Flexible payment options available. Apply Online!
QQI Accredited | Career Focused | Healthcare Pathway
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.
Healthcare workers continue to be in high demand, with opportunities to travel and work internationally. For further information contact us at [email protected] or call 01-5746850.
✓ Start a Rewarding Career
Make a positive difference in the lives of others through meaningful patient care.
✓ Recognised QQI Qualification
Earn an industry-respected QQI certification in Healthcare Support.
✓ Increase Job Opportunities
Enhance your employability in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities across Ireland.
✓ Advance Your Career
Build a strong foundation for further studies and progression in healthcare.
✓ Develop Essential Skills
Learn practical healthcare techniques and patient care fundamentals from day one.
✓ Flexible & Practical Learning
A one-year programme designed to support your career growth and fit around your life.
✓ Boost Earning Potential
Improve your job prospects and access enhanced salary opportunities in healthcare.
✓ Comprehensive Training
Gain the competence to work confidently in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Career Outcomes
Healthcare workers continue to be in high demand, with strong opportunities to work across Ireland and internationally. For more information contact us at [email protected] or call 01-5746850.
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.
Course Module Information Is Below
✓ Perform basic skills in understanding client care
Apply foundational care skills to support clients in a safe and hygienic environment.
✓ Assist clients with personal & physical needs
Support clients with daily activities, hygiene, and physical care in a respectful manner.
✓ Provide a safe environment for staff, clients & stakeholders
Implement health and safety practices that protect everyone in the care setting.
✓ Promote dignity, choice & empowerment of residents
Uphold person-centred values that respect the rights and autonomy of every client.
✓ Encourage correct use of care equipment & assistive devices
Guide clients in the safe and appropriate use of equipment to support independence.
✓ Respond effectively to the changing needs of clients
Adapt care approaches as client needs evolve to ensure consistent quality of support.
Module Assessment
Assignment: 40% | Skills Demonstration: 60%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N2770
✓ Understand the necessity for safe codes of practice
Learn why standardised safety codes are essential in protecting staff and clients in healthcare.
✓ Keep up to date with health & safety legislation
Understand current Irish health and safety law and your obligations as a healthcare professional.
✓ Develop proactive health & safety skills at work
Build practical skills to anticipate and prevent safety issues before they arise.
✓ Create awareness of risks associated with the workplace
Identify common hazards in healthcare environments and understand how to manage them.
✓ Develop risk identification, prevention & reporting skills
Apply self-accountability and systematic reporting to promote a culture of safety at work.
Module Assessment
Assignment: 60% | Examination: 40%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N1794
✓ Provide for diversity, advocacy & choice in care support
Understand the principles of respectful, inclusive care that honours each client's lifestyle, religion, and culture.
✓ Identify strengths & weaknesses in your own performance
Reflect on your practice to support continuous professional development in a care setting.
✓ Promote strategies that improve clients' quality of life
Develop and apply person-centred approaches that enhance wellbeing and independence.
✓ Develop communication skills for multidisciplinary team working
Build the interpersonal and professional communication skills needed to work effectively across healthcare teams.
✓ Understand the healthcare system in Ireland
Gain an understanding of how Irish healthcare is structured and how your role fits within it.
Module Assessment
Assignment: 30% | Learner Record: 70%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N0758
✓ Understand the role of the healthcare assistant
Explore the responsibilities and boundaries of the healthcare assistant role in older person care settings.
✓ Acquire best practice skills in holistic care
Develop the skills to deliver comprehensive, person-centred care that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs.
✓ Understand the range of services available to older people
Learn about the community and residential services that support older people across Ireland.
✓ Communicate effectively with all stakeholders
Develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills for working with clients, families, and colleagues.
✓ Acquire basic therapeutic intervention skills
Learn practical techniques to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of older clients.
Module Assessment
Project: 40% | Skills Demonstration: 60%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N2706
✓ Understand the historical development of the nursing profession
Explore how nursing has evolved and the principles that underpin modern professional practice.
✓ Carry out basic observations & nursing skills
Perform fundamental clinical observations and apply core nursing skills in practice.
✓ Demonstrate the activities of living in patient care
Utilise the activities of living model to deliver person-centred care to patients.
✓ Explain the importance of precision in administering drugs
Understand the critical standards and accuracy required in safe medication administration.
✓ Implement correct reporting & recording procedures
Apply accurate documentation standards essential to patient safety and professional accountability.
✓ Create & practise a safe working environment
Apply infection control and health and safety protocols to protect patients and colleagues.
Module Assessment
Skills: 50% | Examination: 50%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N4325
✓ Examine work organisations & career opportunities in healthcare
Explore the structure of healthcare organisations and identify potential career pathways.
✓ Understand the rights & responsibilities of employees and employers
Learn the legal and professional obligations that govern workplace relationships in healthcare.
✓ Develop a career plan & skills audit for the healthcare sector
Identify your strengths, plan your career direction, and address skill gaps for the workplace.
✓ Participate effectively in work experience
Demonstrate punctuality, independent working, and professional conduct during placement.
✓ Reflect on workplace experiences & supervisor feedback
Use reflective practice and mentor feedback to evaluate and improve your performance.
✓ Explore future education, training & employment options
Use insights from work experience to plan your next steps in healthcare.
Module Assessment
Portfolio: 60% | Skills: 40%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N1356
✓ Analyse current issues in communications & information technology
Explore how communications technology shapes modern workplace and personal interactions.
✓ Use appropriate non-verbal & visual communication
Understand how body language, tone, and visual tools support effective communication in healthcare.
✓ Develop research, verbal, listening & reading skills
Build and apply core communication competencies throughout the course and in the workplace.
✓ Create awareness of legislation in a personal & work context
Understand the key legal frameworks that apply to communication in healthcare settings.
Module Assessment
Portfolio: 50% | Skills: 50%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N0690
✓ Promote quality of life, self-esteem, respect, privacy & dignity in palliative care
Discuss the support worker's role in upholding the core values that underpin dignified end of life care.
✓ Apply a person-centred approach in the last days of life
Deliver holistic, supportive care that promotes safety, dignity, comfort, and respect at end of life.
✓ Work sensitively with the dying person & their significant others
Support patients and their families with empathy, compassion, and professionalism in a palliative care setting.
✓ Use the range of palliative support skills in end of life care
Apply the practical and interpersonal skills of a palliative support worker to provide dignified, inclusive care.
Module Assessment
Learner Record: 70% | Assignment: 30%
Credit Value: 15 ECTS | Code: 5N3769
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.
• Submit the online application in 3 minutes
• Photo ID not required to begin your application
• Our team will guide you through the next steps
• Start even if your documents aren't ready yet
• Admissions support at every stage
• Contact us at [email protected]
• Assessment via assignments, examinations, projects & practical skills demonstration
• Full Award: QQI Healthcare Support Level 5 Major Award (Code: 5M4339)
• Students also complete a Certificate in Manual Handling
• Pass: 50%–64%
• Merit: 65%–79%
• Distinction: 80%–100%
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 | Secures place |
| 1st Instalment: | €462.50 | 21/07/2026 |
| 2nd Instalment: | €462.50 | 21/08/2026 |
| 3rd Instalment: | €462.50 | 19/09/2026 |
| 4th Instalment: | €462.50 | 22/10/2026 |
Q1
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
None at all. This course is designed for complete beginners and builds the knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in healthcare support from the ground up.
Q2
What certification will I receive?
A QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support (Code: 5M4339), awarded by QQI. Students also receive a Certificate in Manual Handling upon completion.
Q3
How is the course delivered?
This is an on-campus programme delivered at Dorset College Dublin, combining classroom-based learning with hands-on practical skills development and work placement experience.
Q4
How long is the course and when does it start?
One academic year, delivered in a structured full-time format. Contact our admissions team for the current start date and intake details.
Q5
What does it cost and are there payment options?
A €150 non-refundable deposit secures your place, with the outstanding balance payable in full or split across up to 4 flexible instalments. No hidden fees.
Q6
What topics will I cover?
Anatomy and physiology, patient care, healthcare theory, communications, health and safety, care of the older person, palliative care, and work placement in a clinical setting.
Q7
Is a QQI Level 5 qualification recognised by employers?
Yes. QQI qualifications are the national standard in Ireland and are recognised by employers across the public and private healthcare sectors.
Q8
What careers does this course lead to?
Graduates commonly enter roles as Healthcare Assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, community care settings, and agencies — with opportunities to travel and work internationally.
Q9
Will I have direct access to tutors?
Yes. Every module is delivered by experienced healthcare professionals. You will have direct access to tutors throughout the programme for guidance, feedback, and support.
Q10
How large are the classes?
Dorset College maintains deliberately small class sizes to ensure quality learning, meaningful tutor interaction, and a more personalised experience than larger institutions typically offer.
Q11
What makes this course stand out?
A nationally recognised QQI Major Award, expert-led tuition, hands-on work placement, and a Certificate in Manual Handling — all delivered in a supportive, small-class environment at a recognised third-level institution in Dublin city centre.
Q12
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible payment options available for the remainder of the course fee.
