The aim of this course is to provide an in-depth exploration of the intersections and vocational differences between special needs and healthcare assistance. This dualstream course offers comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for providing effective care and educational support to individuals with special needs and those who wish to work in healthcare settings. The course emphasizes understanding the unique needs of diverse populations and equips students with strategies to promote inclusivity, independence, and optimal health outcomes.
Through a range of practical and theoretical subjects, this course equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate, personcentred care to individuals with special needs and service users in healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. By fostering empathy, cultural competence, and practical proficiency, students will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the well-being and quality of life of people in their communities and their families.
Practical work will take place in our state-of-theart nursing lab and there are several off campus training days in First Aid and Patient Handling.
Students who are interested in working as Healthcare Assistants (Care of the Older Person) will take the following modules in addition to the core modules
Students who are interested in working as Special Needs Assistants will take the following modules in addition to the core modules
Award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support; Certificate in First Aid; Certificate in Lifting and Handling
| College | City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot |
| Course ID | 203204 |
| Course Location | Ballyfermot, Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 10 |
| Course Category | Healthcare & Medicine |
| Course Type | Classroom Based |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support |
| Course Start Date | 16th September 2026 |
| Course End Date | 28th May 2027 |
| Course Duration | 1 Year |
| Course Fee | €150 |
| Entry Requirements | Standard minimum entry requirements for all courses in this college Minimum statutory school leaving age (16+) CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 and Level 6 courses for those whose first language is not English. Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees. Please refer to Information for international students. A PPS number is required for registration. Please refer to How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number. The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+) Minimum entry requirements for all level 5 courses QQI Level 4 award or equivalent Five O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate |
| Career Path | Graduates with a Merit profile may apply for entry to the Advanced Certificate in Social Care Studies Level 6, (SVC) in BCFE. Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution). Employment can be sought on completion of this course in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, nursing agencies, community care or in a residential care settings. |
| Course Code | SNC |
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