Certificate in Healthcare Support

NFQ Level 5

Learn how to care for people in healthcare settings and build the skills you need to make a real difference in their lives in a supportive role.

Available Locations:

Greencastle

(Ref: 529489)

Starts: 01/09/2026

15 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 529462)

Starts: 03/09/2026

30 Weeks

Apply Now

Greencastle

(Ref: 529489)

Letterkenny

(Ref: 529462)

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

What You'll Learn

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Provide person-centred care and support across a range of healthcare settings.
Apply safety and health principles to ensure a safe working environment.
Demonstrate practical care skills to meet the physical and emotional needs of clients.
Communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare teams.
Understand the needs of older people and deliver appropriate care.
Prevent and control infection in line with best practice and guidelines.
Support individuals with life-limiting conditions through palliative care approaches.
Reflect on their role and responsibilities in care settings and apply learning to real-world practice.

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

Timetable & Modules

Greencastle course:

This course will take place in Greencastle Community Centre, Drumaweir, Greencastle, Co. Donegal. This course will be delivered both in-person and online.
Classes will be on two evenings a week on a Tuesday and Thursday for 4 hours each evening, from 6pm – 10pm for a 15 week period, each term.
This course is delivered over two years, Autumn 2025, Spring 2026, Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027. Each term is 15 weeks. You will complete 2 modules per term, completing 8 modules in total (see below) over the duration of the course to achieve the QQI Level 5 Major Award.

Greencastle modules:

Module	Title
5N1794	Safety & Health at Work
5N0758	Care Support
5N2770	Care Skills
5N1433	Work Practice
5N0690	Communications
5N2706	Care of the Older Person
5N3734	Infection Prevention and Control
5N3769	Palliative Care Support

Letterkenny course:

This course will cover two modules (see below). The first module will be delivered in our Autumn 2026 term and the second module will be delivered in our Spring 2027 term.
This course will run one evening per week, on a Thursday from 6pm – 10pm for 30 weeks in Ballyraine. Delivery will be both in-person and online.

Letterkenny modules:

Module	Title
5N3707	Activities of Living Patient Care
5N1652	Intellectual Disability Studies

Progression / Career

Those who successfully complete this course, can progress to further and higher education and training, as this qualification provides a strong foundation for entry into Level 6 courses in healthcare and related fields.

Graduates may also use this qualification to apply for employment in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, residential care, and community support services as a Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker in public and private care settings.

Entry Requirements

Only students who have not completed any of the listed modules above will be accepted on to this course.
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.

Please note, access to your own device (desktop, laptop or tablet) as well as a stable broadband connection and good IT skills are required in order to do this course.

Eligibility

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

Cost / Fees

€500 per term, €2000 total.

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