TAFE NSW
12 months to 1 year 6 months
Become a culturally competent healthcare support worker for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. This Certificate III combines theory and practical training to prepare you for roles in primary healthcare, aged care, and community health services, contributing to better health outcomes and closing the gap.
You must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be accepted within your community as evidenced by a Confirmation of Aboriginality letter or alternative evidence. Before starting, you'll complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test to ensure your skills match course demands. You'll need to obtain a valid Australian Working with Children Check (WWCC), Australian National Police Record Check (NPC), and meet vaccination and occupational assessment requirements set by NSW Ministry of Health. We recommend strong communication skills, a caring nature, access to a computer and internet, and adequate physical fitness to perform CPR.
The course comprises 15 units of competency: 9 core units and 6 specialty units. Core units cover essential skills including supporting clients to access health services, assisting with health assessments, working in Aboriginal health support roles, infection prevention and control, workplace health and safety, recognising healthy body systems, supporting safe medication use, communicating in health services, and working legally and ethically. Specialty units are packaged by TAFE NSW and may include first aid, oral health, dementia support, mental health and trauma support, domestic violence response, child safeguarding, pharmacy support, disease prevention, environmental health, and community disaster response. Not all specialty units are offered at every location.
TAFE NSW is a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90003) with extensive experience delivering nationally accredited qualifications. The institute provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, Aboriginal support programs, and career counselling. TAFE NSW tailors courses to meet local community needs and recognises prior learning and work experience, allowing students to complete qualifications faster. The provider's commitment to Aboriginal education and culturally safe training ensures graduates are well-prepared for roles in their communities.
Graduates pursue careers as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers across diverse healthcare settings including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, public and private health sectors, primary healthcare clinics, aged care facilities, and disability care services. Roles involve supporting clients with health assessments, medication management, health promotion, and access to healthcare services. The qualification provides a pathway to further study, including the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice, enabling career advancement into supervisory and specialist health roles.
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