BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing
Overview
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 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 th e 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.
Provider Locations and Structure
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.
Course Content – NFQ L5 Nursing Studies
Students in year one O’Fiaich Institute will complete QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349)
Course Content:
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Nursing Theory & Practice
• Human Growth & Development
• Infection Prevention and Control 5N3734
• Work Experience
• Communications
• Care of the Older Person
• Mathematics
• Care Skills
Students in year one Cavan Institute will complete QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349)
Course Content:
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Nursing Theory & Practice
• Human Growth & Development
• Care Provision and Practice
• Work Experience
• Communications
• Understanding Mental Health
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Research and Study Skills
• Mathematics
Students in year one Monaghan Institute will complete QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies (5M4349)
Course Content:
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Nursing Theory & Practice
• Human Growth & 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 program 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.
Course Content - BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing
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).
Accreditation and Embedded Awards
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 award 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
The final NFQ level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing is awarded by DkIT .
Planned intake (Number of places)
12 places in O’Fiaich Institute Dundalk
6 places in Cavan Institute
6 places in Monaghan Institute
Entry requirements and eligibility
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.
• 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.
Progression to 3rd Level study at DkIT:
To advance to the four-year undergraduate degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing, students must meet the following criteria to qualify for entry into the second year of the tertiary access route for the B.Sc. (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing:
• Completion of Nursing Studies 5M4349 with a minimum of five distinctions, three of which must be in the following modules:
• 5N0749 – Anatomy and Physiology
• 5N4325 – Nursing Theory & Practice
• 5N1279 – Human Growth and Development or
• 5N2746 – Biology
Onward pathways
Did you know all nursing graduates are highly sought after, with 100% employability potential upon graduation? Upon completion of the program and meeting the necessary requirements, graduates are eligible to enter the nursing register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to become a Registered Intellectual Disability Nurse (RNID).
Employment Opportunities
100% of Intellectual Disability Nursing graduates are in employment after 6 months of graduating, with 92% earning between €30-60k (DkIT/HEA Graduate Survey)
Education Progression
Graduates are also qualified to apply for a range of postgraduate programmes in nursing such as the Postgraduate Cert/Diploma/ MSc in Specialist/Advanced Nursing.
MSc in Professional Nursing
MSc in Palliative and End of Life Care
MSc in Quality and Safety in Health Care
MSc in Advancing Health and Social Care
MSc in Therapeutic Interventions in Alcohol and Other Drugs
MSc in Advanced Practice (Nursing)
MSc in Professional Nursing Practice
DkIT Level 8 qualifications are recognised worldwide for postgraduate entry. The programmes at Dundalk Institute of Technology prepare students for global nursing.
It’s truly a fantastic career choice, and this course will prepare you for a fulfilling future.
Contact Details
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB)
Market St, Mullaghmonaghan, Monaghan, H18 W449
Phone: (047) 30888
