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.
Workshops in Massage, First Aid responder (FAR), & Patient Handling will be an important element of this course.
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:
Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, QQI level 4 full award. Mature students are welcome. Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered.
If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment.
A clear Garda Vetting Certificate is required to go on work placement.
Certificate in Health Service Skills QQI Level 5 (5M3782)
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.
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.
One year
Registration fee: €100
There is additional charge of €200 for external certification.
Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
| College | City of Dublin FET College, Dhúlaigh, Northeast Campus |
| Course ID | 179984 |
| Course Location | Coolock, Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Dublin 17 |
| Course Type | In-house Training |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Course Duration | One year |
| Course Fee | 300 |
| Entry Requirements | Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, QQI level 4 full award. Mature students are welcome. Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment. A clear Garda Vetting Certificate is required to go on work placement. |
| Career Path | 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. |
| Course Code | 5M3782 |
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