This is a unique access route into the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing across three ETB campuses in Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth/Meath Region aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who would not traditionally consider third-level education as an option.

This course is designed to give applicants the academic skills and competence to succeed at undergraduate level, the confidence to progress into a professional programme and the opportunity to undertake a rewarding career in Intellectual Disability nursing.

This tertiary education programme aims to increase access to degree level education in several ways including increasing the number of locations regionally that students can begin their studies, enhancing flexibility through providing a number of programme paths, widening access through more flexible entry requirements which take account of the socio-economic and other barriers faced by eligible participants.

Incorporating the Level 5 Nursing Studies and the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, this innovative programme is one that will give the opportunity to students to start their preparation for the Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programme in the FE sector leading to direct access to the third level college.  Students will spend the first year of this programme in their local ETB (Education and Training Board) and then progress to Dundalk Institute of Technology to undertake their four-year BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing programme.

Each ETB will offer students additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to DkIT.

Locations for NFQ L5 study

• O’Fiaich Institute Dublin Rd. Dundalk Co Louth
• Cavan Institute Cathedral Rd. Cavan Co Cavan
• Monaghan Institute Armagh Rd. Monaghan Town Co Monaghan

Location for Intellectual Disability Nursing Undergraduate programme

• Dundalk Institute of Technology Dublin Rd. Marshes Upper. Dundalk Co Louth

Students in year one at Monaghan Institute will complete the QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349) award and the following modules:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Theory and Practice
• Human Growth and Development
• Care Provision and Practice
• Work Experience
• Communications
• Personal and Professional Development
• Word Processing
• Mathematics

In addition to elements such as First Aid Response, Patient Moving and Handling, and HSeLanD courses, the programme includes a clinical placement in an Intellectual Disability setting, ranging from a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of 150 hours.

Following year one, students’ who meet the criteria progress to complete the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing at Dundalk Institute of Technology.

The Intellectual Disability nurse practices in a diverse range of roles and settings across the lifespan with people with an intellectual disability. People with an intellectual disability often present with a wide range of additional and complex physical and mental health needs that can be compounded by communication difficulties. The Intellectual Disability nurse works in partnership with the person, their family and allied healthcare professionals, to provide specialist healthcare, and support that is socially inclusive. They support the person to live their lives as fully and independently as possible, while respecting their rights and dignity.

Throughout the duration of the course, students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to meet the specific needs of people with an intellectual disability in a safe, competent, and compassionate manner. Student’s academic and clinical knowledge will be developed throughout this rewarding course using simulated learning environments and modern learning spaces.

Students gain their clinical experience in a diversity of placements, caring for people with an intellectual disability across their lifespan. Intellectual disability nursing placements account for approximately fifty percent of this course. Students will receive theoretical classes in nursing related subjects, psychology, sociology, biological sciences, research and management. It also includes practical sessions in the Clinical Skills Laboratory, in preparation for clinical placements.

Clinical placements occur in each year of the programme. In Year 4, the student is an intern for 9 months and is employed and paid as part of the service. Each placement supports the student to develop their clinical competence to become a Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID).

This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 5-year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student has to leave the programme before completing the final year, the tertiary degree includes embedded awards for this degree, the embedded awards are:

• After successfully completing Year 1 – NFQ level 5 Major Award in Nursing Studies from QQI 5M4349
• After successfully completing Year 3 – NFQ level 6 Higher Certificate in Nursing Studies from DkIT
• After successfully completing Year 4 – NFQ level 7 Bachelor of Science in Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies
• After successfully completing Year 5 – The final NFQ level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing is awarded by DkIT

There will be 6 places at Monaghan Institute.

Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied

or 

Relevant QQI Level 4 award (UK and International equivalents will be considered)

or 

Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year).  These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

or 

• An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must provide evidence of current and valid permission to study on a Further Education and Training (FET) programme in Ireland.
• Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum English language proficiency level of B2 (as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR) is required.
• In the event of over subscription priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate that they qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028).
• Applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme. All applicants are required to attend an interview to assess their suitability for the programme.