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

The Occupational Therapy 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 skills required to progress on to potential employment as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) or as a Health Care Assistant.

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works alongside the Occupational Therapist (OT) in developing and providing holistic, client-centered treatment plans to service users in a wide range of settings such as rehab, mental health, pediatrics or geriatrics. An important team member, they provide assistance to those who, as a result of a disability, illness or injury, require support in performing meaningful occupations or activities of daily living (ADLs). Under the direction and supervision of the OT, some duties of the OTA include facilitating therapeutic interventions for e.g. guiding service users in how to use assistive equipment that can make daily activities easier for them and enhance their quality of life. Important administrative duties of the OTA include contributing to team meetings, documenting a patients treatment progress as well as maintaining office treatment areas, equipment, and supplies.

Course Content

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice
• Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory
• Care Support
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Intellectual disability studies
• Body Massage and Figure Analysis
• Communications
• Care of the Older Person
• Work Experience

Additional Training

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

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

Entry Requirements

• Interview for all applicants.
• Leaving Cert (H1-H7 or O1-O6 in a minimum of five subjects, ideally with a minimum O4 in Maths) – Please note that course offers are conditional on students meeting the minimum course entry requirements. Proof of this will be required at registration.
• Applicants may be accepted without meeting formal entry requirements, depending on prior learning and/or experience. Mature students are also welcome to apply.
• A clear Garda Vetting Certificate is required to go on work placement.
• English language test requirements must be met CEFR Level C1 – C2 (Proficiency Level).

Certification

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

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates can gain employment as Occupational Therapy Assistant in the HSE or private health service providers.

On completion of this award students can progress on to potential employments as a Occupational Therapy 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.

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 Sunderland. 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

One 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.