Ballyfermot College of Further Education BCFE
Course Code: SPN
Duration: 1 Year
This course is aimed at students who wish to enter nursing in Ireland or in the UK or gain certification to work as a Healthcare Assistant in Nursing Homes and Hospitals. Nursing Theory and Practice is a core module and is taught by a Clinical Nurse Practitioner. Development of practical skills and personal qualities is emphasised throughout the course to equip students for further study in nursing training or future employment. Practical training days and visits to hospitals are provided throughout the course. Guest Lectures from past students provide progression insight and networking opportunities. Work experience makes up approximately 25% of the course. Students go to hospitals and other nursing centres to gain experience in all fields of nursing: general, paediatric, intellectual disability, psychiatric, and geriatric. Practical training is carried out in the college using industry specialist equipment such as hospital beds, manual and ceiling hoists, wheelchairs and sliding hoists.
Five O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate/LCVP preferably including a Science subject or a merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI level 4 Certificate. Relevant work experience is also an advantage. The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+). All applicants are required to bring two written references to interview.
Progression to certain Irish Schools of Nursing is now possible for a small number of pre-Nursing graduates through places reserved for QQI graduates. For information on the scheme see Higher Education Links Scheme
The course also has links with specific UK colleges which may recruit graduates to train in the UK. Applicants should note that Leaving Certificate grades higher than the minimum entry requirements for this course are required for direct entry to nursing in Ireland and in the UK.
Graduates with a merit profile may apply for entry to QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Social and Vocational Integration in BCFE.