Certificate in Nursing Health Assessment for Persons with an Intellectual Disability
One great reason to consider this course
- This programme is approved by the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).
Course Summary
The aim of the programme is to develop and enhance nurses’ knowledge and skills to implement clinical interventions in supporting the complex health needs of persons with an intellectual disability. This programme will help the student to develop and advance their clinical skills to competently assess and manage prevalent health conditions among people with an Intellectual Disability within the context of their own practice setting utilising a rights based approach to care. Indicative content includes theoretical and skill based sessions on cardio vascular/ respiratory/ gastro- intestinal / endocrine, tissue viability, and continence care. Thus, they can provide timely, optimal, collaborative and compassionate care to enhance the person’s outcomes and improve their quality of life

Important notice about this course
Now enrolling
Application deadline is 11th January or when all places are taken whichever comes first.
This programme will allow participants to critically examine the assessment and the contemporary management of prevalent health conditions within the context of their own practice. Thus, they can provide timely, optimal, collaborative and compassionate care to enhance the person’s outcomes and improve their quality of life.
This certificate in Nursing Health Assessment and Interventions for Persons with an Intellectual Disability will encourage students to:
- Critically discuss the physical health conditions that are prevalent in persons with an intellectual disability.
- Critically discuss the knowledge and skills required to recognise, assess and effectively create a health care plan for a person with an intellectual disability.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical skills using evidence-based practice in the management of care for persons with an intellectual disability.
- Critically evaluate strategies for empowering the person with an intellectual disability to be more autonomous in managing their own health status.
- Critically explore strategies for enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration in caring for persons with an intellectual disability.
The content of the Certificate in Nursing Health Assessment and Interventions for Persons with an Intellectual Disability will include:
- Health Assessment
- Health Planning
- Supporting a person with complex health needs
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
For a full description of all course modules, please visit: http://courses.dkit.ie/index.cfm/page/module/moduleId/55302
This programme is delivered face to face, ( on a Thursday) from 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs on campus in DkIT for a total of 8 days over the semester, as follows:
25th Jan
8th Feb
15th Feb
29th Feb
7th March
21st March
11th April
18th April
Students on the programem are also required to undertake independent and directed study.
Please note this timetable is subject to change.
- Be a registered Nurse with NMBI or equivalent
- Be currently employed in the Intellectual Disability services
- All applicants will normally hold a relevant level 8 qualification (or equivalent).
- Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification may apply for entry to the programme in accordance with the procedures outlined in the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
- Candidates may be interviewed.
- Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to a PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.
- Basic IT skills essential.
This Certificate in Nursing Health Assessment and Interventions for Persons with an Intellectual Disability will be of particular interest to nurses who wish to develop an evidence-based practice for the challenges of the assessment, management and care provision of the health needs of persons with an intellectual disability.
Joe Treacy (Dept of Nursing Midwifery and Early Years )
Email: joe.treacy@dkit.ie
Dr. Geraldine O’Connor (Head of Part time Section, School of Health and Science)
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie
Course ID | DK_NNIID_9 |
Course Type | Flexible & Professional, Postgraduate |
Study Mode | Part-Time |
Level | 9 |
Duration | 1 Semester (12 weeks) |
Fees | €800 |
Starting Date | Thursday 25th January 2024 |
School | School of Health & Science |
Department | Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years |
Credits | 10 |
Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
Delivery Method | On Campus |
How To Apply
Apply Directly to DkIT
Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.