Y o u t h W o r k & S o c i a l S t u d i e s ( w i t h S N A )
School of childcare and healthcare

SNA With Early Learning and Care – New 2024

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Professional Practice Placement in ELC Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation Early Childhood Growth and Development Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional NeedsHolistic Care of Children(birth to six years) Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 Course Description This one year programme is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to work as a Special Needs Assistant in a variety of educational settings. Certification 5M21473 QQI Level 5 SNA With Early Learning & Care   Career Opportunities Graduates can progress to employment as a Special Needs Assistant along with a range of other employment opportunities including: Early Years Educator | AIM Support Worker | Classroom Assistant | Afterschool Assistant | Preschool Assistant | Childminding Statistics The number of SNA posts in Ireland will increase with an additional 1,194 special needs assistant jobs available in our schools in 2024 Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including: DKIT|Early Chilhood Studies|Level 8DKIT|Social Care|Level 8NUIG|Early Childhood Studies and Practice|Level 8TU Dublin|Early Childhood Care and Education|Level 8DCU|Early Childhood Education|Level 8DCU|Education and Training|Level 8 b Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS The modules I enjoyed the most were Psychology and Understanding Youth Work. The teachers really invest time with the students and they are friendly and helpful, making the course a positive learning experience. I met some really great people with a shared interest and made friends for life while confirming my career area. Saoirse Parry Youth Work Graduate, 2018 Ó Fiaich Institute gave me the opportunity to follow a dream of going to college. The teachers were extremely supportive and encouraged us, the course equipped me with the skills to academically write and gave me the confidence to go on to study Social Care in DKIT. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity of a place on the Erasmus+ programme Malaga with work placement. This was a amazing experience I would recommend anyone to do a PLC in Ó Fiaich Chloe Healy Youth Work 2022 Apply Now

A d v a n c e d C e r t i f i c at e i n E a r ly L e a r n i n g
School of childcare and healthcare

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Childcare Year 2)

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Advanced Professional Practice Placements in Early Learning and Care Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care The Developing Child Curriculum and Pedagogy Inclusive Early Learning and Care Supervision and Administration Skills in ELC   A minimum of 150 hours of professional practice placement must be completed including: (i) working directly with children aged 0-2 years 8 months, and (ii) working with children aged between 2 years 8 months and six years, with an appropriate balance between settings.   Course Description The programme is aimed at learners who wish to extend their knowledge, skills, and competencies and are interested in a career in Early Learning and Care with children aged from 0 to six years old, including those who may have an interest in working as Room Leaders/Supervisors in Early Learning & Care settings. Entry Requirements: Applicants for this course must have successfully achieved a Level 5 award in Early Learning & Care or equivalent. Certification QQI Level 6 Certificate in Early Learning Care Career Opportunities Graduates progress to employment in range of early education settings across the public and private sector Room Leader (ECCE/School-Age) | Management Role in Early Learning & Care Setting | Early Learning & Care Practitioner | Early Years Educator | School-Age/Afterschool Practitioner | Childminder | Special Needs Assistant Statistics Graduates may seek employment with 100+ registered childcare providers in Co. Louth in various ELC settings.Additional funding for the Early Learning & Care Sector in Budget 2022 will create more job opportunities. From September 2022, new minimum hourly rates were introduced ranging from €13 to €17.25 depending on qualifications.   Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates can progress to a variety of third-level degree programmes in Universities or Institutes of Technology including: DkIT | Early Childhood Studies | Level 8 (Advanced Entry) DCU | Education – Early Childhood Education | Level 8TU Dublin | Early Childhood Education | Level 7 & 8 SETU| Early Childhood Education and Care | Level 8Marino Institute of Education | Early Childhood Education | Level 8 Maynooth University | Early Childhood Teaching & Learning | Level 8Mary Immaculate College | Early Childhood Care and Education | Level 8University College Cork | Early Years and Childhood Studies | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS I completed the Level 6 Advanced Early Childhood Care and Education course in 2021/2022. From a mature student’s perspective, I found all O’Fiaich staff and students very friendly and helpful, which made it a very enjoyable and beneficial experience for me. The modules cover every aspect of childcare including child development, special needs assisting, and supervisor skills which give you the tools to find a career in the industry. As work placement is also included on the course it’s a great opportunity to gain experience and a lot of students find employment where they’ve completed their work experience. Level 6 Graduate 2021/2022 Apply Now

Y o u t h W o r k & S o c i a l S t u d i e s ( w i t h S N A )
School of childcare and healthcare

Youth Work & Social Studies (with SNA)

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Understanding Youth Work Working with Young People Community Addiction Studies Special Needs Assisting Social Studies Young People in Society Communications  Word Processing Work Experience   Additional Training: First Aid Training Làmh Training Child Protection Course Description Studying Youth Work is ideally suited to enthusiastic, fun-loving, critical-thinking, and creative people who are motivated to impact positively in young people’s lives. Youth work encompasses a broad and diverse range of social, cultural, educational and political activities, which are based on young people’s voluntary participation in leisure time activities that emphasise social inclusion and support civic engagement Certification 5M4732 QQI Level 5 Youth Work 5N1786 QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting Career Opportunities Graduates progress to employment in various areas including: Youth Work Leader | Special Needs Assistant | Community Support Worker | Afterschool  Coordinator | Youth and Community Organisers | Social Care Assistant | Residential Social Carer  Statistics 1,194 SNA Jobs for 2022/202 Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including: DkIT | Social Care | Level 8TU Blanchardstown |Community Development & Youth Work | Level 8Maynooth University | Social Science | Level 7NUI Galway | Community, Youth and Family Studies | Level 8DkIT | Community Youth Work | Level 7 UCD | Psychology/Social Policy & Sociology | Level 8Athlone IT | Social Care Practice | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS The modules I enjoyed the most were Psychology and Understanding Youth Work. The teachers really invest time with the students and they are friendly and helpful, making the course a positive learning experience. I met some really great people with a shared interest and made friends for life while confirming my career area. Saoirse Parry Youth Work Graduate, 2018 Ó Fiaich Institute gave me the opportunity to follow a dream of going to college. The teachers were extremely supportive and encouraged us, the course equipped me with the skills to academically write and gave me the confidence to go on to study Social Care in DKIT. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity of a place on the Erasmus+ programme Malaga with work placement. This was a amazing experience I would recommend anyone to do a PLC in Ó Fiaich Chloe Healy Youth Work 2022 Apply Now

P r e - P a r a m e d i c F i r e & A m b u l a n c e
School of childcare and healthcare

Pre-Paramedic Fire & Ambulance

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Anatomy & Physiology Safety & Health at Work Emergency Department Care Skills Communications Work Experience Infection Prevention & Control Mathematics Care Skills Additional Training: EMT Qualification (Emergency Medical Technician) Course Description Can you see yourself as a Firefighter, Paramedic, or working in the emergency services? Are you calm, work well under pressure and have a desire to help people? Do you want to work in a caring environment? Are you currently a member of the many volunteer organisations and enjoy the experience? Or would you like to progress to study for a degree? If Yes, then this is the course for you. Certification QQI Level 5 Community Health Services 5M4468 Career Opportunities Statistics Earn an average of €47,603 as a Dublin Firefighter Paramedic Apply Now Progression to degrees University College Cork | Paramedic Studies | Level 8University of Limerick | Paramedic Studies | Level 8 (Mature Entry)National Ambulance College – Campuses based in Tallaght, Ballinasloe and Tullamore.Application to Fire and Rescue for local recruitment training and career progression. Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS Name 2022 Apply Now

O c c u pat i o n a l T h e r a p y A s s i s ta n t
School of childcare and healthcare

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Care Support Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory Infection Prevention and Control Communications Human Growth & Development Anatomy and Physiology Work Experience Nursing Theory and Practice First Aid Course Description This course is aimed at learners who love the challenge of problem solving and helping people in practical ways to complete Activities of Daily Living. The specialist programme will guide learners to work as an assistant in an Occupational Therapy Department or as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team. The role provides support to older, injured, ill or disabled patients to enable them to partake in everyday activities. Certification 5M3782 QQI Level 5 Health Service Skills Certificate in Moving & Handling Infection Prevention & Control Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. Career Opportunities The course will allow successful candidates to seek employment in locations such as: Hospitals, community settings, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, day-care facilities or residential settings. Once qualified you can apply for a job as one of the following: Occupational Therapist Assistant | Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor | Rehab Support Worker Hospitals & Community | Activity Coordinator | Care Assistant in Disability Services | Homecare Assistant | Healthcare Assistant Statistics Qualified Occupational Therapist Assistants can earn up to €32k per annum Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to further studies in the FET sector at level 6 or to IT Colleges/Universities: Ulster University | Occupational Therapy | Level 8Cardiff University | Occupational Therapy | Level 8DkIT | General Nursing | Level 8DkIT | Health and Physical Activity | Level 8Letterkenny Institute | Higher Certificate in Health Science with Occupational Therapy Studies | Level 6UWE Bristol | Occupational Therapy | Level 8 & Higher Degree Apprenticeship Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS This course has given me so much knowledge and opportunity. I left full time work to return to education, not even sure what Occupational Therapy was prior to doing this course. All the teachers are brilliant at teaching and made the course interesting and exciting. All the support I needed was offered. The group was small and so friendly, which made the year even better. Within 3 weeks of graduating, I have secured a role as an Occupational Therapy Assistant locally with the HSE. I think its such an exciting field of healthcare and look forward to moving further into it. C Putz Graduate 2022 – 23 Apply Now

N u r s i n g S t u d i e s
School of childcare and healthcare

Nursing Studies

Nursing Studies Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Nursing Theory and Practice Care Provision and Practice Care Support Anatomy and Physiology Human Growth and Development Communications Work Experience Safety and Health at Work Infection Prevention and Control Additional Certification: First Aid Responder Patient Moving and Handling Infection Prevention and Control Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Course Description Nursing Studies is a one-year course for students wishing to train as Nurses both here in Ireland and in the UK. On completion of this course students can apply to Nursing Degree courses through the QQI entry system. It provides a solid foundation in Nursing theory and practice and allows students to accurately assess their suitability for a career in nursing. Applications are also invited from mature students wishing to pursue a career in nursing. Certification 5M4349 QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies Career Opportunities Successful candidates of this course may gain employment as a Health Care Assistant in a variety of health care settings or to progress to third-level education both here in Ireland or in the UK. They can also progress to employment in various areas including: : Health Care Support | Home Care | Elderly Care | Disability Services | Day Care Services Statistics 68% of graduates of graduates progressed to employment or a Level 8 nursing degree Apply Now Progression to degrees Successful candidates of this course are eligable to apply to a BSc Degree in Nursing either in Ireland or the UK: DkIT | General Nursing | Level 8DkIT | Midwifery | Level 8DkIT | Intellectual Disability Nursing | Level 8DkIT | Mental Health Nursing | Level 8ATU Letterkenny| General Nursing | Level 8AIT | General Nursing | Level 8DCU | General Nursing | Level 8DCU | Children’s and General Nursing (Integrated) | Level 8UCD | General Nursing | Level 8UCAS | Nursing Degree throughout the UK | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable). Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100 Additional Fees Students will have to purchase two tunics at a cost of €80 – this cost is subject to change. Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS The aspects of the nursing course that I enjoyed most were learning about the human body, healthcare issues and diseases as well as making good friends with common interests and goals. The work placement in a hospital allowed me to experience all aspects of nursing and to experience what it is like to be a nurse and how to assist people. The teachers were very supportive and made the college experience interesting and accessible for me. Simona Butkute Nursing Studies Graduate, 2020 I chose healthcare support as I’ve always had a passion for caring for people. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare and this course was perfect for me. My work placement was the most enjoyable part of the year, going into the field of healthcare while learning is such an experience. I hope to do a level 8 in midwifery in DKIT next year! This PLC course has helped me understand how college assignments and exams need to be done. This course has also given me an insight to what working in healthcare will involve. Katie Rooney Health Care Support Graduate, 2021 Apply Now

H e a lt h C a r e A s s i s ta n t
School of childcare and healthcare

Healthcare Assistant

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Nursing Theory and Practice Care of the Older Person Care Skills Human Growth & Development Care Support Anatomy and Physiology Safety & Health at Work Communications Work Experience Additional Certifications Safe Guarding Vulnerable Adults Infection Prevention Control First Aid Responder Patient Moving and Handling Hand Hygiene and Infection Control Course Description This one-year course will prepare participants for work with people in a hospital, long-term care home, community development, residential care setting, or respite care and nursing homes. This programme is ideal for both school leavers and experienced mature persons seeking to further their education. The completion of work placement as part of the program, will equip students with practical hands-on experience. Certification 5M4339 QQI Level 5 Health Care Support Career Opportunities Graduates progress to employment in various areas including: Care Assistant in Nursing Homes or Hospitals | Activity Coordinator | Personal Assistant in Schools | Care Assistant in Disability Services | Homecare Assistant | Statistics 76% of graduates secured employment Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including: WIT | Applied Health Care | Level 7DCU/TCD /DKIT/UCD | General Nursing | Level 8DCU/TCD/UCD | Mental Health Nursing | Level 8DCU | Intellectual Disability Nursing | Level 8UCD/TCD/DKIT | Midwifery | Level 8DKIT | Mental Health Nursing | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS The course was a life changing experience that I will never forget. All the teachers were extremely supportive and helpful in all aspects of the course. The training I received during my work experience made me feel confident and prepared to be the best HCA I can be. I graduated with distinctions in all the modules and received student of the year award. I owe it all to the thorough and intense training from the well-educated and patient teachers. At present, I am working in a Nursing home and I love my job as it is a very rewarding career. I highly recommend this course. Eranda Langeveldt Health Care Support Graduate, 2018 I chose healthcare support as I’ve always had a passion for caring for people. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare and this course was perfect for me. My work placement was the most enjoyable part of the year, going into the field of healthcare while learning is such an experience. I hope to do a level 8 in midwifery in DKIT next year! This PLC course has helped me understand how college assignments and exams need to be done. This course has also given me an insight to what working in healthcare will involve. Katie Rooney Health Care Support Graduate, 2021 Apply Now

E a r ly L e a r n i n g a n d C a r e ( C h i l d c a r e )
School of childcare and healthcare

Early Learning & Care (Childcare Year)

Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Professional Practice Placement in ELC    Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation   Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years)   Early Childhood Growth and Development  Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies  Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs Early Years Educator AIM Support Worker   All applicants will be required to attend for interview. Learners are required to complete 150 hours on Professional Practice Placement and must undergo Garda Vetting prior to going on Placement. Course Description Our Advanced Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care will provide the student with a professional qualification now required to work in the ELC sector. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children in a variety of settings. Students will gain an insight into how children learn and develop, through class participation and professional practice placement. This award also provides students with the opportunity to progress into higher education and employment. Successful graduates can progress straight into employment or can continue their studies in Early Learning and Care by progressing to year 2 in OFI. Certification QQI Level 5 Professional Award in Early Learning and Care Career Opportunities Graduates progress to employment in range of early education settings across the public and private sector Childcare Assistant | Special Needs Assistant | Classroom Assistant | Early Years Educator | Preschool Assistant | Child minding | Afterschool Assistant | Montessori Teacher Statistics A landmark in funding was €1,025 Billion allocated for the ELC sector in Budget 2023 Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including: DkIT | Early Childhood Studies | Level 8DkIT | Social Care | Level 8NUIG | Early Childhood Studies and Practice | Level 8TU Dublin | Early Childhood Care and Education | Level 8DCU | Early Childhood Education | Level 8DCU | Education and Training | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS I carried out my work experience in Tiny Tots Creche and Preschool which I really enjoyed. When I finished my course, I applied for a position as an Early Years Teacher and started in September. I plan to continue to study for my level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education while working. I would definitely recommend doing this course if you are interested in working with children or with children with special needs. The teachers are very helpful and approachable. Amy Caul Early Childhood Care & Education Graduate, 2018 Apply Now

C r i m i n o l o g y a n d P s y c h o l o g y
School of childcare and healthcare

Criminology & Psychology

Criminology & Psychology Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Psychology Criminology Word Processing Business Law Legal Practice & Procedures Communications Conflict Resolution Work Experience Criminal Law Course Description Criminology and Psychology provides a unique insight into the world of crime, deviance, morality, conflict and justice. With a specific focus on the psychological, cultural and addiction risk factors associated with crime, this specialist course will provide the learner with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress to education or work in forensic settings such as policing or prisons; legal settings such as a courtroom or chambers; or health and justice agencies. Certification QQI Level 5 Legal Studies 5M3789 Career Opportunities Criminology and Psychology provides excellent progression to a career in social care, the Gardai, hospitals, research or working in a law practice administration. Psychology graduates have many options to them as they progress. With a background in psychology, you can work in hospitals, prisons, schools, research, human resources, amongother settings Statistics Apply Now Progression to degrees AIT | Applied Psychology | Level 8 UCC | Criminology | Level 8 UCC | Applied Psychology | Level 8 DCU| Health and Society | Level 8 TCD| Psychology | Level 8UCD| Psychology | Level 8NUIM| Psychology | Level 8UL| Criminal Justice | Level 8UL| Psychology & Sociology | Level 8UL | Criminal Justice | Level 8NUIG | Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice | Level 8NUIM | Law | Level 8DCU | Law | Level 8UCD | Law | Level 8TUD | Law | Level 8NUIG | Law | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Deposit of €30 (non-refundable) . Registration fee €70. Total Fees – €100   Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS New Course No testimonial Apply Now

A p p l i e d P s y c h o l o g y & S o c i a l S t u d i e s
School of childcare and healthcare

Applied Psychology & Social Studies

Applied Psychology & Social Studies Apply Now Course Content Progression Course Fees Testimonials Share this course Course Content Psychology Intercultural Studies Social Studies Communications Work Experience Human Growth and Development Young People & Society Intellectual Disability Studies Care Provision & Practice Course Description This course will give students an insight into the areas of Psychology & Social Studies.  It provides a combination of theoretical and practical training in the sectors of social care, community care and mental health.  Students will learn about the roles and responsibilities of working in a caring environment and will have the opportunity to enhance their communication, computer and first aid skills. Certification 5M2181 QQI Level 5 Applied Social Studies Career Opportunities Employment opportunities open to graduates include: Nursing Home Support Assistant | Apply for entry to An Garda Síochána & Defence Forces | IDCaring Services | Youth, Family and Community Work | Simon Community | Women’s Aid Statistics 92% of students progress to third level education Apply Now Progression to degrees Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including: DkIT | Social Care | Level 8TU Dublin | Social Care | Level 7& 8IADT, Dun Laoghaire | Applied Psychology | Level 8Maynooth University | Social Science | Level 8Maynooth University | Psychology | Level 8SETU Carlow | Applied Social Studies | Level 8DkIT | Community Youthwork | Level 7MIE | BA Education | Level 8ATU, Letterkenny | Health and Social Care | Level 8ATU, Castlebar | Applied Social Care | Level 8 Apply Now Fees For The Academic Year 2024 – 2025 All courses have a Registration Fee of €30 (non-refundable). A non-refundable Registration fee of €30 will be payable on acceptance of a PLC place. Essential course materials may be required for some courses the cost of which will be borne by the student. All fees are subject to change. All fees must be paid with a Credit/Debit card online. No cash is acceptable. Apply Now PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS This course was the best thing I ever did and completely changed my life. The help and support I got from all my teachers gave me the confidence to excel and achieve my full potential. I have been accepted into a Degree course in Social Care as a result of doing well in this course and now I have the confidence and skills to pursue the career that I always dreamed of having. I would highly recommend doing this this course as preparation for a degree. Pauline Bromley Applied Psychology & Social Studies Graduate, 2018 Apply Now