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Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons)
NFQ Level 5
- Full-Time
- In-Person
- 33 Weeks
Available Locations:
- Applications now closed. We’ll be back with new dates shortly.
Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.Â
What You'll Learn
This innovative course is one of the first of its kind to give the opportunity to students to start their preparation for the General Nursing degree.
*Places are limited.
This course uniquely offers an access route into the BSc Hons in General Nursing at Atlantic Technological University across three of their campuses, combining academic skills, confidence-building, and career opportunities in meaningful care roles.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Develop advanced communication skills applicable to academic and professional settings.
- Gain essential knowledge of the human body’s structure and functions.
- Learn best practices for supporting and caring for older adults
- Build foundational caregiving skills essential for health and nursing roles.
- Understand the physical, emotional, and social development across life stages.
- Develop theoretical and practical knowledge for nursing.
- Get a sense of the workplace through hands-on, real-world experience in care settings.
- Learn techniques to maintain hygiene and control the spread of infections.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Certificate in Nursing Studies.
Please Note: To progress automatically to the four-year undergraduate degree in General Nursing in September 2026, successful learners, must achieve a full QQI Level 5 Award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a minimum of five distinctions, with a minimum of five distinctions, which must include Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support.
Timetable & Modules
Timetable:Â
This course takes place in-person, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and half-day on Fridays.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Tue | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wed | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Thu | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Fri | ✔ |
| Module | Title |
| 5N0690 | Communications |
| 5N0749 | Anatomy and Physiology |
| 5N0758 | Care Support |
| 5N2770 | Care Skills |
| 5N1279 | Human Growth and Development |
| 5N4325 | Nursing Theory and Practice |
| 5N1356 | Work Experience |
| 5N3734 | Infection Prevention and Control |
Progression / Career
To progress automatically to the four-year undergraduate degree in General Nursing in September 2026, successful learners, must achieve a full QQI Level 5 Award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a minimum of five distinctions, one of which should include Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Introduction to Nursing Theory and Practice or Human Growth and Development.
A four-year degree program in general nursing, typically known as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing, is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Registered General Nurses (RGNs) and enter the professional practice of nursing through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Where progression to ATU for undergraduate study is not possible or preferred, a QQI Certificate at Level 5 for a major award or component award will be offered.
There will be no deferral option upon completion of TAR. Any offer of a place within ATU must be taken up in the year of offer.
Alternatively, students can progress onto further education courses with Donegal College or are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry into year one of a range of higher certificate/degree courses at universities.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant QQI Level 4 certificate for example Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied (UK and EU equivalents will be considered) must be minimum 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.
- Mature applications (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements (Level 4) and are considered on an individual basis based on previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the 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.
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.
Cost / Fees
You might qualify for reduced course fees or even have your fees waived.
We will talk to you about course fees and potential fee reductions and fee waivers during your application process.
Share This Course:
Real Students, Real Results!
I’d been in a care position for a long time so I knew I wanted to do healthcare. The tertiary course was introduced to me at the FET Fair and I found it so interesting. 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. I was quite nervous at the start, but everybody was so welcoming. Everything was explained well, and we took our time. If you really want to do Nursing, this makes it possible. Especially if anybody doesn’t have the points, you can get all the knowledge and skills you need before going to college. It’s a great course, go for it!
Elaine Tinney
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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.
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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.
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