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National code: HLT33115 | CRICOS Code: 094262M
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care)
OverviewAbout this course
If you are passionate about the healthcare of our community and want to play a key role in supporting front-line healthcare workers, the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work Acute Care) could lead you to a rewarding career.
You will learn to interpret and apply medical terminology, work with diverse people, recognise healthy body systems, comply with infection prevention and control policies, as well as the fundamentals of workplace health and safety.
TAFE NSW teachers will equip you with the knowledge you will need to provide support and assistance to health professionals and the patients in their care.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Interpret and apply medical terminology
- Work with diverse people
- Recognise healthy body systems
- Comply with infection prevention and control policies
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Taking and recording basic vital signs and tests
- Recording intake and output on fluid balance chart and/or food chart
- Measuring and recording weight
- Collecting urine, sputum or faecal specimen
- Recognising changes in consciousness
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- An interest in helping others
- The ability to work collaboratively with others
- Patience
- Empathy
- Strong communication skills
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Health Service Assistant
- Personal Care Assistance
- Nursing Assistant
- Patient Support Assistant
SuitabilityInternational entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
- Year 10 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Package Entry Requirement:The entry requirement for a package with Diploma of Nursing is:
- Academic IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 across all bands or equivalent
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you
Work placement provides you with opportunities to practice responding to situations and circumstances that cannot be experienced in a learning or simulated environment. Work placement strengthens your training and supports continued education and assessment in the workplace.
During your course, you will undertake a mandatory 80 hours of work placement in acute care.
TAFE NSW will secure a placement for you and assist with coordinating the workplace learning and other workplace activities you will undertake. This is in line with TAFE NSW policy.
To undertake a work placement within the industry, you will need to meet other requirements. Your teacher will let you know when you need to provide evidence of:
- NSW Health’s Criminal Record Check requirements
- A signed copy of the NSW Health Code of Conduct form and any other forms, as required by NSW Health
- An Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases
- Health care worker/student vaccination record card
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- An interest in helping people
- The ability to work independently and in a team
- Good organisation and time management skills
- Patience and empathy
- Good verbal and written communication skills
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Hill | Feb, Jul | $10,500 AUD |
| Kingswood | Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct | $10,500 AUD |
| Newcastle (Tighes Hill) | Jul | $10,500 AUD |
| Ultimo | Feb, Jul (Full) | $10,500 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Hill | Feb, Jul | $10,920 AUD |
| Kingswood | Feb, Jul | $10,920 AUD |
| Newcastle (Tighes Hill) | Feb, Jul | $10,920 AUD |
| Ultimo | Feb, Jul | $10,920 AUD |
Additional costs
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.
Structure and unitsWhat you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
Total number of units = 15 7 core units 8 elective units, consisting of at least 6 units from the electives listed up to 2 units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. Packaging for this specialisation: All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance(Assisting in nursing work in acute care). To achieve this qualification with this specialisation, the candidate must have completed at least 80 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the unit of competency.
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Communicate and work in health or community servicesCHCCOM005
Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
Recognise healthy body systemsHLTAAP001
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and proceduresHLTINF001
Participate in workplace health and safetyHLTWHS001
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriatelyBSBMED301
Organise personal work priorities and developmentBSBWOR301
PathwaysContinue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
ServicesCampus facilities and support services
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International