Support speech pathologists as an allied health assistant with a specialisation in communication and swallowing. Contribute to the delivery of client's treatment programs including management of swallowing impairments and using communication systems.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Work under the supervision of a speech pathologist to deliver allied health programs to clients
Work with information about the human body
Provide support in swallowing (dysphagia) management
Support client development of speech and communication skills
Support clients to use different kinds of communication systems
Communicate and work effectively in a multi-disciplinary healthcare team
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
120 hours of work placement experience within the allied health industry
An understanding of how to work under the national allied health assistant frameworks
Specialist skills to assist speech pathologists
A foundational knowledge of how the allied health industry operates
Skills to comply with infection prevention and control requirements
Confidence to assist with the delivery of allied health programs to clients under supervision
Pathways to further study in allied health and healthcare
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol now.
TAFE NSW also offers the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Communication and Swallowing Support) as a traineeship. To be eligible to enrol in the course as a trainee you must:
Be in relevant employment as this course is delivered in the workplace
Have a signed traineeship contract
Thinking about a traineeship? Enquire today.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Wear your TAFE NSW Allied Health Assistant uniform to complete assessments and work placements
Adhere to uniform and personal grooming requirements
A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Vaccination and health screenings
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
Completion of mandatory online modules and an occupational assessment
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An interest in working in the healthcare industry
Adequate fitness and mobility to deliver First Aid, such as performing CPR while kneeling on the floor
Good manual handling skills and the ability to stand for long periods of time
An interest in, or experience working in a health-related field
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Basic computer literacy
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10/12 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us
to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that [supports your study
success](https://www.tafensw.edu.au/student-services/study-support) and ensures your LLN skills
match the demands of the course.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: speech pathology assistant, allied health assistant, healthcare support worker, therapy aide and health administration assistant.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Communication and Swallowing Support) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Communication and Swallowing Support) does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Communication and Swallowing Support) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 18 units of competency, including 10 core and 8 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community