Healthcare Support (Extra Components)

NFQ Level 5

Develop the skills to support people with intellectual disabilities and provide person-centred care for older adults in a variety of healthcare settings.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 529462)

Starts: 03/09/2026

30 Weeks

Apply Now

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, you will be able to:

Understand intellectual disabilities, including their causes, levels of support needs and impact on individuals and families.

Promote dignity, choice, inclusion and positive attitudes when supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

Understand the role of healthcare assistants, frontline staff and other professionals in providing support.

Work effectively as part of a team while responding to the individual needs and preferences of those in your care.

Support people with everyday activities, including personal care, nutrition, mobility, communication and wellbeing.

Maintain a safe, clean and healthy care environment using good hygiene, infection prevention and safety practices.

Develop practical care skills, including taking observations, monitoring vital signs, recording information and providing high-quality patient care.

Please note: The first module will be delivered in our Autumn 2026 term and the second module will be delivered in our Spring 2027 term.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 certificate in Activities of Patient Care and Intellectual Disability Studies.

Timetable & Modules

This course will run one night per week, on a Thursday, from 6pm – 10pm.

It will be a mix of in-person and online classes.

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

Progression / Career

If you successfully complete this course, you can progress to Further and Higher
Education and Training at Level 6.

You may also use this qualification to apply for employment as a Healthcare Assistant
or Support Worker in public and private care settings. These include hospitals, nursing
homes, residential care, and community support services.

Entry Requirements

You must have completed Healthcare Support Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications to be able to complete this course.

Please note, the following are required to do this course:

access to your own device (desktop, laptop or tablet),

a stable broadband connection,

good IT skills.

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

€500

You might qualify for reduced course fees or even have your fees waived (no fees).

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

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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.

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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.

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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