Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-01 | - |
2024-03-01 | - |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Nursing Apprenticeship Ireland program offers a Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice, developing compassionate and skilled advanced healthcare assistant practitioners. Through a combination of classroom learning and on-the-job training, apprentices gain clinical and care skills, leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of healthcare systems. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for higher-paying roles and have pathways for further education in healthcare fields.
Program Outline
Nursing Apprenticeship Ireland | Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice
Degree Overview:
Objectives:
- Develop compassionate, competent, and confident advanced healthcare assistant practitioners (AHAPs) who can deliver a wide range of clinical and care skills, work autonomously, and demonstrate the necessary interpersonal skills.
- Provide a logical progression for healthcare assistants who have completed the NFQ FET level 5 awards to progress their careers as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners.
- Align with recent developments for healthcare assistants internationally, particularly in the UK and Australia.
Description:
- This program is a culmination of a two-year development process, involving extensive consultation with the healthcare sector.
- It is funded by the Apprenticeship Council of Ireland and part of the Generation Apprenticeship initiative.
- Griffith College offers the program with support from a strong Consortium Steering Group composed 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, providing apprentices with continuous support through academic success coaches.
Benefits for Apprentices:
- Security of employment
- Earn while you learn
- Receive a Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support Practice upon successful completion
- Enhanced skillset
- Pathway to a higher-paying role
- Lifetime portfolio to evidence personal achievements
- Progression routes to further education
- Enhanced status in the healthcare team
- Build and apply 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
- Learn under the guidance of a dedicated, highly-qualified mentor
Intake Dates:
- Dublin - Full-Time - March 2024
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2024
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 (students select one):
- Supporting Care in the Community
- Supporting Operating Theatre Care Practice
- Supporting People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities
- Supporting People with Mental Illness
Careers:
- Graduates may take up positions as advanced healthcare assistant practitioners in:
- hospitals
- residential care centers
- low-dependency community living units
- home care arrangements
- daycare centers
- Graduates can also progress their education and training in the areas of social care, nursing, or community studies at third-level colleges.
Griffith College
Overview:
Griffith College is a private higher education institution with campuses in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a focus on providing students with a flexible and supportive learning environment.
Services Offered:
Flexible Study Modes:
Griffith College offers a variety of study modes, including full-time, part-time, blended, and online learning options.City Centre Campuses:
Students can benefit from the convenience of studying in the heart of Dublin, Cork, and Limerick.Global Community:
Griffith College boasts a large alumni network, connecting graduates across the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small Class Sizes:
Griffith College prides itself on its low lecturer-to-student ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support.Diverse Course Options:
Students have a wide selection of courses to choose from, with over 200 programs available.City Centre Locations:
The college's campuses offer easy access to city amenities and cultural experiences.Academic Programs:
Faculties:
Griffith College offers programs across various faculties, including Business, Arts, Science, and Technology.Springboard+:
The college provides Springboard+ programs, which are government-funded upskilling and reskilling initiatives.Postgraduate Programs:
Griffith College offers a range of postgraduate programs, including Masters and PhD degrees.Other:
Open Days:
Griffith College hosts open days to allow prospective students to explore the campuses and learn more about the institution.News & Events:
The college regularly updates its website with news and events, showcasing student achievements and highlighting key developments.Entry Requirements:
Employment by an approved employer:
You must be employed by an approved employer who is willing to support you during this apprenticeship.
One of the following qualifications:
- 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.
Language Proficiency 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.