The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has partnered with four of the country’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across the Midlands and Mid-West to launch a new tertiary pathway in Mental Health Nursing. This strategic alliance involves Limerick and Clare ETB, Tipperary ETB, Longford and Westmeath ETB (LWETB), and Laois and Offaly ETB (LOETB).
Developed in collaboration with the National Tertiary Office (NTO), this innovative programme provides a clear, non-CAO progression route for students pursuing a degree in Mental Health Nursing.
This pathway serves as a vital “bridge” for Further Education and Training (FET) students, offering guaranteed progression into higher education upon successful completion of their initial NFQ Level 5 QQI Major Award in Nursing Studies.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the regions’ four ETB’s and TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said: “This partnership is the result of extensive collaboration between TUS, our ETB partners, the HEA, and Solas to create a new professional pathway for the next generation of mental health nurses. By offering the Mental Health Nursing degree pathway through these four ETBs, it ensures students have access to continuing their professional healthcare careers and to developing the fundamental nursing skills and clinical competencies needed to become a registered Mental Health Nurse.”
Deputy Director of the National Tertiary Office, Tanya Jones, said: “Students are telling us how tertiary pathways are changing their lives — not just in terms of qualifications, but in confidence, purpose, and possibility. They speak about pride, about hope, and about finally being able to pursue a career they have always dreamed of, particularly in areas as vital and socially impactful as Mental Health Nursing.”
Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, said: “This new pathway is a very welcome development for learners in Limerick and Clare, giving them the opportunity to begin their studies locally at our College of FET, Ennis campus and progress on to a degree in Mental Health Nursing. It is a strong example of how partnership can open up real opportunities for our communities and for the future of healthcare in the region.”
Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Laois Offaly ETB said: “LOETB has fostered strong inter institutional relationships and progression options with TUS for many years and we’re delighted to build on the relationship through this Tertiary Pathway agreement. Having a number of guaranteed places on the Bachelor of Mental Health Nursing for our learners in Laois and Offaly is significant and valuable. It allows learners to begin their journey with us at LOETB and progress to a degree at TUS that will offer enhanced employment prospects and career progression in the healthcare sector.”
Clodagh Kelly, Chief Executive of Tipperary ETB commented: “This agreement with TUS marks an important step in expanding accessible, industry‑aligned education for the people of Tipperary. Through our collaboration with the National Tertiary Office, we are proud to work with TUS and our neighbouring ETBs to introduce a new tertiary pathway in Mental Health Nursing. This pathway will enable learners to begin their nursing journey locally with Tipperary ETB and progress seamlessly to higher‑level study, supporting both student ambition and critical skills needs across the region.”
Siobhan Lynch, Chief Executive of Longford and Westmeath ETB, stated: “Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board welcomes the launch of the Tertiary Pathway in Mental Health Nursing, which will open new opportunities for learners across Longford and Westmeath to access a rewarding career in healthcare. We are particularly pleased that this programme will be delivered through Longford College of Further Education in partnership with Technological University of the Shannon, providing a clear and supported route from further education into higher education within the region.
“This innovative pathway enables prospective students to pursue their ambitions while remaining connected to their local communities and will help address the growing need for skilled mental health professionals both regionally and nationally.
“LWETB is proud to work in partnership with TUS to support inclusive access to education and training that benefits individuals, communities, and essential public services.”
Starting in September 2026, learners can begin their journey toward a career in Mental Health Nursing at one of the four regional hubs: Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Ennis Campus, Tipperary ETB’s College of FET, Roscrea, LOETB’s FET Centre in Tullamore, and LWETB’s Longford FET Campus.
The aim of the programme is to provide students with an opportunity to learn the essential knowledge, skills and competencies associated with mental health nursing, enabling them to provide care across a variety of healthcare environments.
Programme Structure: The Mental Health Nursing Tertiary Degree is five years in duration:
- Year 1: Delivered at a local ETB centre. Students who successfully complete this year will be awarded an NFQ Level 5 QQI Major Award in Nursing Studies.
- Years 2–5: Students progress directly to TUS Athlone for a four-year degree programme leading to a BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing.
Graduates will develop fundamental nursing skills and clinical competencies, becoming eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Applications are now open at www.nto.ie.