Postgraduate Certificate in Respiratory Care Skills (Intellectual Disabilities)

The Certificate in Respiratory Care Skills (Intellectual Disabilities) is a 10 credit level 9 special purpose award which will be delivered over one semester using a blended learning approach. This programme will enhance nurses evidence based knowledge, skills and competencies in the care of children and adults with an intellectual disability in relation to many common respiratory conditions and treatments. This programme will be the first of its kind in Ireland as a Level 9, 10 credit special purpose award that aims to enhance the students knowledge, skills and attitudes, and professional values when caring for the respiratory health of children and adults with Intellectual Disability across their lifespan. This programme will be delivered using both clinical and theoretical expertise from the intellectual disability team within the department and also utilising the expertise of Allied Health Professionals in the HSE.

The primary target audience for this programme are registered nurses from any discipline who are currently working in the Intellectual Disability sector or related area. The prospective student will have to confirm that they are registered or eligible to register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Where English is not their first language, proof of English language competency as per SETU Waterford regulations will have to be provided.

All students whose first language is not English must be able to provide evidence that their spoken and written level of English is adequate for the programme for which they have applied. The relevant certified documentation to support this shall be provided as part of the application process. An approved English language qualification or test result (see below for list of approved qualifications and test results). The qualification or test result shall have been awarded no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. Substantial education (minimum one academic year) or work experience (minimum eighteen months) conducted through English and undertaken no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. Satisfactory completion of an interview process for entry onto the programme.
IELTS - 6 IELTS, TOEFL Computer Based Test - 213, TOEFL Internet Based Test - 80, TOEFL Paper Based Test 575.