Introduction to Validation

Irish Qualifications In Occupational Therapy

Irish Qualifications In Speech And Language Therapy

Irish Qualifications In Radiography (Diagnostic Radiography And Radiation Therapy)

Irish Qualifications In Podiatry/Chiropody

The Assessment Process

Introduction to Validation

Validation is the process by which non-Irish qualifications are assessed for their equivalence to the entry-level qualifications required to work in the publicly-funded health sector in Ireland. Persons cannot be employed in their professional capacity in the statutory health service, in either a permanent or temporary capacity, unless their qualifications have been recognised.

The recognition of qualifications is not a statement of suitability for a particular post/language competence.

Qualifications from EEA member states are assessed under an EU Commission Directive 2005/36/EC.

The Directive provides for the assessment of qualifications both for the purpose of establishment (see Appendix 1) and also for temporary service (see Appendix 2 Guidelines and Appendix 3 -Declaration.)

This website provides general information only and it is the responsibility of each applicant to inform themselves about the Directive. Full information is available on the EU Commission Website and on a specific EU Frequently Asked Questions page.

A separate process exists for the assessment of qualifications  from outside the EEA member states.   Read Appendix 4 for more information.

Non-EEA nationals who are legally resident in Ireland should go to: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Stamps for further information.

All applicants for qualification recognition should be aware that there is now a Government moratorium to the end of the year 2010 on recruitment /replacement of staff in the publicly–funded health sector in Ireland.  This means that positions in Ireland for health professionals are very scarce. 

If you have queries please contact:

Annette Lyons

National Validation Office

Leadership Education and Development

Health and Social Care Professionals Education and Development

Health Service Executive

Merlin Park

Galway

Tel 00353 91 775094

E-mail: annette.lyons@hse.ie

IRISH QUALIFICATIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

The minimum approved academic qualifications for appointment as a Basic Grade Occupational Therapist are one of the following:

(a) The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy from NUI Galway,

the University of Dublin or University College Cork or

(b) The Master of Science from the University of Limerick or

(c) A Diploma from the College of Occupational Therapy, or

(d) A recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b) or (c)

Please refer to www.aoti.ie to download application form. Alternatively, you can email annette.lyons@hse.ie for an application form

IRISH QUALIFICATIONS IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY

The minimum approved academic qualification for appointment as a Basic Grade  Speech and Language Therapist  is one of the following:

(i) The B.Sc (Clinical Speech and Language Studies) from the University of Dublin, or
(ii) The BA (Moderatorship) (Remedial Linguistics) from the University of Dublin or
(iii) B.Sc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy (University College, Cork) or
(iv) The M.Sc in Speech and Language Therapy (Professional Qualification) from the University of Limerick. or
(vi) Licentiateship from the College of Speech Therapists, or
(vii) A validated Speech and Langauge Qualification at least equivalent to (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi)
above

Applicants seeking recognition  of Speech and Language Therapy qualifications should read Appendix 4 and contact annette.lyons@hse.ie for the appropriate application form.

IRISH QUALIFICATIONS IN RADIOGRAPHY (DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY AND RADIATION THERAPY)

In Ireland there are two separate radiography qualifications in either Diagnostic Imaging or in Radiation Therapy/Therapeutic Radiography.

Diagnostic Imaging

The minimum approved academic qualification necessary for appointment as a Basic Grade Diagnostic Imaging Radiographer is one of the following:

(i) the Diploma of the College of Radiographers, Dublin 

or

(ii) the B.Sc (Hons) in Radiography from University College Dublin

or

(iii) a qualification at least equivalent to (i) or (ii) above

Radiation Therapist

The minimum approved academic qualifications necessary for appointment as a Basic Grade Radiation Therapist is one of the following:

(i) the Diploma of the College of Radiographers (Therapy)

or

(ii) the B.Sc (Hons) in Radiation Therapy from the University of Dublin

or

(iii) a qualification at least equivalent to (i) or (ii) above

Please refer to www.iirrt.ie to download diagnostic or radiation therapy application forms. Alternatively, you can email annette.lyons@hse.ie for an application form

IRISH QUALIFICATIONS IN PODIATRY/CHIROPODY

The minimum approved academic qualification necessary for appointment as a Basic Grade Podiatrist/Chiropodist, are one of the following:

(a)       the B.Sc. (Hons) in Podiatry of the National University of Ireland Galway

or

(b)       a qualification equivalent to (a)

                                    or

(c)        Be on the list of podiatrists/chiropodists approved by the HSE to practice in the publicly funded health service on or before the 30th April 2010.

Please contact annette.lyons@hse.ie for a copy of the application form

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Details of the administration of the assessment process (for both EEA and non-EEA nationals) is at Appendix 5 (NVO PROCESS DOCUMENT)

If you have queries contact

Annette Lyons

National Validation Office

Leadership Education and Development

Health and Social Care Professionals Education and Development

Health Service Executive

Merlin Park

Galway

Tel 00353 91 775094

E-mail: annette.lyons@hse.ie