Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses
Medical/Dental/General Reception (BBSAX)

This course is designed to meet the needs of those seeking positions as receptionists in Medical Clinics, Dental Clinics, Hotels, Travel Agencies, Business and Industry. The course will be of interest to anybody who enjoys meeting with and assisting others.

The remaining credit can be obtained using one or more components from Levels 4, 5 or 6.

Note: Learners may submit a maximum of two components from Level 4 and a maximum of one component from Level 6.

Components from Level 4 will have a value of 0.5 while those from Level 6 will have a value of 1 unless otherwise specified.

Business Administration Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop an understanding of the structure of an organisation
• appreciate the impact of the factors which affect a business organisation
• understand the financial aspects of business administration
• appreciate the functions of human resources within a business organisation
• undertake administrative duties in relation to meetings
• process business documents (in relation to sales, purchases, stock control and insurance)

Database Methods Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand databases and their range of applications
• use databases for a range of applications
• create databases from design specification(s)
• utilise a wide range of database functions in order to manipulate, interrogate and output information
• create a database according to a given brief, under time constraint
• demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in responding to database assignments

Communications Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop an awareness of the essential role played by communication in human interaction
• acquire communication skills relevant to vocational and personal development
• understand the communicative principles and practices involved in gathering and relaying information
• acquire the skills and confidence to convey and interpret meaning, in writing, orally and visually
• develop a critical awareness of communications messages and media
• explore the use of modern communication and information technology, and its application in personal and vocational life

Work Experience Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop critical awareness of the changing nature of work
• set achievable goals for work experience
• utilise learning opportunities presented in the work environment
• apply work skills to consolidate learning in the vocational area
• understand how work is planned and organised at different levels in a specific vocational area
• appreciate the importance of safety and welfare in the workplace
• develop capabilities, both personal and vocational, to successfully meet challenges in the workplace
• review career choices in the light of their own aspirations, experience, abilities and available options
• explore future employment opportunities (including opportunities for self employment, contract work, work in the social economy, etc)

Bookkeeping Manual and Computerised Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire an understanding of basic bookkeeping concepts and terminology
• acquire the knowledge and skills to record transactions in a manual accounts system and draw up a trial balance
• understand the main components of a computer system, and acquire the skills to carry out various housekeeping tasks
• appreciate the advantages of computerised accounts, and be aware of the various accounts packages available
• appreciate the importance of data accuracy and confidentiality in financial transactions
• appreciate the importance of regular back- up of data in a computerised accounts system

Behavioural Studies Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• identify the factors which influence perception
• understand how consumers learn about company products and services
• explain the motivation for different purchasing decisions
• investigate the extent to which personality influences purchasing decision making
• understand the formation of attitude and change in consumer decision making
• analyse the impact of social groups and social class on behaviour
• appreciate the influence of cultural differences (nationally and internationally) on business practices
• understand the interaction of individuals and groups within organisations
• analyse the motivating factors within an organisation

Marketing Practice Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• be familiar with the principles and practices of marketing
• be able to work effectively as a marketing assistant
• understand the functions of a marketing department
• understand the role of marketing in everyday life

Spreadsheet Methods Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand spreadsheets and their range of application
• design spreadsheets for a range of tasks
• create spreadsheets from design specification(s)
• utilise a wide range of functions, including macros and other functions
• create a spreadsheet, according to a given brief, under time constraints
• demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in responding to spreadsheet assignments

Statistics Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire an understanding of the characteristics of data
• gain an introduction to methods of data collection
• compile statistical information
• select and use appropriate means of presenting data
• analyse and interpret statistical information

Word Processing Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• acquire a thorough working knowledge of a word processing package
• be familiar with an operating system
• develop the skills of personal initiative and resourcefulness
• develop good work practices in relation to the use of the computer, printer and materials
• acquire the skills necessary to produce attractive documents to mailable standard

Legal Studies Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• develop a general understanding of the Irish legal system
• evaluate the impact of the law on their personal and vocational lives
• develop skills in evaluation and analysis
• be familiar with the language, procedures and documents related to the law in their vocational area
• appreciate the importance of respecting confidentiality in all legal communications and business transactions

Text Production Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• understand the importance of good text production techniques
• appreciate the importance of consistent style and layout
• acquire a thorough working knowledge of an input device
• develop the skills necessary to display documents attractively to mailable standard
• maximise speed and accuracy

Reception Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• appreciate the professional skills required by a receptionist to operate in a front line position
• appreciate the importance of the layout and maintenance of a reception area
• understand and implement the procedures involved in the operation of an efficient front office area
• understand the different systems and equipment in operation within a reception area
• demonstrate a professional attitude to colleagues and clients
• appreciate the importance of confidentiality in all business communication and transactions

Desktop Publishing Level 5
Learners who successfully complete this module will:

• appreciate the impact of the print medium in our lives
• develop creativity and visual awareness
• analyse critically the layout of printed publications from the points of view of design, style and harmony
• develop a knowledge of the complete desktop publishing process incorporating briefing, concept, design and production
• acquire basic technological skills and key crafts to process text and graphic images on an electronic page and reproduce them as a printed page
• recognise appropriate hardware/software configurations, and the potential and limitations of the desktop publishing technology to which the learner has access
• develop an awareness of security, legal and cost considerations