Nursing - Breast Care Nursing

The curriculum is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills with respect to the holistic assessment and management of patients with malignant and benign breast conditions.



How will I benefit?

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Professional Diploma in Nursing (Breast Care Nursing). This is a highly regarded qualification for nurses caring for patients with breast conditions in Ireland.

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



Clinical PracticumNMHS42580

Breast Care NursingNMHS42860

Entry Requirements



Applicants must hold a Graduate/Higher Diploma in Adult Cancer Nursing



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)



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



Specific Requirements



Applicants must have at least one year’s experience in Breast Care Nursing at time of attendance



Applicants must be employed in a Breast Care unit (focusing on cancer and benign conditions) or related specialist setting prior to commencing the course and for duration of the course



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. Further information can be found in respect of this here.



Documents required:



The official closing date is July 31st, however, as places on the programme are subject to clinical placements which are limited, you are advised to have all of the required documentation submitted by July 1st.



Certificates of nursing qualifications or validated copies of awards

Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

A current photocopy of NMBI registration

Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport

Professional Reference Form(original form)

Declaration Form

Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form

Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)

The following entry routes are available:



Prof Dip Breast Care Nursing (Sept) PT (XA02)

Duration 8 Months

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*



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

8 months 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.