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Occupational Therapy Assistant

Certificate in Health Service Skills QQI Level 5 (5M3782) – 1 Year

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.

Course Content

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory
  • Care Support
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Intellectual disability studies
  • Rehabilitation support
  • Understanding Mental Health
  • Communications
  • Work Experience

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert (H1-H7 or O1-O4 in a minimum of five subjects)

– Applicants may be accepted without meeting formal entry requirements, depending on prior learning and/or experience. Mature students, and those without a formal education, are welcome to apply.

– A clear Garda Vetting Certificate is required to go on work placement.

 

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates can gain employment as Occupational Therapy Assistant in the HSE or private health service providers.

Progression

Points gained on this course can be used to progress to ITs and Universities in Ireland and UK such as ‘BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy’ at Salford and Sunderland Universities and the Higher Certificate in ‘Health Science and Occupational Therapy Studies’ at Letterkenny IT which leads to direct access to a 2 year add on ‘BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy’ at Coventry University. Students can also 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.

Certification

Certificate in Health Service Skills QQI Level 5 (5M3782)

Duration

One year

Course Charges

€50

This course is free for those over 21 and in receipt of a social welfare payment*. Click here for more information and to check eligibility.