MQF Level 5 Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies (Bridging Course)
Certificate
MQF 5 Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies (Bridging Course)
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€3,675 refund on this course
Course Description
This bridging course is aimed at third-country nationals who possess a nursing qualification at minimum MQF level 5. This programme’s theoretical component is intended to bridge the cultural and ethical differences between their practices and Maltese hospital procedures. The Work Placement Clinical Practice, in fact, rather than supporting solely the theory, is aimed at familiarising the candidate nurses with the procedures and processes of Maltese hospitals.
This programme is built upon the competences, knowledge and skills as established by the EU Directive 2013/55.
This bridging course is designed to lead the candidate nurse through a study journey to advance in knowledge, skills and competences amidst the challenges presented in a a multicultural health care service. The study programme focuses also on providing learning opportunities of working within a multidisciplinary team in different health settings. The content includes developmental, physical physiological and spiritual aspects of human health as well as tools to deal with illness and challenging behaviour.
The study journey provides learning opportunities both on campus – theoretical and simulation sessions – and work placement clinical practices within a multidisciplinary team in different health clinical settings.
The ultimate aim of practice is always the optimal delivery of care to the patient in care. With this in mind, this programme has been designed following the requirements and parameters of nursing responsibilities as established by ‘The Scope of Professional Practice’ of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta (CNM).
Also, this programme focuses on the Maltese legislations related to the sector and promotes the ‘Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives’, of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta.
The course is structured in three mandatory components:
- Modular (theoretical) component;
- Supervisor-led simulation sessions;
- Work placement within a multidisciplinary team in different health clinical settings.
Completion of this study programme will allow successful candidates to be eligible to apply for registration as first level nurses with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives.*
*Please ensure that you have all requirements in place, as stipulated on the website of the Council of Nurses and Midwives.
The course is structured in three mandatory components:
a) Modular (theoretical) component: This programme has 4 theoretical modules in total:
- Medical and Surgical Care (12 ECTS)
- Introduction to Elderly Care (6 ECTS)
- Mental Health Disorders (6 ECTS)
- Infection Control (6 ECTS)
The theoretical component of this qualification will help introduce and/or update new concepts and legislations in nursing while covering the underpinning knowledge to achieve the required competences and skills.
This component is based on the scope of professional practice as established by the EU Directive 2013/55 and ‘The Scope of Professional Practice’ of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta (CNM). The Modules are mandatory lecturer-led activities which include class lectures, online sessions, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities, fora and peer discussions promoting peer-to-peer learning.
(b) This programme includes simulation practices where learning opportunities are available to undertake training integrating theory to practice enabling the achievement of required competences.
IDEA Academy uses simulation practices as a model of training that takes place within a controlled environment on-campus. The candidate nurses role-play with a simulated patient to replicate nursing care. Simulation practices address a variety of nursing clinical skills carried out by the candidate nurse under the guidance of the supervisor.
The simulation sessions, taking part in modules 1, 2, and 4, form part of the contact hours of these modules, along with the lecturer-led hours, in an effort to support the theoretical component.
c) Work placement (module 5) of 330 hours, worth 11 ECTS, within a multidisciplinary team in the following health clinical settings:
- Medical Care
- Surgical Care
- Elderly Care
- Mental Health Care
- Primary Health and Community Care
- Paediatrics and Maternity Service
The main goal of the Work Placement is to ensure that the candidate nurse is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competences necessary to practice as a competent and professional nurse in Malta.
While on their work placement students are assigned to a specific supervisor in each health setting. The assigned supervisor will be registered first level nurse with a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience and with a track record in supervising other nurses.
Each Work Placement setting provides a learning opportunity where the candidate nurses can work in clinical nursing practice to further develop their skills and competences reflecting the competences requirements of the EU Directive 2013/55.
The Work Placement is intended to familiarise the students with the practices and procedures of Maltese hospitals. Completion of this study programme will allow successful candidates to be eligible to apply for registration as first level nurses with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
• a qualification at minimum MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing.
Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at either:
• Academic IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
OR
• OET with a minimum of a ‘B’ grade in speaking and a minimum of ‘C+’ in writing, reading, and listening.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Non-EU trained nurses who are in possession of a minimum qualification at MQF Level 5 (or comparable as per MQRIC) in Nursing, seeking a bridging course to enable them to apply for registration with the Maltese Council of Nurses and Midwives as first level nurses.
Career Paths
This MQF Level 5 Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies (Bridging Course) allows successful candidates to be eligible to apply for registration as first level Nurses with the Maltese Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Modules
You are required to complete all 5 compulsory modules (30 ECTS) and the work placement (11 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this certificate
🏁 Amazing! You’ve just achieved your Certificate.
MQF Level 5 Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies (Bridging Course)
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Work Placement Clinical Practices
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Course Intake Dates
March/ April 2025
Additional Information
Reading for the entire MQF 5 Certificate in Health Sciences – Nursing Studies (Bridging Course) as presented herein costs €4,200.*
Kindly be advised that the cost of the Nursing Uniform, which is mandatory, is not encompassed within the tuition fee and will incur additional expenses.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
Learning Outcomes
For Knowledge:
The learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of nursing responsibilities in providing professional care as established by the EU Directives 2013/55 and the ‘The Scope of Professional Practice’ of The Council for Nurses and Midwives, Malta (CNM).
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the sciences on which general nursing is based, including sufficient understanding of the structure, physiological functions and behaviour of healthy and sick persons, and of the relationship between the state of health and the physical and social environment of the human being.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and ethics of the profession and of the general principles of health and nursing.
- Demonstrate an understanding of nursing practices in accordance with the Maltese legislation.
- Develop an engaging and comprehensive understanding of research based literature on the subject of health care and solidarity with others.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical principles of professional nursing practices according to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives.
- Identify the challenges of working in a team and own role within the health team.
- Demonstrates knowledge and use of verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the underpinning knowledge of the organisation and management of health care corresponding to the different health care situations.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the importance towards personal and professional development.
For Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Develop adequate clinical experience, under the supervision of qualified nursing staff and in places where the number of qualified staff and equipment are appropriate for the nursing care of the patient.
- Ability to participate in the practical training of health personnel and experience of working with such personnel.
- Develop adequate experience of working together with members of other professions in the health sector.
- Demonstrate transfer of theoretical and practical knowledge, in proposing solutions to health care problems of patients.
- Assess the needs of people with health issues and understand the importance of knowing how to apply steps to deal with those issues.
- Analyse different techniques relevant to management of developmental, physical, psychological, spiritual and mental aspects of human health.
- Develop an ability to apply technical and problem- solving techniques.
- Prioritize according to patients critical needs and show highest respect to the patient.
- Develop a plan of action for teamwork where needed in a nursing environment.
- Apply supervisory and people management skills related to working with multidisciplinary teams in providing a holistic approach to health care.
- Practice effectively and uphold professional responsibilities and accountability.
- Work safely and show utmost respect towards colleagues.
- Promote professionalism and maintain public trust and confidence.
- Independently give advice to, instruct and support persons needing care.
- Convey ideas, in a well-structured and coherent way to peers, supervisors and clients using qualitative and quantitative information.
- Communicate proficiently and professionally within a health care context.
- Evaluate own learning and identify learning needs necessary to undertake further learning.
- Engage with fellow students in peer learning process to share own learning and development and assess and comment on progress of others in context of material being taught.
- Enhance their career by developing advanced knowledge and understanding to systematically and creatively upgrade their health care related practices.
For Work Placement:
- Assist patients/residents in achieving optimum health, independence, recovery, or a peaceful death in a professional caring manner.
- Provide and manage direct practical nursing whether health promotional, preventive, curative, rehabilitative or supportive.
- Demonstrate a knowledge base and a level of competence in clinical practice skills essential for safe practice, which are grounded in recent evidence-based nursing research.
- Identify and meet the nursing care needs of the patients/residents.
- Demonstrate development of skills of analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and reflective practice.
- Act as an effective member of a health care team and participate in the multi-disciplinary team approach to the care of patients/residents.