Skills Connect Certificate in Healthcare Support (QQI Level 5)

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?

After you submit the questionnaire, you will receive an application form, typically within the next two working days. Applications are processed in batches every two weeks. During this time, an account will be created for you on our Moodle platform, and you will be added to a screening group. Screening groups open at set intervals and each group has a clear deadline for uploading documents.

To ensure the process is fair for everyone, candidates are only added when there is sufficient time to complete the screening requirements. If you have submitted your application recently, you may simply be scheduled for the next screening group. There is no need to contact the office if you have not yet been added to a screening group. As long as your application form has been submitted, it will be reviewed in due course, and you will be notified as soon as your screening access is available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Once your documentation has been reviewed and approved, you will be invited to attend a short in-person interview with a member of our team. Interviews are currently held in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Donegal. Due to Garda vetting regulations, this interview must take place in person, and it is not possible to arrange an online interview.