Galway Community College
Further Education

Healthcare Assistant

Healthcare Assistant

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QQI Level 5 Course Code: 5M4339

Co-ordinator: Dympna Ní Mhainnín

Contact: dympna.nimhainnin@gretb.ie


Course Outline

The Healthcare Assistant course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and competence to work under supervision in providing support in a variety of healthcare settings or to progress to further and higher education and training.  It provides a recognised qualification for healthcare workers, currently in employment and those seeking to work in this sector. This Healthcare Support Award is one of the Department of Health and Children’s recommended qualifications for Healthcare Assistants working in the public and private sector. The course aims to develop communication, practical and caring skills in the learner, to allow them to respond effectively and with empathy to the needs of the older person. Learners will be introduced to current and emerging legislation that applies to the care of the older person and the need for personal and professional development while working with older people and their families 

Modules*

  • Care Support - 5N0758
  • Care Skills - 5N2770
  • Safety and Health at Work - 5N1794 
  • Care of the Older Person - 5N2706
  • Intellectual Disability Studies - 5N1652
  • Infection Prevention and Control - 5N3734
  • Communications - 5N0690
  • Work Experience - 5N1356

The below courses may be taken as additional certification (at an additional cost).

  • Manual Handling / Patient Moving Certification from PHECC registered provider
  • First Aid Responder (FAR)

Fees

€175 GCC Student Services Fee applies to all learners

€50 for QQI Level 5 Assessment Fee applies to all learners except

  • Those in receipt of Back to Education Allowance.
  • Medical Card Holders (valid at time of Registration).

Non EU Students are subject to an International Fee.

We advise non-EU citizens living outside Ireland to contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on www.inis.gov.ie to ensure the course you are considering applying for is eligible for a student visa. Non-EU citizens living in Ireland are welcome to apply and require a PPS number (Personal Public Service Number). Non-EU citizens are required to pay a tuition fee set by the Irish government which is currently €3653. Some exemptions apply, for further information, please contact http://www.gretb.ie

Information on Migrant Eligibility to Access FE Programmes is available here.


Work Experience

Work experience takes place one day a week throughout the academic year.


Entry Requirements

QQI Level 4, minimum of 17 years of age at time of registration, Leaving Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied, Equivalent qualifications from other countries, relevant life experiences, relevant work experiences and mature students.


Progression

For information please visit our Progression and Career Guidance pages under Student Supports

Opportunities open to students who did not achieve the desired Leaving Certificate to allow entry to your desired course from the CAO system, you can have the opportunity to achieve up to 390 points in a PLC course and gain access to 3rd Level or for mature students who did not complete a Leaving Certificate to gain access to 3rd Level.


*Please Note

Galway Community College reserves the right to make changes to any course, to limit the number of places available or to withdraw a course. No part of this information shall be deemed to form a contract between the college and a student or a third party.

Dec 15
2025
QQI FE Christmas Exams
Dec 22
2025
Christmas Holidays
Mar 03
2026
Further Education Open Day
Mar 16
2026
St Patricks Bank Holiday College Closed
Wellpark Rd, Galway
 091 755464
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