Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

If I complete one year of Science can I transfer to Medicine?

Students who complete first in in Science can apply for Medicine but must meet the entry requirements i.e. Leaving Certificate points and HPAT point combined.  If you are successful you will most likely be offered a place on the 5 year Medicine programme (not guaranteed but a very good chance).

What are the requirements to get a place on the 5 year Medicine programme?

Places in the 5 year programme are dependent on your subjects and area allocated in the following order:

1. Chemistry, Physics & Biology
2. Chenistry & Biology
3. Chenistry & Physics

Undergraduate: 118 places (including 3 mature places)

6 year programme: 59 places
5 year programme: 59 places

How many PLC places are available in Nursing?

We have 5 QQI places available across our Nursing programmes – 2 in General Nursing, 2 in Mental Health Nursing and 1 in Midwifery – for applicants who have the correct Award and a minimum of 5 distinctions.

What is the difference between Podiatric Medicine and Medicine?

Podiatric medicine is the specialism of the lower limb, foot and ankle and you will specialise in these areas. You will be an autonomous practitioner who will diagnose, create management plan and carry out treatment of the lower limb.  You will share some modules across the course with students in medicine also. When you graduate you will be qualified to administer local anaesthetic and adrenaline, supply a number of painkillers and antibiotics and also perform minor surgery.  During your studies you will treat patients from year 1 and these patients will increase in complexity until year 4, where you will work alongside consultant endocrinologists and infectious disease doctors in limb salvaging complex would clinics.  The scope of practice of podiatry is vast.  You can train to become a Podiatric Surgeon, Podiatric Sports Medicine Physician working within elite sports and rehab for example. Podiatric Medicine is a great career choice and the demand has never been higher.

What skills are needed for Occupational Therapy?

Everyone brings their own skills and personality to the job.  However, students do sometimes find that one area of practice suits them better than another.  You need to like working with people and as part of a team. You need to be interested in people and it also helps if you are a problem solver. The job is so broad that it can suit many people.  At one end you might be working with premature babies in a neonatal unit and at the other it may be with a an elderly patient who needs some modifications to their home.  OTs also work with people with both physical and mental health difficulties.

Is a post grad course an option in midwifery after completing general nursing or would it be better to go direct into midwifery?

Yes, for example, if you are a Registered General Nurse, you can do a higher diploma in Midwiferyand become a Registered Midwife

How do you know if you are suited to the nursing/midwifery field?

If you like working with and caring for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, you should enjoy nursing.

How early do classes start usually start for Student nurses? Would buses from Connemara be in early enough for lectures?

Lectures frequently start @ 10am but this can vary.