Health Care Assistant – Maternity, Paediatric, General & Geriatric

In hospitals the Health Care Assistant works under supervision, as a member of the care team, assisting nurses and midwives. This programme focuses on equiping the HCA with the skills and knowledge to work as an effective member of a hospital care team.

Course Open

Course Number

14

Duration

1 Year full-time

Certification

FETAC Level 5 Healthcare Support DHSXX.
Manual Handling Certificate
Occupational First Aid Certificate

Entry

General College Requirements
Mature Student Entry

Employment

Healthcare Assistant in General, Children’s & Maternity Hospitals
Healthcare Assistant in in community based care settings,
Older Person
Family and Community Services

Number of places available

Forty Four

Principal Areas of Study

• Human Growth and Development
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Care Support
• Care Skills
• Safety and Health at Work
• Introduction to Nursing
• Maternity Care Support
• Caring for Children in Hospital
• Care of the Older Person
• Communications
• Work Experience

(Modules offered may be subject to change and will be based on resources and the new Common Awards System). 

Features of the course

• This course meets an increasing need for trained support staff across the growing health service sector. 
• Structured work experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities two days per week (November to May) and in block placement. 
• Course work is active and experiential, including manual handling, first aid and the practical competences of a Healthcare Assistant in the different areas covered.

NOTES: Students taking up work experience placements in health care facilities must
provide evidence of vaccination against or immunity to specified conditions. Students
will be required to satisfy this requirement prior to placement (further information from
the College Office)
Vetting by Garda or other police authorities is required for work placement in this
sector.

Progression

Higher Education

Higher Education