• Code: SF
  • Certification:QQI Level 5 Award in Office Administration (5M1997).                                                                                              Level 5 equivalence on the NFQ
                                            
  • Duration:One Year 

Description

(Mornings only)

This one-year QQI Level 5 certificate course is designed to give you a nationally recognised vocational qualification that enables you to work in both the medical/ dental and general administration environments. It provides learners with the knowledge and skills to meet the specialist administrative needs of a range of health care occupations as found in hospitals, community health, general and private practice, research, the pharmaceutical industry and complementary medicine. The course is based around general areas of administration and business, secretarial skills, key concepts of computing and its uses in the workplace. The course enables learners to progress directly into employment.

Programme of Study
  • Audio Transcription
  • Customer Services
  • Information & Administration
  • Medical Terminology
  • Spreadsheets
  • Text Production
  • Word Processing
  • Work Experience
     

Components subject to change

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

  • Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
  • Leaving Certificate Applied
  • Full QQI Level 4 award
  • Mature Applicants – experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications

Places are offered following a successful interview.

Career Opportunities
  • The HSE
  • Clinics
  • Private hospitals
  • Dental practices
  • Any office Administration position 
  • Opportunities exist to practice abroad for those with language skills
Higher Education Progression*

Examples of potential courses include:

BIFE:

  • Management – Advanced Certificate QQI Level 6 (6M4587)

TUS Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone Campus):

  • Business and Financial Services (US 721)

UCD University College Dublin:

  • Arts (DN520)
  • History (DN530)

Marino Institute:

  • Education Studies (CM010)

*Places are not guaranteed in these Institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie

Course Co-Ordinator

Niamh McCall

Where are they now?

aisling connick "I always had a customer or patient focused role throughout my career history, working in both a bar and then opticians for a combined 22 years, but felt that I wanted to concentrate more on the medical aspect of patient care. And so, I decided to broaden my skill set and re-train as a medical administrator. I felt this course really suited my needs. The course itself offered a variety of modules covering various aspects of medical administration and equipped me with the skills needed to persue my chosen career path. It catered for both new and mature college students. The tutors were supportive and passionate about helping students achieve their goals, which really helped me push myself to get the results I hoped for. I am now working as a medical administrator, where I am also training to become a Primary Care Assistant, putting to use the skills I acquired from BIFE, and I couldn’t be happier in my new position." - Aisling Connick
 

"Having run my own Children’s Dance School for the last 21 years, the decision to change direction and go back to study was very daunting. I did my Leaving Cert in 1979 and had never done an assignment in my life. My computer skills were limited so I knew a challenge awaited. Walking through the doors of
BIFE on that first day was nerve-racking but I need not have worried. From day one all the staff were so welcoming and helpful. There was a range of ages in my class and everyone was willing to help each other out. We were like a big family. The modules covered were exactly what I needed and I thoroughly enjoyed learning again. Our tutors were of a high standard and made the whole experience a very enjoyable one. By the end of the course I had acquired a new confidence and now work part-time in a GP surgery. If you are in a quandary about doing this course I would say absolutely go for it!" - Ann Maher
 

"My name is Louise Willoughby and after 12 years as a stay at home mum I decided to return to the workforce. I chose the BIFE Medical Administration course to refresh my existing computer skills and gain new knowledge about working in the healthcare sector, particularly from the medical terminology module. The hardest part was walking through the door on the first day but I never looked back. I met a fantastic bunch of people, most of them in a similar position to me. We worked hard, learned a lot and had fun too. The tutors are very supportive, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. By the end of the year I had the knowledge and confidence to look for a job and I am very happy now with my part-time administrative role working for a Physiotherapist." - Louise Willoughby

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