Courses
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in General Nursing – Tertiary Degrees
Course Overview
This course is designed to give applicants the academic skills and competence to succeed at undergraduate level, the confidence to progress into a professional programme and the opportunity to undertake a rewarding career in nursing.
Incorporating the Level 5 Nursing Studies, this innovative programme is the first of its kind to give FE learners direct access to BSc (Hons) General Nursing across three ATU campuses, without the CAO points race. Students complete year one in one of our partner ETB’s, in either Sligo, Letterkenny or Boyle and then progress to the corresponding ATU Campus to undertake their four-year Nursing programme.
Each ETB will offer students additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to ATU.
To progress to the four-year undergraduate degree in General Nursing, successful students must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions, which must include Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Nursing Theory and Practice or Care Support.
| Start in | Progress to |
|---|---|
| FET Centre Letterkenny, Donegal ETB | ATU, Letterkenny Campus |
| Roscommon, GRETB | ATU, Mayo Campus |
| Sligo College of FET, Ballinode | ATU, St Angelas Campus |
Course Details
Year 1 (QQI Level 5 – Nursing Studies)
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Nursing Theory & Practice
- Human Growth & Development
- Work Practice
- Communications
- Infection Prevention & Control
- Care of the Older Person
- Care Skills
Please note: In order to progress to ATU, students must achieve five distinctions, which must include two of the following:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Nursing Theory & Practice or Care Support
Year 2-4 (Bachelor of Science (Honours) in General Nursing)*
- Basic Sciences
- Nursing Theory & Practice
- Clinical Skills
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management
- Research and Evidence-based Practice
Specialist areas include but not limited to paediatrics, obstetrics and mental health.
*Common components listed as courses and programme structures may vary between campuses
In addition to classroom lectures and laboratory sessions, the programs include supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. These clinical experiences provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare environments under the guidance of experienced nurses (preceptors).
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate (UK and International equivalents will be considered)
or
QQI Level 4 award or equivalent
or
Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)
or
- An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.
- In the event of over subscription priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate that they qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028).
- Applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme.
Fees
There are no tuition fees or student contribution fees for the duration of the education delivered by the ETB. The Free Fees Initiative and student contribution arrangements will apply to the duration of tuition delivered by the Higher Education Institutions on the Tertiary Degree. Students will have to meet eligibility criteria of the Free Fees Initiative while undertaking the higher education part of programme, otherwise the standard student contribution arrangements will apply.
Professional Accreditation
This programme is accredited by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
Student Testimonial
I’ve always known I wanted to pursue nursing,” says Kate. “What really stood out to me about the Tertiary Programme was that it was based on an interview, not my Leaving Cert results. That made it feel more accessible, and it gave me a chance to prove myself in a different way.
– Kate Roche, Tertiary Access Route into Nursing.
I’d been in a care position for a long time, so I knew I wanted to do healthcare. The tertiary course was introduced to me at the ETB Further Education and Training [FET] Fair and I found it so interesting. I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.
– Elaine Tinney, Tertiary Access Route into Nursing.
Further Information
Contact Us
ATU Tertiary Team- tertiary@atu.ie
DonegalETB, MSLETB or GRETB – nto@dletb.ie
