The City of Dublin ETB is co-
funded by the
Government of
Ireland and the European Union.
Healthcare / Special Needs Assisting Level 5
Course Code SNC
NFQ Level 5
Duration 1 Year
QQI Code 5M4339
Award QQI Level 5 Certificate in Healthcare Support; Certificate in First Aid; Certificate in Lifting and Handling
Why choose Healthcare / Special Needs Assisting?
This one-year full time course has a dual-purpose award, designed whether you have an interest in working as a Health Care Assistant (HCA), or as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
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.
What will you study?
Core Modules
- Work Experience (5N1356)
- Communications (5N0690)
- Care Skills (5N2770)
- Care Support (5N0758)
- Social Studies (5N1370)
- Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)
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
Course Facilities
- State of the Art Nursing Lab and Childcare Creche Facility (simulated)
- Course team-room for collaboration and group activities.
Course Features
- Six common modules and 2 modules for each stream for SNA (Special Needs Assistant and HCA (Healthcare Assistant).
- 2 week of work experience in a) an educational setting supporting children with special needs b) a healthcare setting such as a hospital or nursing home.
- Training in Patient Handling.
- Training in First Aid.
- Guest speakers from past students, employers, and sectoral experts.
- Team-building class trips.
Progression & Career Opportunities
- 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.
What do you need to apply?
Please refer to the Entry Requirements
