Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is an accredited course that will train you to work in support roles across the health industry.
You’ll develop the foundational skills required to work directly with patients under the supervision of professional health staff. This is essential work in a highly functioning health system. Your understanding of how to assist and support these staff is critical to the care of patients and clients.
You’ll learn to ensure quality of care, safety, infection control, empathy and respect. You’ll also develop practical skills in patient care and movement, transport, bed making, clinical cleaning and food service.
Graduates of this course go on to work as health services assistants, orderlies, personal care assistants, patient service assistants and more.
Duration
14 weeks (plus Semester/Term Breaks)
Intakes
Wantirna (February, April, July, October) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Study this course for low-fee or free in 2021
You could have some or all your tuition fees covered in 2021 thanks to government initiatives JobTrainer and Free TAFE for Priority Courses.
JobTrainer is available if you are 17-24 years or a job seeker of any age, impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in our health care system in integral support roles - ensuring quality of care, safety, infection control, empathy and respect is maintained at the highest level. You will learn many practical skills to assist in future employment such as assisting with patient care and movement, patient transport, bed making, clinical cleaning and food service.
Course structure
To be awarded this qualification, students need to complete 15 units, including 7 core and 8 electives. These have been selected to incorporate a number of key support skills of a Health Services Assistant such as transporting patients, individual support and food service.
Units of study
Core Units:
Communicate and work in health or community services (CHCOM005)
Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
Recognise healthy body systems (HLTAAP001)
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately (BSBMED301)
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures (HLTINF001)
Participate in workplace health and safety (HLTWHS001)
Organise personal work priorities and development (BSBWOR301)
Elective Units:
Provide first aid (HLTAID003)
Assist with movement (CHCCCS002)
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern (CHCCCS020)
Transport individuals (CHCCCS026)
Prepare and maintain beds (CHCCCS012)
Perform general cleaning tasks in a clinical setting (HLTHSS003)
Provide individualised support (CHCCCS015)
Follow basic food safety practices (HLTFSE001)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Upon completion opportunities may include: health services assistant, hospital orderly, other patient support services e.g. personal care assistant, patient service assistant, environmental services, food services or ward assistant.
Aims and objectives
The course aims to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge to work effectively in delivering support services within a clinical health environment.
Graduate skills
The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is an accredited course that will train you to work in support roles across the health industry.
You’ll develop the foundational skills required to work directly with patients under the supervision of professional health staff. This is essential work in a highly functioning health system. Your understanding of how to assist and support these staff is critical to the care of patients and clients.
You’ll learn to ensure quality of care, safety, infection control, empathy and respect. You’ll also develop practical skills in patient care and movement, transport, bed making, clinical cleaning and food service.
Graduates of this course go on to work as health services assistants, orderlies, personal care assistants, patient service assistants and more.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate III in Health Services AssistanceEstimated course fees for 2021* |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate | Is this a Free TAFE course? |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $5,670 | $1,140 | $228 | Yes |
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Free TAFE Government-subsidised place
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 453.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
Additional requirements
The following additional criteria apply for this course:
Applicants will need to have access to a computer with an internet connection, microphone and preferably webcam.
Please note that the duties of a Health Services Assistant can be quite physically demanding and should be considered and/or discussed before applying if there are any concerns.