This programme offers students a comprehensive overview of the Irish health service, relevant legislation, and the current issues and policies affecting the health system. Students will obtain up-to-date knowledge and a practical understanding of the health service, at national and local levels, which will contribute to their effectiveness and performance in the work environment. Students who successfully complete this programme have the option of progressing to the Diploma in Health Services Policy.
Certificate in Health Services
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Delivery Method
The programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. Students attend in-person seminars at the IPA, study bespoke course material, and access a range of online resources. Seminars will be delivered by IPA specialists and associate lecturers.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require a Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade C in two higher level papers and grade D in four other subjects. The papers passed must include Irish, English and a third language.
OR
Mature students (students over 21 on January 1 of the calendar year of entry) may enter a programme without the above qualifications.
Duration
One academic year.
Accreditation
Place on NFQ
Level 6 (Special Purpose award)
what is this?
Commences
September 2024
Application Deadline
September 2024
Fees
€1,990 (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in two instalments.
Employers and Fees
Where employers are paying fees, students, when enrolling, must provide a PO number and employer authorisation on the applicaiton form OR submit a letter from their employer confirming that fees will be paid directly.
Students Paying their own Fees
Fees can be paid by:
- Electronic transfer (contact the Undergraduate Office).
- Debit/credit card (contact the Undergraduate Office).
- Cheque (payable to the Institute of Public Administration).
- Bank draft.
Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occurs, students will be charged the increased fee.
Progression
Students can continue their studies with the Diploma in Health Services Policy.
Expand all
- The Programme
This programme offers students a comprehensive overview of the Irish health service, relevant legislation, and the current issues and policies affecting the health system. Students will obtain up-to-date knowledge and a practical understanding of the health service, at national and local levels, which will contribute to their effectiveness and performance in the work environment. Students who successfully complete this programme have the option of progressing to the Diploma in Health Services Policy.
- Is This Programme for you?
This Certificate is ideally suited to:
- Those working in the health service who need to broaden their understanding of various aspects of the service and recent changes
- Staff from other health systems who need to understand how the Irish health system is structured and how it works
- Those working for agencies with links to the health service (e.g. voluntary agencies, personal and social services) and who wish to familiarise themselves with the health system.
Past students have included staff of all disciplines working in the Irish health service: medical and administrative staff, allied health professionals, nursing grades and others working within the sector.
- Subjects
This Certificate is delivered through three core blocks that provide a comprehensive overview of the current health system.
The Historical Development of the Irish Health System
Students learn how the Irish system has developed from the foundation of the State up to the most recent developents in the HSE. Key legislation, strategies, reports and policies are explored.
Service Delivery
Students lean about the current health of the nation and demographic changes ahead and about policies and structures within key areas of service delivery, including acute care, primary care, social care, and mental health.
Key Stakeholders in the Irish Health System
Students learn about the main stakeholders in the Irish health system, including the Department of Health, the HSE, voluntary bodies, private sector organisations, and regulatory bodies.
- Assessment
Students complete assignments and sit a final examination.
- How To Apply
- Download this Application Form and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include all the relevant details on the form).
- The form MUST be accompanied by: (a) proof of ID (copy of passport, birth cert, or driving licence), (b) a passport photo, (c) the programme fee (see section on Fees).
Send the completed application form and the above items to undergrad@ipa.ie.
You may also apply by post.
- Prospectus
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Programme Delivery and Applications
IPA programmes are part time and generally delivered through a blended learning model. To apply, see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and download the application form below.
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