TAFE NSW
12 months to 1 year 6 months
Become an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health practitioner with this nationally recognised Certificate IV. Combining theory and practical training, you'll develop skills in primary health care, health assessments, medication support, and culturally appropriate practice to help close the gap in health outcomes for your community.
You must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such, and be accepted within your community (evidenced by Confirmation of Aboriginality letter or alternative evidence). Current employment in local health districts or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services is required. You must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test achieving a score of 14 across literacy bands and 3 across one numeracy band. Recommended: caring and compassionate nature, strong communication skills, computer and internet access, adequate physical fitness to perform CPR, and a desire to give back to your community.
The course comprises 19 units of competency: 14 core units and 5 specialty units. Core units cover communication and relationship building, legal and ethical practice, infection prevention and control, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care principles, reflective practice, social and cultural determinants of health, comprehensive physical health assessments, medication support, social and emotional wellbeing, lifestyle change promotion, workplace health and safety, medication administration, client rights and advocacy, and complex healthcare plan implementation. Specialty units include first aid, brief interventions, child protection, suicide prevention, hearing assessment, pathology collection, smoking cessation, stress management, oral health, palliative care, telehealth, disability support, domestic violence response, dementia care, chronic disease management, cancer awareness, diabetes support, maternal and child health, and crisis response.
TAFE NSW is a leading registered training organisation (RTO 90003) with extensive experience delivering nationally accredited healthcare qualifications. The provider offers 7 study and location options across NSW campuses, flexible delivery methods (on campus, online, combination, virtual, and workplace training), comprehensive support services including Aboriginal support, disability services, language and literacy support, and counselling. TAFE NSW recognises prior learning and offers credit transfers to accelerate your qualification completion.
Upon completion and registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA), you can work as an Aboriginal health practitioner or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner in various healthcare settings including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations, public health services, and private health sector. The qualification provides a pathway to further study and career advancement in health and community services. Your specialist skills in primary health care principles position you to make meaningful contributions to addressing health inequities in your community.