direction.  

At the end of the module learners will be able to:  

✔  Analyse a range of current issues in communications and information technology
✔  Understand how to use appropriate non-verbal and visual communication
✔ 
Develop research, verbal, listening, and reading skills and use these skills during the course
✔ 
Create an awareness of the elements of legislation in a personal and/or work context  

Module Assessment 

Portfolio: 50% Skills: 50%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS 

Course Code: 5N0690

Palliative Care Support

Gain the knowledge, skills, and competence that will enable you to care for and address the needs of a person and their family after the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, in a dignified, inclusive, and holistic manner.  

At the end of this unit learners will be able to:  

✔  Discuss the role of the support worker in the promotion of key issues such as life quality, self-esteem, respect, privacy and dignity in palliative care work
✔  Apply a person-centered approach to caring for a person in the last days of their life to include the provision of supportive and holistic care promoting safety, dignity, respect, and comfort
✔ 
Work effectively and with great sensitivity in relation to the dying person and their significant others in a palliative care setting
✔ 
Use the range of skills required from a palliative support worker in relation to the end of life care 

 Module Assessment 

Learner Record: 70% Assignment: 30%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS

Course Code: 5N3769

Protection of Enrolled Learners

Dorset College has arrangements in place to ensure the Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) in the event of a cessation of programmes by the college.  

How To Apply

The Application Steps

✔  Simply submit the online application form to get started.
✔  You can upload your photo ID later, it is not required to begin your application.

Once your application is submitted, a member of our team will contact you to guide you through the next steps. You’re welcome to start your application even if your documents aren’t ready yet. If you need any support at any stage, our Admissions Team is here to help at [email protected].

Assessment & Awards

Assessment Method

✔  Each module is accessed through a variety of different methods including assignment, examinations, projects and practical skills demonstration.

Full Award 

QQI Healthcare Support Level 5 Major Award (Code: 5M4339)

✔  In addition students will complete a Certificate in Manual Handling.

Final Grading (Individual Modules):

Pass 50%- 64%  /  Merit 65%-79%  /  Distinction 80%-100%. 

Payment Plan

To secure a place on this course a non-refundable deposit of €150 applies.

The outstanding balance can be paid in full before the course starts or split into 4 instalments if necessary.

Payment Plan

Deposit: €150.00
1st Instalment: €462.50 19/01/2026
2nd Instalment: €462.50 18/02/2026
3rd Instalment: €462.50 31/03/2026
4th Instalment: €462.50 28/04/2026

Timetable

Click here to access the provisional timetable for this programme.

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