Pre Nursing Courses

Pre-nursing courses are designed to give a solid foundation in the theory and practice of Health Care and Nursing Care for those who intend entering the nursing, paramedical or community care service.

Pre-nursing courses have a number of different aims. Firstly, they provide foundation skills and entry requirements to access degree courses in Nursing. They develop and foster a range of personal and interpersonal qualities necessary for work in a range of care environments. They teach and emphasise the importance of creating and maintaining appropriate relationships with the client, their family, and other professionals involved in their care. On completion, graduates will have acquired specialist knowledge, skills and competence in the role of the care assistant.

Study Modules

Nursing Studies Course Modules
Introduction to Nursing
Anatomy and Physiology
Human Growth and Development
Care Skills
Work Experience
Communications
Health and Safety at Work
Social Studies

Irish based pre-nursing programmes are designed to prepare students for academic programmes in the nursing sector and/or employment in the health sector as a care assistant.

Holders of a QQI Level 5 pre-nursing award may be in a position to apply to UL, NUI, UCC, NUI Galway, and the Institutes of Technology for entry to the first year of Nursing Studies Degree Programmes (through the Higher Education Links Scheme). A distinction in 5 modules in the Level 5 course, is required, which must include a Distinction in: D20001 (Anatomy and Physiology), D20012 (Introduction to Nursing), and D20032 (Human Growth and Development) or C20006 (Biology). A reserved number of places are allocated to applicants presenting with QQI qualifications. Places are allocated on a competitive basis. The best eight modules, at a single sitting, are considered for scoring purposes. Of course, there is also the option of applying for other related Health Studies degrees in Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland and various colleges in Britain, like Social Care and Health Promotion.

Most course providers require a Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent and an English language proficiency test where deemed appropriate. The College Registrar for the Nursing Studies course will discuss and advise you on the course details and career options. Mature students with relevant prior experience may be exempt from the above requirements.

Most Nursing Studies programs are delivered over one academic year and work experience is usually a mandatory part – where students are given a chance to blend classroom theory with hands-on practical experience.

A number of PLC course providers and private colleges offer pre-nursing courses, the courses are usually named Nursing Studies courses and are at level 5 on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications), some of these are listed below:

In an age where some people are reluctant to commit to a four year program, (especially if they are unsure of their suitability or the future employment prospects) a pre-nursing course is an ideal way to sample a course and a work environment to ascertain your compatibility. At the end of the academic year, even if you do not wish to pursue a nursing career, you have a certificate, that entails many valuable transferable skills, that you can take into other career areas related to health care and community work.

View the following link for some Pre-Nursing course listings on Findacourse.ie – https://www.findacourse.ie/courses/nursing/