Sponsorship for the Nurse Referral for Radiological Procedures Education Programme
Funding is available for registered nurses who wish to apply to undertake the standalone education programme to expand their scope of practice. This funding is available to registered nurses employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and HSE funded agencies (Section 38) who meet the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) entry criteria.
Nurse referral for radiological procedures education programmes are provided by a number of HEIs. The education programme meets the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requirements and standards for Nurse Authority to Refer for Radiological Procedures (Standards and Requirements for Education Programmes) (nmbi.ie, 2020)
This standalone education programme is currently available in:
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
You can see start dates for Autumn 2025 and January 2026 education programmes on the following information sheet:
Who Can Apply
To apply for funding you:
- Are a Registered Nurse or Registered Children’s Nurse on the active Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) Register
- Have the equivalent of a minimum of one-year recent post registration experience
- Possess the competencies and prior education designated by the HEI
- Have completed a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 physical health assessment module (including physical examination skill) or equivalent
- Demonstrate evidence of further education/CPD - on the HEI application form
- Possess a competent level of information technology literacy
- Are currently employed as a registered nurse/midwife in the HSE or HSE funded agencies (Section 38)
- Have support from your employer to undertake the programme
- Have confirmation of a designated medical practitioner/mentor and consultant radiologist
How to apply for funding
In order to secure programme funding applicants are asked to fully complete an electronic “Funding Application Form for Nurse Referral for Radiological Procedures Education Programme” see below. The application form must be downloaded. Applicants must complete all sections of this form in consultation with their line manager and the Director of Nursing/Service Manager/Designate. Download the application form (PDF, 618 KB, 6 pages)
Please note to secure funding for the education programme the completed electronic funding application form must be submitted prior to the application closing date for the relevant HEI. Incomplete funding application forms will not be accepted.
See the following application guidelines for more information:
Applicants can contact the programme coordinator in the HEI of interest for further information. Programme coordinator contact details are listed in the 2025-2026 nurse referral for radiological procedures education programme information sheet above.
Should you have queries regarding funding please email fundingnursemidwife.referral@hse.ie
After you complete the programme
You commit to work for your employer/health service provider for at least 12 months or for the length of the academic programme undertaken, whichever is longer.
Contact
Dr Maureen Flynn - Director of Nursing, National Lead Nurse Referral for Radiological Procedures (interim)
Phone: 087 931 7014
Email: maureena.flynn@hse.ie