Nursing Courses

About Nursing

Nursing in Ireland is a valued and important part of Irish society. There are many opportunities for nurses in Ireland, and a range of Nursing-related positions can be pursued with the right qualifications. Nursing studies can lead to many interesting career paths, such as working in clinical practice, offering mental health nursing, working alongside midwives in a maternity care setting and pursuing work in intellectual disability nursing.

How to Become a Nurse in Ireland

At leaving certificate level, you’ll need a minimum of an H5 grade in two higher level papers and a minimum grade O6/H7 in four ordinary or higher level papers in Irish/English, Maths, a Laboratory Science subject (biology, physics, chemistry, physics & chemistry or agricultural science) and three other subjects. 

You can also access Nursing courses if you have the equivalent minimum educational attainments to the typical entry requirements, as decided by the EB. You may also be able to study to become a nurse if you meet the minimum educational requirements specified by the EB, so long as they are not of a lower standard than those set out in the typical entry requirements.

To become a nurse in Ireland, you’ll need to find a Nursing course that focuses on the area of Nursing you want to study. To apply to nursing school, you’ll need to go through the Central Admissions Office (CAO). 

After you’ve completed your course or diploma, you can apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) to become a registered nurse. Once you’re registered, you can find work at private or public hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and community health centres. 

How to Study to Become a Nurse in Ireland

The successful completion of a Nursing programme or course can open up opportunities. If you’re looking to become qualified in Nursing, your best bet is to explore courses and see what works best for you. 

For those looking for Nursing courses in Ireland, finding providers that can offer online or in-person learning options within Ireland or suited to English speakers living in Irish time zones is the best course of action. You’ll be able to get one-to-one guidance from lecturers in a time frame that suits you.

Courses that are based in Ireland are more likely to have work placements that are located in Ireland, meaning that you can get valuable work experience during your nursing degree or qualification. 

Practice placements can be a great way to see how health services are administered in a professional healthcare setting. A clinical placement can help you marry up nursing theory and practice, taking your higher education into a real-world setting.

If you’re studying online, you don’t have to worry about looking for Nursing courses in Dublin, Cork, or in a specific location. However, it can be a good idea to go with an Irish provider, as employers can be more sure of the quality of a course if it’s from a provider based within Ireland. 

Course comparison sites can allow you to search for Irish-based providers and find the course that suits you best. You can find interactive online courses, whether that’s full-time or part-time, or explore in-person, instructor-led courses that can give you the skills you need to master your Nursing skill set. 

Through in-person Nursing classes or online learning, learners can get the new skills needed to start their career in this area.

You can choose courses that include modules and tutorials that go over the fundamentals of Nursing and leave you with in-demand skills that can be used as a springboard to find work or as a precursor to postgraduate and further study.

Want to start your education journey in Nursing? Browse our list of available courses today for further information and get started in a lifelong career. Access further education and find opportunities today.