Courses
Intellectual Disability Nursing
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
| CAO Code | AU992 |
|---|---|
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| CAO Points | 282 (2024) |
| Method of Delivery | On-campus |
| Campus Locations | St Angelas |
| Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
| Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing, is a four year degree pre-registration programme focusing on the theory and practice of Intellectual Disability Nursing to support people throughout the life span.
On completion of the programme graduates will be eligible to register as an Intellectual Disability Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)/An Bord Altranais having obtained a university accredited honours degree. The programme is offered in conjunction with Health Service Executive organisations and groups in the Western region.
The aim of the programme is to prepare practitioners as analytical, reflective and independent thinkers who will practice as competent, accountable, registered nurses who support inclusive and fulfilling lives for people with an intellectual disability.
What is Intellectual Disability Nursing?
Intellectual disability nursing is based on the principles of human rights, equality, person-centredness and empowerment. These principles underpin the achievement of autonomy, active participation, inclusivity for the person and the delivery of quality life, health and social care. Registered Nurses Intellectual Disability (RNID) collaborate with the person with intellectual disability, their family, advocates and members of the multi-professional and multi-agency teams to enable the person with to live within their community. RNIDs develop the requisite values, attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours to facilitate and empower people with intellectual disability to exercise their human rights, make informed decisions and engage in their communities.
Intellectual disability nursing is based on the principles of human rights, equality, person-centredness and empowerment. These principles underpin the achievement of autonomy, active participation, inclusivity for the person and the delivery of quality life, health and social care. Registered Nurses Intellectual Disability (RNID) collaborate with the person with intellectual disability, their family, advocates and members of the multi-professional and multi-agency teams to enable the person with to live within their community. RNIDs develop the requisite values, attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours to facilitate and empower people with intellectual disability to exercise their human rights, make informed decisions and engage in their communities.
This programme is four calendar years in duration. The practice of nursing is at the heart of the course. Each year of study of the programme is divided into two semesters; (September-December & January-May) and within each semester students will study on average four modules. Modules are both theory and practice based. Two thirds of the theory component of the programme is devoted to nursing subjects, one sixth to science subjects and one sixth to the social sciences. In order to meet a variety of learning styles, various methods of teaching are used such as lectures, seminars, group work, role play, workshops and practical skills training. The learning is assessed through essays; exams; posters; group presentations and by observing students completing nursing skills.
Progression
Many graduates choose to undertake further study in order to enhance their nursing practice and career opportunities. We offer a number of Postgraduate options which include:
Nursing/Professional Studies
International Healthcare Management
Disability Studies
Applied Health and Wellness Coaching
Professional Development Standalone Modules
Further details of these Postgraduate opportunities can be found HERE
Nationwide, there are a host of programmes that nursing graduates can pursue after attaining an initial degree.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
| Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 2 subjects at H5 Maths at O6/H7 English or Irish at O6/H7 Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science at O6/H7 |
| QQI/FET Major Award Required | One of the following awards: 5M3782 Health Service Skills |
| Additional QQI/FET Requirements | 5 Distinctions which must include: D20001 or 5N0749 Anatomy and Physiology D20012 or 5N4325 Introduction to Nursing or Nursing Theory and Practice D20032 or 5N1279 or C20006 or 5N2746 Human Growth and Development or Biology |
| Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
| Medical Evaluation | Successful applicants for this degree may be required to undergo a medical evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify students with special exercise requirements. This information is strictly confidential and any offer made will not be withdrawn on the basis of medical information supplied. Certain vaccinations may also be required depending on the work placement. |
Advanced Entry
Applications are welcome for entry to stage 2 of a programme at ATU, following completion of a cognate QQI FET Level 6 Major award.
Transfers into years two, three or four are also welcome from those who have completed learning in a cognate area in another Higher-Level Institute (HEI).
Testimonial
“What I love about the intellectual disability nursing programme is that, from the beginning, you receive both theory and hands-on experience. I especially enjoyed the unique experiences in the community placements. Intellectual Disability Nursing is a career path in which there are so many avenues and opportunities to work and continue with studies. As a student nurse, you are supported by lecturers that are making an impact in the health sector. ATU St Angela’s campus also has a clinical-simulated area called the Dudley Practice Area where there is a very helpful and supportive Clinical Skills Nurse who is available to support and guide students when learning new skills”
Asemota Ofure Joel , Intellectual Disability Nursing
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Further information on feesProfessional Accreditation
Graduates will be eligible to register as a General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) having obtained a university accredited honours degree.
Careers
This programme provides students with an academic and professional qualification that allows graduates to travel anywhere in the world and make a difference to the lives of people with intellectual disability. Graduates can decide to work with individuals and groups with intellectual disabilities in the community or to work with families and other professionals. Intellectual disability nurses also gain employment in schools, respite services and supported employment agencies. Graduate nurses often decide after they have gained some initial experience as an RNID to specialise and work with persons who have particular challenges such as complex needs, autism spectrum disorders, behaviour or mental health challenges. Many RNIDs also chose to enter careers in research, teaching, or management.
Work Placement
In each semester students will undertake at least one practice module whereby time will be spent in intellectual disability services, schools learning how to support persons with an intellectual disability in their lives. Students spend over half of the course working in various areas where persons with an intellectual disability live, are educated, work and socialise. In the final year students are working with persons with an intellectual disability in all of the settings outlined above from January to September.
In each semester students will undertake at least one practice module whereby time will be spent in intellectual disability services, schools learning how to support persons with an intellectual disability in their lives. Students spend over half of the course working in various areas where persons with an intellectual disability live, are educated, work and socialise. In the final year students are working with persons with an intellectual disability in all of the settings outlined above from January to September.
Students undertaking the Intellectual Disability Nursing programme will have placements across the region (e.g., Sligo/Leitrim/Galway/Roscommon) in residential and community settings, private organisations, schools, and other voluntary/statutory agencies. This list is not exhaustive.
The development of placements for the Nursing Programmes is ongoing which includes extending placement locations into various parts of the region/country. Students will therefore be required to travel and/or avail of accommodation. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange travel and alternative accommodation for placement when required. An allowance for travel to selected external placements and accommodation is available for nursing students by the HSE, however, this allowance is only a contribution towards travel and accommodation and may not meet the full costs/expenses incurred during these external placements.
Study Abroad
ATU St Angela’s can offer Erasmus+ opportunities to BSc Student Nurses. Please contact your Year Leader and the International Office for further information.
ATU St Angela’s can offer Erasmus+ opportunities to BSc Student Nurses. Please contact your Year Leader and the International Office for further information.
Further Information
Contact Information
Admissions Office
Kevin McGlynn
Admissions Officer(Acting)
T: +353(0)71 9179621
E:admissions.stangelas@atu.ie
Department
Nursing, Health Sciences & Disability Studies
