Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
This course provides a key opportunity for those who wish to work in healthcare environments with a specialism. An Occupational Therapy Assistant works, under supervision, in developing and providing client centred treatment plans to clients in a range of settings such as rehab, mental health, geriatrics or paediatric services. OTAs 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). They assist in facilitating how to use assistive equipment that can make daily activities easier. 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.
Certification
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Health Service Skills (5M3782).
QQI Component Maths (5N1833) – available as an option in the evening for learners needing Maths for progression.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory - 5N3766
Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice - 5N3765
Infection Prevention and Control - 5N3734
Care Support - 5N0758
Communications - 5N0690
Work Experience - 5N1356
Rehabilitation Support - 5N3775
Anatomy and Physiology - 5N0749
Additional Training/ Workshops
Child Development Module
People Moving and Handling Certification
HSE Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Abuse Certificate
First Aid Workshop
HSEland Cybersecurity awareness
HSEland The Fundamentals of GDPR
AMRIC Hand Hygiene(HSEland)
AMRIC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (HSEland)
AMRIC Infection Prevention and Control (HSELand)
HSELand An Introduction to Children First
Reflective Practice.
IT Skills for work placement.
Mental Health workshop.
State of the Art VR Training (Bodyswaps)
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Successful graduates can gain employment as Occupational Therapy Assistant in the HSE or private health service providers.