2026 Tertiary Pathway to Intellectual Disability Nursing launched at DkIT

Tanya Jones, Head of the National Tertiary Office said:

“The NTO welcomes the introduction of the Tertiary Pathway in Intellectual Disability Nursing, which offers a new opportunity for learners across the North-East to access a rewarding career in healthcare within their own communities. Tertiary pathways are changing lives. They open up the possibility for students to pursue a career they have always dreamed of, building confidence and competency in the process. We are delighted to see this collaborative effort involving CMETB, LMETB, DkIT, the HSE, St John of God Community Services and the NTO now in place, offering a supported and seamless route to the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing.”

This pathway is a unique access route into the BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing across three ETB campuses in Cavan, Monaghan, and The Louth/ Meath Region, aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who would not traditionally consider third-level education as an option.

This course is designed to give applicants the academic skills and competence to succeed at undergraduate level, the confidence to progress into a professional programme and the opportunity to undertake a rewarding career in Intellectual Disability nursing. Entry is not based on points during the first year of study while learners are enrolled in an ETB. Students graduate with the same Bachelor's Degree qualification (NFQ Level 7/8) as they would on any other degree pathway, but achieved through an alternative, more flexible route.

Briege King, Head of Department of Nursing at DkIT said:

“It was fantastic to welcome representatives from Cavan, Monaghan and O’Fiaich Institute who have been instrumental in the success of this programme to date. It is wonderful to see the progress current Intellectual Disability nursing students have made in the first year of this pathway and we are really looking forward to welcoming them to DkIT in September to join the first year of the DkIT BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing.”

Dr Niall McVeigh, Director of Cavan Institute welcomed the continued collaboration between Cavan Institute and DkIT, CMETB and LMETB under the National Tertiary programme in supporting the development of this BSc pathway.  

He said “This represents another important progression route into Higher Education and is a very welcome development locally for students and communities across the region on behalf of CMETB.”

Conor Rafferty, Deputy Principal, Ó Fiaich Institute said: 

"The BSc (Hons) Intellectual Disability Nursing Tertiary Degree Programme has been a very positive development for Ó Fiaich Institute. The students have engaged exceptionally well with the programme, demonstrating strong commitment and professionalism from the outset. The partnership with DKIT has been particularly strong, providing a seamless progression pathway and a high-quality learner experience. It’s clear that this model is creating real opportunities for learners to access degree-level education while remaining connected to their local FET centre.”
 

Martina Rafferty, Director of Monaghan Institute added:

“Monaghan Institute very much welcomes this engagement with our partners in DKIT, the National Tertiary Office, the Health Service Executive and across the wider cluster group in this tertiary offering and hope that we build on this foundation into the future. At Monaghan Institute, we see our role as an active and committed partner, supporting access, preparing learners for transition, and working collaboratively to ensure pathways are clear, inclusive and aligned with regional and workforce needs.”
 
 

Learn more about applying through LMETB: https://nto.hea.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-intellectual-disability-nursing-2/
Learn more about applying through CMETB:  https://nto.hea.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-intellectual-disability-nursing-3/