A new path to Intellectual Disability Nursing
The tertiary degree route is expanding opportunities for those who may not have considered third level education.
A unique access route into the Bachelor of Science with Honours degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing at is set to commence in September 2025. Provided through Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), the first year of the programme will be provided locally before students progress to finish their degree.
Students will start their preparation for the Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programme in one of the participating Further Education campuses - Cavan Institute, Monaghan Institute or O’Fiaich Institute, Dundalk. Students will spend the first year of this programme in their local ETB, where they will complete a QQI Level 5 in Nursing Studies, and then progress to Dundalk Institute of Technology to undertake their four-year BSc (Hons).
The 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. Each ETB will offer students additional support in the areas of mathematics, ICT and study skills to build knowledge and confidence in their next step to DkIT.
This tertiary education programme aims to increase access to degree level education in several ways, including increasing the number of locations regionally where students can begin their studies, enhancing flexibility through providing a number of programme paths, and widening access through more flexible entry requirements which take account of the socio-economic and other barriers faced by eligible participants.
‘Opens new doors’
Speaking on the initiative, Director of Further Education and Training (FET) at CMETB, Dr Linda Pinkster, said they are delighted to be part of this collaboration with DKIT and LMETB which “opens new doors for learners”.
“By starting their journey in their local community, students gain confidence, develop essential academic skills, and are empowered to progress into higher education.
“This is about equity, opportunity, and building the future workforce in a sector where compassionate, skilled professionals are so urgently needed.”
Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years at DkIT, Briege King, that Intellectual Disability Nurses play a “vital role” in helping people live independently with dignity.
“We’re excited to see more individuals gain access to this essential career path,” she stated.