How long does it take to become a Healthcare Assistant?
Numerous factors will determine how long it takes to become a healthcare assistant. We can provide a timeframe for completion of the QQI level 5, and become qualified, not the length of time it takes to secure and start the role as a Healthcare Assistant. In terms of the qualification itself, you have 4 months to complete the QQI level 5 Care Skills and Care of the Older Person Course. You will have 16 months to complete the full QQI Level 5 Major Award, some employers may require you to have the full major award like at an HSE setting. It is important to note that these courses can be completed a lot quicker depending on how much time you can dedicate to them. Additionally, some employers may allow you to work while studying for the Care Skills and Care of the Older Person Minor Award. However, we do recommend learners consider enrolling in the full QQI Healthcare Support Award as having the option to work in different settings will provide additional advantages, some include incremental pay increases and job progression.
While it is uncertain how long it may take to secure a job, since healthcare assistants are in demand in Ireland, securing a job should ideally happen at a suitable time. Therefore, if you meet the correct requirements stated on the job post’s criteria, securing a job should ideally happen at a suitable time. Additionally, the start date after successfully securing the job may vary according to the employer.