Certificate in Health Service Skills QQI Level 5 (5M3782) – 1 Year

This Physiotherapy Assistant (Health Service Skills) course is designed to equip the learner with the opportunity of obtaining a Major QQI Level 5 Award in Health Service Skills 5M3782. This course aims to equip the learner with the necessary skill required to progress on to potential employment as a Physiotherapy Assistant or a Health Care Assistant.

The course covers Physiotherapy Assistant Theory, Physiotherapy Assistant Practice, Massage as well as the Healthcare modules to equip learner with the skills and knowledge to care for clients as required by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to gain employment in the Healthcare sector.

A Physiotherapy Assistant works with a Chartered Physiotherapist to assess, treat and design care plans for clients whose movement is restricted by illness, injury, disability or age. They implement the therapy programme created by a Physiotherapist and support the client in restoring or improving their mobility.

In order to work in the Healthcare sector as a Physiotherapist Assistant or Health Care Assistant, you need to have an understanding and caring attitude, while also demonstrating respect and tolerance towards your clients while encouraging independence.

Course Content

• Care Support
• Work Experience
• Infection Protection and Control
• Physiotherapy Assistance Practice
• Communications
• Physiotherapy Assistance Therapy
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Body Massage and Figure Analysis
• Care of the Older Person

Additional Training

Workshops in Massage, First Aid responder (FAR), & Patient Handling will be an important element of this course.

Entry requirements

• Interview for all applicants.
• A Leaving Cert (Grade O6/H7 in Five Ordinary or Higher-Level Subjects including: Mathematics and English or Irish. Please note that course offers are conditional on students meeting the minimum course entry requirements. Proof of this will be required at registration.
• English language test requirements must be met at C1 – C2 Proficiency Level. If English is not your first langauge you are required to sit an English Language Test
• Applicants without the formal entry requirements may be considered for entry depending on prior learning and/or experience.
• Mature students, and those without a formal education, are welcome to apply for consideration.
• A Garda vetting application must be completed prior to commencement on the course. Please bring accurate details of all addresses from birth to present and the corresponding years at that address with you.

Certification

Certificate in Health Service Skills QQI Level 5 (5M3782)

Career Opportunities

On completion of this award students can progress on to potential employments as a Physiotherapy Assistant or as a Health Care Assistant in the Healthcare Industry. Students can use points gained at QQI to progress with furthering their studies in closely related and highly interesting courses in third level institutions across Ireland and UK.

Work Placement Links

Garda vetting is a mandatory requirement for this course. All students are required to carry out 60 hours’ work experience to complete the course and must secure this placement themselves in a Healthcare setting. We have work placement links with:

• Care Choice
• TLC Healthcare
• Caremark
• Nazareth house

College Links

Past students have used points gained at QQI Level 5 to progress to Universities in Ireland or Universities in the UK such as Brighton and Universities in The Netherlands such as Saxion University. Students can use this major award (5M3782) to apply to colleges through the CAO. See the list of colleges accepting this award as an entry requirement here.

Students can also progress to employment in the HSE or in private healthcare as a Health Care Assistant / Physiotherapy assistant.

Duration

1 Year

Course Charges

€50

Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.