Healthcare Department.
All courses are offered part-time over 13 weeks. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and suitability assessment before a place is offered. Upon successful completion, students will receive a component certificate. Learners who are currently registered at Portlaoise Institute, please get in touch with the main office or student supports to register your interest in your chosen course. A full list of available courses is provided below—click on a course to learn more about its content and structure.
Part-Time Courses Commencing January 2026.
This award is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to care for clients in a safe, respectful, and hygienic environment. Learners will develop the ability to identify and support the physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual needs of various client groups, including those who are dependent. Training includes proper hygiene practices, prevention of pressure sores, safe handling of care equipment, and the promotion of client dignity and independence. Participants will also learn to assist with daily living activities such as grooming, mobility, toileting, and eating, while demonstrating effective communication and interpersonal skills. Emphasis is placed on client safety, accurate reporting, maintaining hygienic environments, and encouraging client participation in social and therapeutic activities.
Course will run Thursdays 9:00am- 13:15pm
This award is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to support the diverse needs of older people across various care settings. It covers a wide range of topics including healthy ageing, demographic trends, the physical and psychological aspects of ageing, and the social impact on older individuals. Learners will explore the role of healthcare assistants and the contribution of statutory and voluntary agencies in promoting the wellbeing of older people. The programme also addresses care practices for those with chronic illness, dementia, or nearing end-of-life, and highlights the importance of effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and person-centred care. Emphasis is placed on promoting dignity, independence, advocacy, and quality of life through therapeutic interventions, empowerment, and inclusive care that values family involvement and respects the older person’s choices and individuality.
Course will run Mondays 9:00am -13:15pm
This award prepares learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to support midwives in providing care to mothers, babies, and the family unit. It covers key areas such as the philosophy of maternity care, the physical, emotional, and social needs of mothers throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatal periods, and the importance of individualised, respectful care. Learners will explore breastfeeding support, infection control, and the impact of grief, loss, and congenital abnormalities on families. The programme also includes training in safety procedures, emergency responses, clinical skills, equipment care, and effective communication, all within the context of current legislation and WHO guidelines, enabling learners to contribute meaningfully to high-quality maternity care.
This course will run Fridays 9:00am -13:15pm
This award equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to prevent and control infection within healthcare settings. The programme covers the principles of infection control, standard precautions, and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Learners will study the types of microorganisms, how infections spread, and the chain of infection, as well as the factors that contribute to healthcare-associated infections. The course includes training on the roles of infection control teams, cleaning and decontamination procedures, safe handling of blood-borne viruses, and the responsible use of antibiotics to prevent resistance. Practical skills such as effective hand hygiene, managing spillages, disposing of sharps, and implementing terminal cleaning procedures are also developed, ensuring learners can apply infection control measures confidently and safely in a variety of healthcare settings.
This course will run every Thursday 9:00am-13:15pm
TThe purpose of this award is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence needed to work effectively in a care setting. It is designed to promote good practice and foster respect for diversity in lifestyle, religion, and culture within care work. Upon completion, learners will be able to discuss the roles, responsibilities, and entitlements of a care worker, and examine the care worker’s role within a multidisciplinary healthcare team. They will demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver high-quality care, applying their knowledge to meet the individual needs of clients. Additionally, learners will explore the importance of personal planning and growth and develop strategies to enhance their own personal and professional development.
This course will run every Friday 9:00am-13:15pm