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Healthcare is one of the most consistently in-demand fields in Ireland and one of the few sectors where qualified professionals can work both locally and internationally with genuine confidence. Ireland’s population is ageing, its health system is expanding, and the need for skilled healthcare support workers across hospitals, residential care facilities, community services, and palliative settings continues to grow. For those seeking a career that is meaningful, stable, and professionally portable, the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Certificate is one of the most direct and recognised routes available.
The QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Certificate at Dorset College Dublin is a one-year programme designed for those with no prior healthcare experience. The programme covers the full range of practical healthcare skills – from care skills and nursing theory through to older person care, palliative care support, health and safety, communication, and supervised work experience. Every module combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills demonstration, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready from day one. The programme is delivered by professionals currently active in the healthcare sector, and assessment is through a combination of assignments, skills demonstrations, portfolios, and learner records. Graduates move into roles as healthcare assistants, care support workers, and older person care workers, with clear progression available through Level 6, a nursing degree, and ultimately full registration as a Registered General Nurse.
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This certificate is the first step on a nationally recognised healthcare career pathway leading to full professional registration.
STEP 1
QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Certificate, Dorset College Dublin
↓
STEP 2
QQI Level 6 Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support
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STEP 3
BSc in Nursing or Health Sciences (NFQ Level 7/8)
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STEP 4
Registered General Nurse (RGN), Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
What sets this programme apart is its QQI accreditation, its practical focus, and the direct career pathway it opens. QQI is Ireland’s national quality and qualifications authority, and a Level 5 Healthcare Support Certificate carries genuine weight with employers across the Irish health system. Dorset College keeps class sizes deliberately small so every student has direct access to their tutor and a learning environment that supports confidence-building from the very first week. Graduates move into roles as healthcare assistants, care support workers, and older person care workers, with clear progression available through Level 6, a nursing degree, and ultimately full registration as a Registered General Nurse. For further information contact us at [email protected] or call 01-5746850.
Key skills covered in this programme
A practical, employer-focused curriculum covering the essential skills of professional healthcare support.
✓ Start a rewarding career — Make a positive difference through meaningful patient care.
✓ Recognised QQI qualification — Earn an industry-respected QQI certification in Healthcare Support.
✓ Increase job opportunities — Enhance your employability across hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
✓ Advance your career — Build a foundation for further study and progression in healthcare.
✓ Develop essential skills — Learn practical healthcare techniques and patient care fundamentals.
✓ Flexible & practical learning — A one-year programme designed to fit around your life.
✓ Boost earning potential — Access enhanced job prospects and salary opportunities in healthcare.
✓ Comprehensive training — Gain the competence to work confidently in healthcare.
"
The small classes and direct access to tutors made all the difference. The course gave me a brilliant foundation and the confidence I needed. Dorset College is the place to start your healthcare career.
Karen Grogan – Dorset College Dublin
Course module information
Module 1: Care skills — 5N2770
✓ 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.
✓ Promote dignity, choice & empowerment of residents
Uphold person-centred values that respect the rights and autonomy of every client.
✓ Respond effectively to the changing needs of clients
Adapt care approaches as client needs evolve to ensure consistent quality of support.
Assignment: 40% | Skills demonstration: 60% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 2: Health & safety at work — 5N1794
✓ 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 risk identification, prevention & reporting skills
Apply self-accountability and systematic reporting to promote a culture of safety at work.
Assignment: 60% | Examination: 40% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 3: Care support — 5N0758
✓ Provide for diversity, advocacy & choice in care support
Understand the principles of respectful, inclusive care that honours each client’s lifestyle, religion, and culture.
✓ Promote strategies that improve clients’ quality of life
Develop and apply person-centred approaches that enhance wellbeing and independence.
✓ Understand the healthcare system in Ireland
Gain an understanding of how Irish healthcare is structured and how your role fits within it.
Assignment: 30% | Learner record: 70% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 4: Care of the older person — 5N2706
✓ 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.
✓ Communicate effectively with all stakeholders
Develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills for working with clients, families, and colleagues.
Project: 40% | Skills demonstration: 60% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 5: Nursing theory and practice — 5N4325
✓ Carry out basic observations & nursing skills
Perform fundamental clinical observations and apply core nursing skills in practice.
✓ 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.
Skills: 50% | Examination: 50% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 6: Work experience — 5N1356
✓ 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.
Portfolio: 60% | Skills: 40% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 7: Communication — 5N0690
✓ 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.
Portfolio: 50% | Skills: 50% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 8: Palliative care support — 5N3769
✓ 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.
✓ 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.
Learner record: 70% | Assignment: 30% | Credit value: 15 ECTS
Module 9: 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.
• 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.
