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European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
THIS LHP SKILLNET PROGRAMME IS CO-FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND, THE EUROPEAN UNION, AND NETWORK COMPANIES www.eufunds.ie

The Irish Government's coat of arms next to the flag of the European Union.

Co-Funded QQI Level 5 Training for Residential & Home Care Workers

The Certificate in Healthcare Support (QQI Level 5, Major Award) is the industry-standard qualification for aspiring Healthcare Assistants in the Republic of Ireland. To earn it, learners must complete 8 modules chosen from a list specified by the national awards body, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

Care Skills & Care of the Older Person

LHP Skillnet Member Companies can book any combination of Healthcare Support Component Certificates priced €100 per module.

We regularly facilitate training in Care Skills & Care of the Older Person. The next date of commencement for these two modules is Friday, 15th May 2026. Please submit our questionnaire at the bottom of this page if you are interested.

Modules

Learners must complete a mix of core and elective modules to total 120 credits.

Core Components

Modules delivered as part of 5M4339:

  • Communication 5N0690
  • Safety and Health at Work 5N1794
  • Care Support 5N0758
  • Care Skills 5N2770
  • Care of the Older Person 5N2706
  • Palliative Care Support 5N3769
  • Infection Prevention and Control 5N3734
  • Work Practice 5N1433

QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support Programme Overview

  • Awarding Body: Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
  • Award Level: Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
  • Award Type: Major Award (full certificate).
  • Total Credits: 120 FET (Further Education and Training) credits

This award is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills and competence needed to support healthcare professionals and provide person-centred care in a variety of healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, community care, residential settings and home care settings).

Work Placement Requirements

Learners must complete their 300 hours work placement (voluntary or paid) specifically in the role of a Health Care Assistant (HCA). Any hours accumulated must be carried out and verified in this capacity and supported by the appropriate workplace supervisor. Hours completed in other roles, such as catering, domestic, or laundry assistant positions, will not be accepted as valid work placement for this programme.

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners receive a Certificate in Healthcare Support from QQI (Level 5, Major Award). Assessment details for each module can be found in the Programme Manual.

The programme is delivered online through live, interactive sessions held once a week, always at the same time, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., spanning a period of 7 to 8 months. Full attendance on all class days is mandatory, and each module typically lasts for an average of 4 weeks.

What happens after I submit the questionnaire?

Submissions are processed every week. After your learner account has been created, you will be added to a pre-course group on Moodle, where you will be required to upload upload some documents and complete a brief comprehension test before receiving an invitation to a virtual interview.

Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pricing

Non-Members

1,550

LHP Skillnet Members

750

Apply Now

The Major Award programme runs several times a year. The next date of commencement for all 8 modules is scheduled for:

Monday, 11th May 2026

(Please note that our free healthcare training for jobseekers has different start dates. If you are unemployed, please switch to our Free Healthcare Training page.)

To find out if you are eligible and apply for a place, please fill in the questionnaire below. Our team will be in touch shortly. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email at qqicourses@lhpskillnet.ie, or give us a call at (01) 218 7698 ext 1.

Programme Manual

Downloadable PDF with full course specifications

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