Ireland Needs to Double the Number of Healthcare College Places

The Irish Times reported that the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that Ireland needs to double the number of healthcare college places so that we can meet the skills demand for the health sector over the coming years – speaking at an event in Dublin last week organised by the Irish Universities Association.

Ireland needs to double the number of healthcare college places

Stephen Donnelly spoke about the aim to double “the number of student places across the full range of health professions. We must do this to meet our health workforce and patient care needs in the coming years and decades.”

Reaching this target would require significant capital investment.

At the moment Ireland offers a range of courses in healthcare to try and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector. Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or pursuing a career in healthcare management, there are various educational pathways available.

Here are some popular healthcare courses in Ireland:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

This undergraduate degree, commonly known as the Medicine degree, prepares students to become medical doctors. It typically spans five to six years and includes both theoretical studies and practical clinical training.

Bachelor of Nursing Science

This  four-year degree programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to become registered nurses. It covers areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing practice.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

This highly prestigious degree focuses on pharmaceutical science, drug therapy, patient care, and the responsible use of medications. It prepares students to become licensed pharmacists who play a vital role in patient healthcare.

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science

This undergraduate programme delves into the scientific aspects of healthcare, emphasizing biomedical research, laboratory techniques, and understanding disease processes. It provides a foundation for careers in medical research, diagnostics, and healthcare industries.

Bachelor of Health Sciences

This interdisciplinary programme explores various aspects of healthcare, including public health, health promotion, healthcare management, and health policy. It provides a broad understanding of the healthcare system and equips students with skills applicable to a range of healthcare careers.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

This postgraduate degree focuses on public health practice, epidemiology, health promotion, and health policy. It prepares students to address public health challenges and contribute to population health improvement.

Start your search here