- COURSE CODE: HP
- CERTIFICATION: QQI Level 5 in Health Service Skills (5M3782)
- DURATION: One Year
Description
This course is suitable for students who are considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant. The course will focus on developing an understanding of impaired mobility and its impact on human occupational performance and ability and the role of occupational therapy in current healthcare services. Students will obtain work experience in homes for the elderly, disability schools/homes, rehabilitation centres and respite care centres for a two-week period.
Students will develop an awareness of how to assist the OT in the implementation of therapeutic programmes. During their work placement, students will develop an understanding of how to plan for and engage the client in self-care activities and examine the components of the OT process, from assessment through treatment planning and implementation to treatment closing.
- Programme of Study
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- Care Support
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Communications
- Work Experience
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Care Skills
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory
Components subject to change
- Entry Requirements
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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
Learners must be Garda vetted prior to work experience placement.
Learners are required to source their own work placement.
- Career Opportunities
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Successful graduates of this course will be eligible to apply for a position as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in a variety of therapy/care settings.
- Higher Education Progression*
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Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities.
Options to study in the UK are also available. - Course Co-ordinator
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Helen O'Mahony
- Where are they now?
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"Occupational Therapy has been a lifelong dream of mine, and Bray Institute of Further Education made it achievable. After completing my QQI Level 5 in Occupational Therapy Assistant at BIFE in 2024, I am now pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy at Ulster University. Having completed my first semester in UU, I can confidently say that completing the OTA course was the best decision for me. The constant support and dedication of the staff were invaluable. They offered not only academic guidance but also crucial career advice that helped me navigate my path towards studying Occupational Therapy. The career guidance I received, along with the continuous encouragement and access to resources, empowered me to believe in myself and my abilities.