Skip to content
A New Name. Same Commitment to Excellence. → Learn More about the Rebrand
💡Get 10% Off Further Education Courses! Use Code CARE10 before 30th June. → Apply Now
💡Get 25% Off Classroom & Live Online Diplomas! Use Code DIPLOMA25 before 30th June.
💡Get 20% Off On-Demand Professional Diplomas! Use Code DEMAND20 before 30th June.

Healthcare Support - QQI level 5

Incorporation logo
Start Date 23rd September 2026
Learning Mode Blended Online | On Campus | On Demand
Modules 8
Code 5M4339
Level QQI level 5
ECTS Credit 120
Payment Options
instalment plan available Humm_Logo

This QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course is designed for those who want to start a rewarding career as a Healthcare Assistant. Whether you are returning to education, changing career, or entering the workforce for the first time, this course provides the practical skills and experience needed to work confidently in real healthcare settings.

This qualification also provides a pathway for students to progress to further or higher education, allowing them to transfer to other programs within the National Framework of Qualifications.

ENROL NOW
Healthcare Support - QQI level 5
On Campus

Study in a classroom environment one evening a week.

  • Scheduled start date: 23rd September 2026 
  • 40 Weeks Duration   
  • 5 weeks allocated for each module                      
  • 2 Evenings Per Week (1 Evening On-site and 1 live webinar)
  • Face-to Face interaction with tutor
  • Moodle Access
Course Locations & Pricing
Location Starting Price
Dublin 2 City Centre September 2026 1,535.00
Blended Online

Delivered through live online webinars, face to face classes and access to associated reading material.

  •  Semi Self-Directed Learning
  • Scheduled Start date: 23rd September 2026 
  • 40 Weeks duration
  • 5 weeks allocated per module
  • Mixture of recorded lectures and live webinars every 2 weeks, while the student is continuing the learning outside of the virtual classes
  • Virtual interaction with the tutor
  • Moodle Access

 

On Demand

A flexible online approach developed to allow you to learn at your own pace.

  • Fully Online
  • Fully Self Directed Learning
  • Start date: within 48 hours of enrolling
  • Maximum 40 weeks duration (depending on how many modules you are completing)
  • Students are required to spend a minimum of 4 weeks on each module
  • Students will have access to one module at a time
  • Flexibility in modules you wish to complete (between 1 to a maximum of 8 modules you can complete)
  • Recorded lectures and course notes to aid student
  • Moodle Access
  • Interaction with tutor via email
HOME / Further Education - Healthcare Support - QQI level 5

Course Details

To enrol on our QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support we recommend the following:

  • Access to a computer, laptop or tablet for the duration of your course is required, as well as having basic computer literacy (e.g sending emails, navigating computer files, uploaded/downloading documents, accessing Moodle etc.) Students should have access to the Microsoft Office Suite, (Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, or the equivalent suitable on Apple devices.
  • Applicants should have at least an Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate or equivalent education or experience to enrol onto this Healthcare Support course.
  • If English is not your first language or if you have not been primarily educated in English, you must demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency before starting the program.This typically means achieving an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 or an equivalent score on a recognised international English language test. Applicants will need to provide evidence of their English proficiency.
  • In line with QQI requirements, if you plan to use previously completed modules towards your Major Award, these modules must have been completed within the last five years. You will need to provide City College Dublin with copies of these certificates to be eligible for certification after completing your training program.

The learning outcomes of the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course aims to prepare learners through the following:

  • Providing an understanding of the needs of the person in their care in relation to the maintenance of their dignity, respect, self-esteem, and choice
  • Demonstrating knowledge of a range of theories, practices, guidelines, and legal requirements pertaining to Healthcare Support practice.
  • Evaluating and using the information to plan, develop and implement appropriate
  • Healthcare strategies in a variety of care settings whilst working under specific direction and supervision within a support capacity
  • Applying knowledge and skills within a range of varied and specific healthcare contexts in accordance with accepted guidelines and practice and legal requirements.
  • Demonstrating a broad range of practice, research, interpersonal and caring skills in providing Health Care Support to a wide range of client groups in a range of health care settings.

Enrol on our QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course today!

This QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course is continuous assessment with written assignments and practical exams which may need to be completed in a healthcare setting.

QQI Level 5  Healthcare Support Major Award (QQI Level 5 Component Certificates).

As part of this QQI Level 5  Healthcare Support, learners must complete 160 hours of work experience in a suitable healthcare setting which might be a nursing home, hospital, or day services centre.

Learners may also need to complete Patient Manual Handling Training & Cardiac/Basic First Aid Training before completing their work placement which is not provided by City College Dublin.

To enrol on our QQI Level 5  Healthcare Support course Garda Vetting must be carried out.

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 for the vetting of persons carrying out work with children or vulnerable persons.

Students will be sent a vetting application to complete upon enrollment, however if you have recently completed a vetting application, then there is no requirement to complete this with the college.

Students who have lived in other countries before Ireland, you must get police clearance and will need to provide a copy of your Police Clearance Certification for all international addresses that you have lived at, before starting placement.

QQI supports learners at each stage of their learning journey, whether by issuing and replacing QQI Award certificates, verifying existing qualifications such as FETAC or HETAC awards, or advising on the move to higher education.

As the national awarding body for further education and training and most private higher education providers, QQI works in partnership with providers and stakeholders to develop and maintain award standards. Along with offering guidance on certifying awards and verifying qualifications, we maintain searchable databases of QQI-validated programmes and CAS awards and support the recognition of prior learning, and access, transfer and progression pathways.

You will need the following to participate our QQI Level 5  Healthcare Support course:

  • A PC with Windows 8 or later or a Mac with OSX 10.5 or later.
  • An internet connection with a speed of at least 10mbps.
  • The latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari, set to accept cookies and pop-ups.
  • Adobe Reader, to view content.
  • Word processing software, such as MS Word or Google Docs.
  • Some courses include video, therefore your computer must be capable of playing video and sound.

This QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support qualification provides a clear pathway into employment in the Irish healthcare sector, as well as opportunities for further study and career progression.

On completion of this course, you can:

  • Work as a Healthcare Assistant in hospitals, nursing homes, and community care settings
  • Apply for roles in both public and private healthcare environments across Ireland
  • Progress to QQI Level 6 or specialised healthcare training
  • Use this qualification as a foundation for further study, including pathways towards nursing or other healthcare professions

This qualification is widely recognised by employers and meets the core requirements for entry-level healthcare support roles in Ireland.

  • Nationally recognised QQI qualification required for HCA roles
  • Designed for beginners, no healthcare experience required
  • Flexible study options (online, blended, classroom)
  • Direct pathway into employment in healthcare settings
CLASSROOM & BLENDED - The following 8 modules are madatory.
Care Skills [ 5N2770 ]
Safety & Health at Work [ 5N1794 ]
Human Growth & Development [ 5N1279 ]
Communications [ 5N0690 ]
Anatomy & Physiology [ 5N0749 ]
Nursing Theory & Practice [ 5N4325 ]
Care Support [ 5N0758 ]
Work Experience [ 5N1356 ]
ONLINE - For online only study, the 8 modules are made up from mandatory and elective.
MANDATORY
Care Skills [ 5N2770 ]
Safety & Health at Work [ 5N1794 ]
Communications [ 5N0690 ]
Care Support [ 5N0758 ]
Work Experience [ 5N1356 ]
ELECTIVE
Human Growth & Development [ 5N1279 ]
Anatomy & Physiology [ 5N0749 ]
Nursing Theory & Practice [ 5N4325 ]
Care of the Older Person [ 5N2706 ]
Infection Prevention & Control [ 5N3734 ]
Palliative Care Support [ 5N3769 ]
Social Studies [ 5N1370 ]
Intellectual Disabilities Studies [ 5N1652 ]

Healthcare Support - QQI level 5

Clare Ane Lalor

Clare Ane Lalor

BSc General Nursing MEd Adult and Further Education

Clare Ane Lalor graduated from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), with a BSc in General Nursing in 2014, and after graduation from worked as a nurse and nurse assessor in the community. During this time, Clare also gained qualifications in complementary therapies and worked part time as a self employed complementary therapist.

In 2020, Clare graduated from Mary Immaculate College (MIC), with a M.Ed in Adult and Further Education; however, due to COVID 19, she returned to community nursing for a few years before embarking on her teaching career.

Clare is currently working as an online tutor with City College Dublin, and thoroughly enjoys assisting learners working towards attaining QQI level 5 qualifications in Health Care Support and Nursing Studies.

Related minor awards

Students can avail of an option to study minor awards, as these awards can be purchased individually or collectively at a discounted rate. The following Minor awards are delivered online only.

Choose to pay in full, or sign up with a Humm finance instalment plan.

Bundle Discounts

2 modules

20% 0ff

3 modules

35% 0ff

4 modules

40% 0ff

5+ modules

50% 0ff

Available On Demand

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competency to care for clients in a hygienic and professional manner.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively in a care setting, as well as to promote good practice and respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion and culture in care work

To provide an introduction to the practical application of Health & Safety Practice in the workplace.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks, operating independently while under general 
direction.

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to participate in the workplace for a limited time, carrying out work-related tasks independently while under general direction.

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to understand the structure and function of the human body and the interrelationship between its systems.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the theory, principles and 
practice underpinning the nursing process and nursing profession to enable the learner to perform a range of basic nursing skills.

The aim is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively in a variety of community/social care settings, where frequent demand is made on the individual to relate to people at various levels of personal development. The module introduces the learner to human growth and development from infancy to old age in order that the learner will be equipped to relate to people at a level appropriate to their needs.

The aim is to provide the knowledge, skills and competency to provide the full range of needs i.e. holistic care for older people in a variety of care settings working under the direction and supervision of nursing staff.

Provides learners with the knowledge needed to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings. By completing this infection prevention & control course module, you’ll gain the essential skills necessary to apply infection control best practices, ensuring a safer environment for both patients and staff.

This module will equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the causes, range and effects of intellectual disabilities to develop an awareness of the importance of a social model of support and the role of various professionals in responding to the needs of persons with an intellectual disability.

The aim is to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competency to deliver care to a person who is dying or has a life limiting diagnosis and their family in a holistic way ensuring dignity and privacy.

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence required for employment in a Social Care Setting. It will introduce learners to the area of sociology and social studies and to develop their understanding and awareness of social issues in their own lives and society in general. Learners will develop basic research skills and learn to recognise the complexity of social issues.

usp-boxes-icon-0
Expert Faculty

Learn from the best in your industry

usp-boxes-icon-1
Flexible Learning Options

Study your way, on your time

usp-boxes-icon-2
Career Focused Programmes

Programmes with purpose, aimed at your future

usp-boxes-icon-3
Student Support Services

Here for you, every step of the way

Corporate training

Corporate training

If you have any questions about this course, you can speak directly with a member of our admissions team.

Please get in touch. We’re happy to help.

FAQ's

Yes. Completing QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support can provide progression opportunities to higher-level QQI healthcare awards or related training programmes. It can also support career progression within healthcare and social care roles.

No previous healthcare experience is required. This QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course is suitable for beginners who are new to the healthcare sector, as well as for individuals looking to gain a formal qualification to support career entry or progression.

Graduates of the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support qualification can apply for roles such as:

  • Healthcare Assistant
  • Care Support Worker
  • Support Worker in hospitals, nursing homes or community care settings
  • This qualification provides the foundational skills required to work under supervision in a range of healthcare environments.

Yes. QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support is a nationally recognised qualification on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). It is widely accepted by employers across the health and social care sector and is a common requirement for healthcare assistant and support roles.

News

It’s Never Too Late to Start Higher Education in Ireland
30.04.2026 | By Karen Higgins

It’s Never Too Late to Start Higher Education in Ireland

Is SNA a Good Job in Ireland?
30.04.2026 | By Karen Higgins

Is SNA a Good Job in Ireland?

Choosing the Right SNA Course in Ireland: Expert Advice from an SNA Tutor
15.04.2026 | By Josephine Nelan

Choosing the Right SNA Course in Ireland: Expert Advice from an SNA Tutor

City College Dublin Launches Innovative Special Education Course
24.02.2025 | By Karen Higgins

City College Dublin Launches Innovative Special Education Course

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

Kickstart Your Early Learning Career
24.02.2025 | By City College Dublin

Kickstart Your Early Learning Career

How the SNA facilitates Movement and Sensory Breaks.
19.02.2025 | By Nicola Barry, SNA Tutor City College Dublin

How the SNA facilitates Movement and Sensory Breaks.

Becoming a Certified Childcare Worker
05.01.2025 | By City College Dublin

Becoming a Certified Childcare Worker

How To Become An SNA in Ireland
13.12.2024 | By City College Dublin

How To Become An SNA in Ireland

Why choose the Early Childhood Education and Care Degree?
24.05.2024 | By Dr. Mary O Kane

Why choose the Early Childhood Education and Care Degree?

Healthcare Support - QQI level 5