Program Overview

Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice - (Apprenticeship)

Overview

The Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice apprenticeship programme is delivered through a carefully blended mix of classroom and workplace education and training. Apprentices are employed full-time throughout the programme so they are earning while they are learning.

This Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice programme aims to develop compassionate, competent and confident advanced healthcare assistant practitioners (AHAPs) who are qualified to deliver a wide range of clinical and care skills, can work autonomously, and demonstrate the requisite interpersonal skills.

Why Study Health Care with Griffith College?

This programme is a culmination of a two-year development process, during which there was extensive consultation with the healthcare sector. It has been developed specifically for healthcare assistants to provide them with a pathway from Further Education and Training (FET) at Level 5 to this programme at Higher Education and Training (HET) Level 6.

• Griffith College is supported by a strong Consortium Steering Group made up of Health Care Assistants, the Alliance of Healthcare Assistants in Ireland, and high-profile representatives from the Private Hospitals Association, Nursing Home Ireland, and Home and Community Care Ireland.
• Griffith College takes a holistic approach to learning, supporting apprentices throughout their apprenticeship programme through a network of academic success coaches.
• Full third-level college campus resources are available to support apprentices.

Course Highlights

• Learn how to take responsibility for your own learning
• Build and apply your leadership and management skills within the scope of your role as an advanced healthcare assistant practitioner
• Acquire new clinical skills
• Understand the relationship between body systems and diseases
• Gain greater insights into day-to-day care procedures
• Learn how to promote health and wellbeing
• Learn under the guidance of a dedicated, highly-qualified mentor

Course Details

Year One Modules

• Communications and Interpersonal Skills Part 1
• Personal and Professional Development Part 1
• Sociology of Healthcare
• Clinical Skills Part 1
• Understanding the Body Part 1
• Health Promotion, Nutrition and Hydration
• Older Person Care and Dementia

Year Two Modules

• Introduction to Mental Health
• Communications and Interpersonal Skills Part 2
• Personal and Professional Development Part 2
• Clinical Skills Part 2
• Understanding the Body Part 2
• Ethical, Legal and Palliative Care

Elective Modules

• An Elective Module
• Supporting Care in the Community
• Supporting Operating Theatre Care Practice
• Supporting People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities
• Supporting People with Mental Illness

Frequently Asked Questions

• What qualification will I receive at the end of the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship?
  • Successful graduates will receive a National Framework of Qualifications Level 6 Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice.
• Do I need to be employed to join the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship programme?
  • You need to be employed and your employer must be registered to deliver the apprenticeship with SOLAS (The Statutory Body responsible for apprenticeships). Your employer must also be willing to appoint a workplace mentor to work with you for the duration of the programme.
• How long is the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship?
  • The apprenticeship is two years with three semesters of 14 weeks each per annum (i.e. 42 weeks per annum) and a requirement to attend one day a week for ten weeks of each semester.

Entry Requirements

• You are employed by an approved employer who is willing to support you during this apprenticeship.
• AND one of the following applies:
  • NFQ Healthcare level 5 Major Award with a minimum of 3 distinctions.
  • Leaving Certificate with five subjects O6/H7, at least foundation mathematics, six months’ relevant work experience and two relevant NFQ level 5 healthcare components.
  • Mature candidate with two years’ experience working as a healthcare assistant.

English Language Requirements

• The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme.

Additional Requirements

• Employers are required to ensure that apprentices have certified people moving and handling, and first aid responder skills in advance of their enrolment on the programme.
• Candidates also need to be Garda vetted and have had any relevant vaccinations for the workplace.

Fees

• Candidates will pay an annual registration fee of €1,000.
• Fees can be paid by flexible instalment payment plans.
• Fees can also be paid by one's employer as part of training fees.

Progression

• Graduates may take up positions as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners in hospitals, residential care centres, low-dependency community living units, home care arrangements and daycare centres.
• They can also progress their education and training in the areas of social care, nursing or community studies at third-level colleges.