All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

- Be a registered nurse on the General Nurse division of the register maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI);

- Have a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience (exclusive of post-registration courses);

- Be currently working in the required specialist area, i.e., emergency, and have, as a minimum, six months’ clinical experience in this specialist area;

- Have an honours bachelor’s degree at NFQ Level 8 in nursing or a comparable qualification. Applicants who do not hold an honours degree or Higher Diploma (Level 8) must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (in the previous two years) a module at Level 9. Please consult the professional credit awards at Level 9 at: www.nuigalway.ie/pca/pca.html.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.

An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

Next start date September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

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.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Where graduates work
Hospitals, trauma centres, urgent care units, and specialised clinics - nationally and internationally.

Roles you can pursue

Specialist emergency nurse
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Clinical leadership or management
Educator or trainer in nursing programmes
Research or service improvement role
Career progression
Move into senior clinical positions, lead service development, or transition into academic research and teaching. High-achieving graduates can progress to MSc or PhD study.

Skills employers value
Advanced clinical decision-making, critical thinking, leadership, evidence-based practice, and simulation experience - all developed through this course.

Opportunities in the field
Growing demand for skilled emergency nurses, nurse-led clinics, virtual care services, and service improvement initiatives creates strong career prospects nationally and internationally.