Back to Healthcare

    National code: HLT43021

    Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Communication and Swallowing Support)

    Ask a question

    OverviewAbout this course

    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.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    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

    Course outcomes

    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

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    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.

    Traineeship

    • 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.

    Completion requirements

    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

    Entry recommendations

    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.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: speech pathology assistant, allied health assistant, healthcare support worker, therapy aide and health administration assistant.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    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.

    Further study5 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    Related study0 Courses

    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.

    Your experience counts

    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.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    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.

    • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriatelyBSBMED301

    • Respond effectively to behaviours of concernCHCCCS020

    • Support relationships with carer and familyCHCCCS036

    • Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving supportCHCCCS038

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    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

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol