Certificate in Healthcare Support

NFQ Level 5

Gain knowledge and skills to provide healthcare support. This includes recognising individual needs, providing assisted care and maintaining a safe, hygienic environment.

Available Locations:

Gaoth Dobhair

(Ref: 504688)

Starts: 19/10/2026

45 Weeks

Apply Now

Gaoth Dobhair

(Ref: 504688)

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

What You'll Learn

You’ll have the opportunity to learn:

Healthcare Practices: Learn about workplace safety and health. Understand infection prevention and control. Acquire essential care skills and support techniques and learn how to care for older adults.
Communication and Development: Improve advanced communication skills.
Develop skills in verbal de-escalation techniques and learn about human growth and development.
Anatomy and Physiology: Understand the structure and function of the human body.
Practical Experience and Skills: Gain practical skills and experience in healthcare settings. Learn first aid techniques and responses. Develop safety intervention strategies and learn safe patient handling techniques.

This traineeship includes 10 weeks of work placement, which is a key component of this course.

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

Tá Cúrsaí Oiliúna arna gcomhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus an Aontas Eorpach. #EUinMyRegion

Traineeships are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course will take place in the Gweedore Campus and class will start at 9.30am to 3.45pm Monday to Thursday and from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Friday.

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

Please Note: An additional module, 5N3734 Infection Prevention and Control, will be delivered on this course.

In addition to the L5 Major Award 5M4339 Healthcare Support modules offered on this course, training in Patient Handling, First Aid Responder and MAPA will be provided.

Modules:

Module	Title
5N1794	Safety And Health At Work
5N0690	Communications Level 5
5N2770	Care Skills
5N0758	Care Support
5N3734	Infection Prevention And Control
5N1279	Human Growth And Development
7680	Work Practice Healthcare – 5N1433H
STN0076	PHECC – First Aid Response
7683	Patient Handling
6854	Induction – Common Awards
5047	Career Planning & Job Seeking Skills
5N0749	Anatomy And Physiology
5N2706	Care Of the Older Person

Progression / Career

After successfully completing this course, you will be equipped to:

Work independently and under supervision in various healthcare settings.
Progress to further and higher education and training.

Graduates can pursue careers in the Health, Family, and Social Care sector, including roles such as:

Health Care Support Workers
Carers
Youth Workers
Various positions in public, community, and private sector

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

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?

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

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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