Blended Learning Programme

QQI Level 8 Minor Award: Certificate in Clinical Work with Substance Using Clients Studies

**** Validated by QQI at Level 8 ****

  • Award: QQI Minor award Certificate in Clinical Work with Substance Using Clients Studies. Validated by QQI at Level 8.

  • Cost: €705.00. Deposit of €211.50 is required to secure place.

  • Attendance Options:

    • TBC
  • Duration: 28 hours class contact time, plus additional self-directed learning. SDL is decided at learners’ own discretion. SDL can include time spent preparing for classes and deliberate practice with peers. Learners who also wish to obtain the college Level 8 minor award with be required to write the assignment, and so SDL would apply here also.

Aims & Objectives of the Programme:

The aim of this minor Award is to provide participants with a basis on which to develop their therapeutic understanding of the theoretical and clinical considerations of substance use. The objectives of the module include increasing knowledge of Substance Use issues to include pharmacology, aetiology, and interventions appropriate to this clinical cohort.

Substance use in Ireland is on an upward trajectory. According to the Health Research Board (2020), 7% of respondents have used an illegal drug in the past year, and one in five drinkers have an alcohol use disorder. Substance use in Ireland is on the rise and those who wish to work with clients in distress must understand the issue and be armed with interventions that are unique to treating it.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants will hold a Level 8 Degree in the helping professions (counselling, psychotherapy, social care, social work, psychology, psych nursing, mental health, addiction etc.). Those who hold a Level 7 Degree in the helping professions, plus appropriate relevant work experience may be eligible to apply under RPL.

Minimum Technological Requirements

For both the fully online and for the blended learning programme, you will need to have:

  • Appropriate broadband to be able to upload and download;
  • A desktop computer or laptop that is capable of using zoom;
  • A webcam and microphone;
  • A web browser; and
  • Word processing package

Overview

This programme is delivered via Blended Learning with 2 days on site in our Tallaght Campus and 2 days online via Zoom.

The core syllabus includes the following themes:

  • Drug Classification and Pharmacology.
  • Etiological understandings of addiction including behavioural and disease models;
  • Societal and individual attitudes toward those impacted by substance use/addiction and the consequences of prejudicial and discriminatory values;
  • Models of intervention:
    • Assessment of Substance Use;
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy w/substance using clients;
    • Community Reinforcement Approach w/substance using clients;
    • Motivational Interviewing w/substance using clients;
    • Abstinence Models w/substance using clients;
  • Harm Reduction w/substance using clients;
  • The Wheel of Change;
  • Dual Disorders.

Dates

  • TBC

Getting Started

The dates for the next intake are to be confirmed. Please register your interest here and we will notify you as soon as the next intake is confirmed. Thank you.

Register Your Interest

If you have any trouble at any stage of the application please click here to get in touch and we will be happy to help.