Course Description

The population of older people in Ireland is increasing, as are the numbers who require residential care. This growth has to be matched by an increase in competent, caring Healthcare Assistants, in order to meet the demands of our aging population. According to the independent regulatory body HIQA, all staff employed by nursing homes or home-care organisations "must have the necessary skills, appropriate to their role, to provide care and support to residents and to coordinate care effectively with other organisations and professionals."

The Certificate in Healthcare Support (QQI Level 5, Major Award) has become the industry-standard qualification for anyone wishing to work as a Healthcare Assistant in the Republic of Ireland. This qualification can only be conferred upon a student who has completed 8 modules from a list specified by the national awards body Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

The programme is delivered online via live, interactive sessions. The meetings are once a week 9am to 4pm for 6-7 months (Major Award). The duration of particular modules vaires, on average one module takes 3 weeks. 

In 2021 we start a number of groups, detailed schedules TBC.



The Healthcare Support Course for Employed Participants is for students who are currently employed in the healthcare sector and need to complete their qualification. You may sign up to attend the entire Healthcare Support Course or you can decide to attend a selection of modules.

Some of these modules are mandatory - and are therefore the same for every provider - whereas others are optional, subject to the discretion of the provider. We provide training in the following 8 modules:

Course Aim

The purpose of this QQI Level 5 Major Award is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill, and competence to work in a variety of healthcare settings and or to progress to further and or higher education and training.

Who Should Attend

Anyone working in the private healthcare sector who has a genuine interest in working in healthcare as a healthcare assistant.

Please note this is only for the participants who are currently employed in a private healthcare organization. If you are Unemployed click here for frther information and to enroll.

Trainer’s Profile

Trainer Name: To be confirmed