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Healthcare Courses

Explore healthcare courses at City College Dublin for learners who want to begin a career in care, prepare for further nursing study or progress into supervisory and management roles. Choose from QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support and Nursing Studies, QQI Level 6 Healthcare Management and additional specialist care training.

Courses are available through on-campus, blended online and on-demand study, depending on the programme. Compare the options below to find the qualification, subject area and delivery format that best match your experience and career goals.

Healthcare Assistant in Ireland

Compare your Healthcare course options

The right healthcare course will depend on your previous experience, the type of role you are interested in and whether you need a complete QQI Major Award or more focused training.

  • Healthcare Support

    Build the practical knowledge and care skills needed to support people in healthcare settings. This QQI Level 5 Major Award suits learners starting a career in healthcare assistance or existing care workers seeking a formal qualification.

  • Nursing Studies

    Develop a foundation in nursing theory, anatomy and physiology, care skills and work experience. This QQI Level 5 Major Award may suit learners preparing for further nursing study or related healthcare progression.

  • Healthcare Management

    Develop the leadership, supervisory and management skills required to progress within health and social care services. This pathway leads to the QQI Level 6 Major Award in Health Services Supervisory Management.

  • Community and Specialist Care

    Explore additional training in community care, care support, older-person care, dementia, palliative care and infection prevention. These courses can help learners develop knowledge in a particular area of care or work towards broader healthcare goals.

About our Healthcare courses

Healthcare and care-support professionals work across hospitals, residential services, nursing homes, community organisations, home-care services and other health and social care settings. The qualifications and skills required will depend on the role, employer and level of responsibility involved.

City College Dublin offers complete QQI Major Awards in Healthcare Support, Nursing Studies, Community Care and Health Services Supervisory Management. Learners can also choose more focused courses covering areas such as care support, older-person care, dementia, palliative care and infection prevention.

A complete QQI Major Award normally contains several component modules and may include compulsory work experience. A focused or combined course may lead to one or more component certificates or a Special Purpose Award rather than a complete Major Award.

Course content, entry requirements, work-placement obligations, assessment methods and available delivery formats vary between programmes. Learners should review the individual course page to confirm the exact qualification and requirements before enrolling.

 

Who are our courses suitable for?

  • Learners beginning a career in healthcare, community care or care support
  • People seeking a recognised QQI Level 5 healthcare qualification
  • Learners preparing for further study in nursing or a related healthcare discipline
  • Existing healthcare workers seeking formal qualifications or professional development
  • Healthcare professionals progressing towards supervisory or management roles
  • Learners interested in community care, older-person care, dementia or palliative care
  • People who require flexible on-campus, blended online or on-demand study options

Why City College Dublin?

Expert Faculty

Learn from the best in your industry

Flexible Learning Options

Study your way, on your time

Career Focused Programmes

Programmes with purpose, aimed at your future

Student Support Services

Here for you, every step of the way

What our Healthcare learners say

Alexandre Silva

20.05.2026

Alexandre Silva

My experience at City College Dublin has been truly outstanding and very important for both my personal and professional growth. From the beginning, I was impressed by the quality of the teaching and the professionalism of the lecturers. The teachers were extremely knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about what they do. They always made the learning process accessible, engaging, and easy to understand, which helped me balance my studies with my professional responsibilities. Another aspect that really stood out to me was the incredible support provided by the administration team. Everyone was approachable, helpful, and always willing to assist whenever needed. Their kindness and dedication created a welcoming environment where students genuinely felt valued and supported. I would especially like to express my sincere gratitude to Anushka, who was always ready to help and support students in any way possible. Her professionalism, patience, and willingness to serve others made a huge difference in my experience at the college. She consistently went above and beyond to ensure students felt guided and supported throughout their journey. I highly recommend City College Dublin to anyone looking for an institution that combines excellent education with exceptional student support. Alexandre Silva Line Manager in a Healthcare Company

Nelson Chief Uchendu
author-name-1

15.10.2025

My Experience with the HCA Course at City College Dublin. I recently completed the Healthcare Assistant (HCA) course at City College Dublin, and it was an incredibly positive and enriching experience. The course was well-structured, practical, and deeply relevant to the demands of healthcare work. With the help of Jennifer, Vicki, and Roisin, I found the course not only easy to follow but genuinely enjoyable. Their support, encouragement, and dedication made a huge difference in my learning journey. They created a welcoming and motivating environment that helped me build both confidence and competence. Thanks to this enthusiasm and the quality of training I received, I will be registering for the Level 6 Supervisory HCA Course with City College Dublin. I’m excited to continue growing in this field and to take on more responsibility in my role as a Relief Contact Worker. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to start or advance their career in healthcare. City College Dublin truly delivers excellence in education and support.

Read More Read more testimonial from Nelson Chief Uchendu

Healthcare courses FAQs

The right course depends on your career goals and previous experience. Healthcare Support may suit learners who want to work in healthcare assistant or care-support roles. Nursing Studies is generally suited to learners preparing for further nursing study or related healthcare progression. Healthcare Management is designed for those seeking supervisory or management skills. Community and specialist courses provide training in more focused areas of care

A QQI Level 5 Major Award is a complete qualification made up of multiple component modules. City College Dublin’s Healthcare Support, Nursing Studies and Community Care Major Awards each contain eight modules.

A component certificate covers an individual subject, such as Care Support or Care of the Older Person. Completing one or two component modules is not the same as completing a full QQI Major Award.

A relevant QQI Level 5 Major Award is commonly required for Healthcare Assistant roles, particularly within the HSE. Accepted qualifications can include Healthcare Support, Nursing Studies and Community Care.

Individual eligibility requirements can vary between employers and positions. Learners should check the requirements of the roles they intend to apply for before choosing a course. A single component certificate may not be sufficient for positions requiring a complete Major Award.

Yes. Selected healthcare courses are available through blended online or fully on-demand study. Blended programmes include scheduled classes or webinars, while on-demand courses provide greater flexibility through recorded material and self-directed study.

Some programmes are also available on campus in Dublin. The available formats vary between courses and are displayed on each individual course page.

Work placement is required for several of the complete QQI Major Awards. Healthcare Support, Nursing Studies and Community Care currently include 160 hours of work experience, while Health Services Supervisory Management includes 120 hours.

Placement requirements vary between programmes. Learners are responsible for arranging a suitable placement and may also need Garda vetting or additional training requested by the placement provider. The individual course page should be checked before enrolling.

Previous healthcare experience is not required for every programme. QQI Level 5 courses may be suitable for learners beginning their healthcare training, subject to the entry requirements listed on the relevant course page.

For the QQI Level 6 Health Services Supervisory Management programme, applicants should hold a relevant QQI Level 5 award, such as Healthcare Support or Nursing Studies, or an equivalent qualification. Check the individual course page for full entry requirements.

Courses identified as QQI programmes lead to the relevant QQI Major Award, component certificate or Special Purpose Award. The award level, qualification type and QQI code are listed on each individual course page.

Related healthcare guides

A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Support Assistant in Ireland
24.02.2025 | By City College Dublin

A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Support Assistant in Ireland

What Makes A Good Healthcare Assistant?
19.05.2024 | By City College Dublin

What Makes A Good Healthcare Assistant?

Need help choosing a Healthcare course?

Not sure whether Healthcare Support, Nursing Studies, Healthcare Management or a specialist care course is right for you? Contact the City College Dublin admissions team for help comparing the available qualifications, course content, entry requirements and study options.