Nursing - Breast Care Nursing

The programme will enhance your existing knowledge and skills in caring for patients with malignant and benign breast conditions.

The programme aims to develop the practitioner’s capacities for caring and competent practice in Breast Care Nursing, in order to prepare the nurse to provide patient-centred care within the health service.

How will I benefit?
On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Breast Care Nursing). This is a highly regarded qualification for nurses caring for patients with breast conditions in Ireland.

Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for patients with breast conditions, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in breast care. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.

This is a one (academic) year programme, broken down into two semesters.

Stage 1 - Core
Fundamentals of Cancer CareNMHS42560
Clinical PracticumNMHS42580
Breast Care NursingNMHS42860
The Psychological Impact of Chronic IllnessNMHS42880

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in related discipline)

Applicants must be entered onto the appropriate division of the Nurses Register maintained by An Bord Altranais (be registered as an RGN)

Applicants must hold a Graduate Diploma in another specialist area of nursing or have obtained 30 ECT (credits) at Level 9 (Masters Level in both research and theoretical aspects of nursing)

Other criteria to be used in the assessment of the application include number of years of experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development

Documents Required

Applicants: A current photocopy of An Bord Altranais registration
Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
Signed Declaration Form from Employer (original form)
Completed Professional Reference Form (original form)
Applicants: Completed Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form signed by the nominee
Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered.

How To Apply?

Grad Cert Breast Care Nursing PT (X684)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year part-time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Blended

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability
Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for patients with breast conditions, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in breast care. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.