Certificate in Health Service Skills

NFQ Level 5

Gain the skills and knowledge to support individuals and healthcare teams, enhance the quality of care for service users, and progress to further training or education in the healthcare area.

Available Locations:

Buncrana

(Ref: 510928)

Starts: 16/09/2026

36 Weeks

Apply Now

Buncrana

(Ref: 510928)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

You will gain the skills and knowledge to:

Care for older people with respect, understanding their needs and helping them live with dignity.
Help people with everyday tasks while supporting their comfort and independence.
Understand the care worker’s role, deliver person-centred support, and develop professional and personal skills through teamwork and reflection.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course is year one, of a two year part-time evening course. It will take place in-person, on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6pm-9pm both evenings.

	Tue	Wed
Morning
Afternoon
Evening	✔	✔

Module	Title
5N2706	Care Of Older Person
5N3769	Palliative Care Support
5N3734	Infection Prevention And Control
5N3707	Activities Of Living Patient Care

Progression / Career

This course can enhance or progress your existing role in health service and improve your level of support for service users, and you can progress to further and or higher education and training in this area.

Graduates of this course can find work in health, family, or social care as a healthcare assistant, carer, youth worker, or in similar roles across public, private, or community settings.

Entry Requirements

Students must have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework to succeed in this course.You can show this through formal education or relevant life and work experience.
While you don’t need prior health service experience, you should have an interest in the field.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie