The launch event took place on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, and was attended by local representatives, community stakeholders, and learners.
Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), has officially launched a new and inclusive Tertiary Access Route (TAR) to General Nursing in its Further Education and Training (FET) Centre in Castlerea.
The programme, a QQI Level 5 award in Nursing Studies, is the first of its kind in County Roscommon, offering learners a free and flexible route into the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing. Learners begin their studies locally at GRETB’s Castlerea FET Centre and, on successful completion, can progress to the nursing degree programme at ATU Mayo.
The launch event took place on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, and was attended by local representatives, community stakeholders, and learners. The event celebrated not only this new educational pathway, but also the broader role of Further Education and Training in rural communities.
This programme is designed to be inclusive and supportive, welcoming not just school leavers, but also adult learners, mature applicants, and those seeking a second chance at education. It supports people of all ages to pursue a nursing career, helping to build confidence, gain qualifications, and access further study.
Kate Roche (GRETB Former Learner): “I completed the tertiary access course in general nursing, and I truly enjoyed my experience. The small class sizes and the availability of supportive teachers made a significant difference. This course provided me with a valuable introduction to nursing, helping me determine if it was the right path for me. I achieved distinctions in my modules, which allowed me to progress to ATU Mayo. Without this access course, I doubt I would have been able to take this step. The insights I gained on completing assignments during the course proved incredibly beneficial as I transitioned into my first year. I feel that the material covered in the access course has been very helpful for me when completing some of my modules in first year. Now, as I approach the end of my first year at ATU Mayo, I can confidently say that this achievement would not have been possible without the foundation laid by the tertiary access course.”
While the programme is rooted in the needs of the local community, it will also play a part in supporting the national response to the growing demand for qualified nurses across Ireland.
MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan: “This is a great development for Castlerea and County Roscommon. It will offer prospective students a new and accessible route into nursing for people of all ages and backgrounds. It will mean less travel and expense for those studying. Furthermore, it will be a boost to the local economy which has for years struggled with ‘brain-drain’. Great news indeed”. The launch of the Tertiary Access Route (TAR) to General Nursing highlights GRETB’s ongoing commitment to providing flexible, responsive learning opportunities that reflect both local priorities and national challenges. It also showcases the success of strong partnerships between FET and higher education providers like ATU.
For more information, please contact: freephone 1800 140 242, email [email protected] or visit www.gretb.ie