Certificate in Health Service Skills

NFQ Level 5

Develop practical care skills to support others in healthcare settings. Build confidence, gain experience, and prepare for a fulfilling career in care or further study.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 504282)

Starts: 14/09/2026

37 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 504282)

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

What You'll Learn

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Understand how the human body functions and its link to health and care.
Provide respectful, person-centred care to older adults.
Deliver essential care skills safely and compassionately.
Support individuals through different life stages.
Apply basic nursing theory and clinical skills in practice.
Gain hands-on experience in a supervised healthcare setting.
Maintain hygiene and safety through infection control measures.

Erasmus + Work placement in Spain.

Selected students will have the opportunity to apply for three-week work experience project in a European city where they can experience another culture; learn the basics of another language and enhance professional and personal knowledge and training. This course includes the cost of travel and accommodation of participants.

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

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course takes place in person, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and half day on a Friday.

Timetable
Day	Morning	Afternoon
Mon	✔	✔
Tue	✔	✔
Wed	✔	✔
Thu	✔	✔
Fri	✔

Module	Title
5N0690	Communications Level 5
5N0749	Anatomy And Physiology
5N2706	Care Of Older Person
5N2770	Care Skills
5N0758	Care Support
5N1279	Human Growth And Development
5N4325	Nursing Theory And Practice
5N1356	Work Experience
5N3734	Infection Prevention And Control

Progression / Career

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree courses at Institutes of Technology and Universities.

The qualification provides a strong foundation for progression to further and higher education in healthcare-related fields, including nursing, social care, and health science courses at Level 6 and beyond.

Graduates can pursue employment as healthcare assistants or support workers in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care, and community settings.

Entry Requirements

Students need to have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
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

A separate cost of €150 may apply to students for First Aid Responder and Patient Lifting/Manual Handling courses, your tutor will discuss this with you in more detail during the course, if it is relevant to you.

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