Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing

Course Title

ATU Access Nursing Route (QQI Level 5 in Nursing) leading to entry into the first year of ATU’s Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing.

Course Overview

This is a unique access route into BSc Hons in General Nursing with Atlantic Technological University across three ETB campuses in the West, Northwest region aimed at widening participation to communities and individuals who would not traditionally consider third-level education as 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 nursing.

This tertiary education programme aims to increase access to degree level education in several ways including increasing the number of locations regionally that students can begin their studies, enhancing flexibility through providing a number of programme paths, widening access through more flexible entry requirements which take account of the socio-economic and other barriers faced by eligible participants.

Incorporating the Level 5 Nursing Studies and the BSc (Hons) General Nursing, this innovative programme is one of the first of its kind to give the opportunity to learners to start their preparation for the General Nursing degree programme in the FE sector leading to direct access to the third level college.  Students will spend the first year of this programme in their local ETB (Education and Training Board) and then will have the choice of three different locations (ATU Mayo, ATU St Angela’s, Sligo or ATU Donegal) to undertake their four-year Nursing programme. Each ETB will offer learners additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to ATU.

Year 1 based in the following ETB locations:

• GRETB FET Centre, Tuam Road, Dunmore, Co. Galway

Course Content – for all years

Years 1, 2, 3 & 4 based in the following ATU campuses:

• BSc (Hons) in General Nursing at ATU Mayo

A four-year degree program in general nursing, typically known as a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing, is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become Registered General Nurses (RGNs) and enter the professional practice of nursing through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. The curriculum is comprehensive, combining theoretical education with practice based teaching and clinical experiences. While specific courses and program structures may vary between each of the ATU sites, here are some common components you can expect to find on the program:

• Basic Sciences
• Nursing Theory and Practice
• Clinical Skills
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Specialist areas include but not limited to paediatrics, obstetrics, and mental health.
• Community and Public Health Nursing
• Leadership and Management
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice

In addition to classroom lectures and laboratory sessions, the programs include supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. These clinical experiences provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare environments under the guidance of experienced nurses (preceptors).

Planned intake (number of places)

20 places per location

Entry requirements and eligibility

Leaving Certificate/LCVP or a Merit in Leaving Certificate Applied or a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate (UK and International equivalents will be considered)

or

QQI Level 4 award or equivalent

or

Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year).  These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

or

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience.  All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028). See Appendix B.

All applicants must demonstrate competence to undertake the programme.

Progression to 3rd Level study at ATU

To progress to the four-year undergraduate degree in General Nursing, successful learners, must achieve the full QQI Level 5 Award, with a minimum of five distinctions, which must include Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Introduction to Nursing Theory and Practice or Human Growth and Development.

Onward pathways

Upon completion of the program and meeting the necessary requirements, graduates are eligible to enter the nursing register maintained by the nursing and midwifery board of Ireland to become Registered General Nurses and begin their careers in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and other healthcare facilities, as well as opportunities to travel and work internationally.  The programmes at Atlantic Technological University prepare students for global nursing.