TAFE NSW
6 months (full-time) or 12 months (part-time)
Become an allied health assistant with nationally recognised training in rehabilitation, movement and mobility, communication and swallowing, and nutrition and dietetics. This 6-12 month course combines theory, practical work, and 120 hours of workplace placement to prepare you for roles supporting healthcare professionals.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, you should have an interest in or experience working in a health-related field, strong communication and interpersonal skills, adequate fitness and mobility to perform tasks like CPR, good manual handling skills, and language, literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 level. TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test to understand your individual study needs. You'll also need to provide a Working with Children Check, vaccination and health screening evidence, and complete mandatory online modules.
The course comprises 18 units of competency: 10 core units and 8 specialty units. Core units cover clinical supervision and delegation, empowerment of people receiving support, carer and family relationships, infection prevention and control, health conditions, allied health programs, medical terminology, safe work practices, behaviour management, and working with diverse people. Specialty units are packaged by TAFE NSW and may include rehabilitation programs, movement and mobility support, communication and swallowing assistance, nutritional advice and dietetics, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, dementia support, mental health support, audiology assistance, and telehealth coordination. Specialty units vary by campus location.
TAFE NSW is a leading registered training organisation (RTO 90003) with extensive experience in vocational education and training. The course is nationally recognised, allowing graduates to work across different states without additional upskilling. TAFE NSW provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, Aboriginal support, careers counselling, and access to learning resources. The qualification is delivered through a combination of on-campus, online, and workplace training, offering flexibility to suit different learning styles and circumstances.
Graduates progress to roles such as allied health assistant, healthcare support worker, therapy aide, and health administration assistant. The qualification provides pathways to further study in allied health and healthcare fields. With 120 hours of work placement experience and nationally recognised credentials, graduates are well-positioned for employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health services, aged care facilities, and private allied health practices. The skills developed support career advancement in the growing healthcare and allied health sector.