Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Intellectual Disability Nursing - Tertiary Degrees

Course Overview

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.

To progress to the four-year undergraduate degree in Intellectual Disability 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
Boyle FET Centre, Roscommon, GRETB	ATU, St Angelas Campus

Course Details

Year 1 (QQI Level 5- Nursing Studies)

Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Theory & Practice
Human Growth & Development
Work Practice
Communications (Level 5)
Infection Prevention & Control
Care of the Older Person
Care Skills

ATU Years 1-4

Year 1

Professional Foundations of Nursing
Person-Centredness
Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies
Applied Social Sciences 1
Foundations of Communication
Health & Health Promotion 1
Concepts and Paradigms of Disability
Human Rights and Equality
Applied Biological Sciences 1
Nursing Practice Skills 1
Person-centred and empowering support 1

Year 2

Applied Social Sciences 2
Health and Health Promotion 2
Principles of Pharmacology
Nursing Practice Skills 2
Introduction to Research
Intellectual Disability, Life and Social Skills 1
Applied Biological Sciences 2
Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies 2
Person-centred and Empowering Support 2

Year 3

Applied Biological Sciences 3
Health and Health Promotion 3
Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies 3
Nursing Practice Skills 3
Nursing Leadership 1
Older Person Care
Intellectual Disability, Life and Social Skills 2
Applied Social Sciences 3
Person-centred and empowering support 3

Year 4

Research for Nursing Practice
Nursing Leadership 2
Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies 4
Nursing Practice Skills 4 (ID)
Person-centred and Empowering Support 4

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 may be considered)

QQI Level 4 award or equivalent

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)

Access programme (LCA students can gain access to this programme following completion of an access programme)

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.

and

Applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme. 
Applicants must complete a personal statement and interview as part of the application process
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). 
Garda Vetting: Entrants to this programme may be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána.
Medical Evaluation: Successful applicants for this degree are required to undergo a medical evaluation and vaccination screening.

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.