Education and Training International WA

New Trade Courses

Education and Training International is pleased to announce that a suite of new programs are now available for enrolment.

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Aged Care Work (Certificate III to Certificate IV)   


Program DetailsProgram Details  
There is currently a shortage of aged care workers in Perth and regional Western Australia.  This course provides students with the skills and knowledge to assist clients unable to care for themselves due to ill health or disability. Students learn about the aged care sector, dementia, effective communication, safety procedures and ethical behaviour. The students also learn to plan, develop, implement and monitor programs and services for older people. As part of the qualification students undertake a supervised work placement. After the 6 month certificate III students can be licensed as a 'carer'

Summary

Program Summary
* Please check full details below...
Duration (depends on entry & exit point): 1 year of full-time study
Study Location(s) Available: In Perth - Mt Lawley offers both courses; Joondalup, Thornlie, Peel and Rockingham offer the Cert III only. In Regional W.A. - Albany offers both courses; Bunbury and Broome offer the Cert III only.
College(s): Central, Swan, Challenger, West Coast, Great Southern, South West Regional, Kimberley
Approximate Tuition Costs: A$5,000 per semester
Commencement/Intake Availability: Feb and July (except Albany)
Special Requirements: A current Senior First Aid Certificate is required before undertaking supervised work placement. Students can complete a senior first aid course on campus. A Federal Police Clearance is required prior to work placement and employment in most community services agencies.*
Other Study Costs (paid to College): The First Aid certificate costs around A$100
Other Info: These courses include a significant workplace component*

Download our Subject handbook (PDF) of all Health, Education, Community Services, Sport & Lifestyle courses.


Qualifications Available in this Program (depending on your entry & exit points)
  • Certificate III in Aged Care Work
  • Certificate IV in Aged Care Work

Program Components & Pathway

This program can include multiple courses and different entry and exit points providing students the flexibility to begin at the most suitable stage and continue studying till they reach their desired outcome. Please see the study pathway diagram below.

hcs_agedcare


General Entry Requirements and Pre-requisites

All students enter at Certificate III level. Entry into the Certificate III requires the equivalent of Australian Year 10 with passes in English.

For Yr 10-11 and Yr 12 academic equivalence, please refer to the Entry Requirements Summary (PDF) for your relevant country. This also details the normal English proficiency standard needed.


Special Requirements

> A current Senior First Aid Certificate is required before undertaking supervised work placement. Students can complete a senior first aid course on campus - which must be finished in the first 6 weeks.

> A Federal Police Clearance is required prior to work placement and employment in most community services agencies.

Further details on these requirements will be provided at the College when you start.


What You'll Learn in Each Course

The Certificate III provides students with the practical skills and knowledge to provide direct care to clients who are unable to care for themselves independently due to ill health or disability, in their own home and community or residential settings. Students learn about the aged care sector, effective communication, dementia and providing care for people with such a condition, safety procedures and ethical behaviour required for work in the sector. They also learn skills in providing direct care and support to meet the emotional, psychosocial and physical needs of the aged.

This Certificate IV provides students with the practical skills and knowledge to plan, develop, implement and monitor programs and services for older people. Students learn skills to assess the needs of older people with complex circumstances and plan and conduct group and recreation programs for older people. They also learn how to monitor services, implement and monitor health and safety policies and procedures and organise an effective work environment.


Work Experience, Activities & Events

The first seven weeks of the Cert III are conducted at the College and then from weeks 8-17 the students spend two days per week doing supervised fieldwork in an aged care setting. During the first seven weeks the students undergo intensive training which equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills for them to work safely and competently. Learning then continues both on the job and for the remaining three days per week in the class room and our simulated clinical area. This mixed delivery is very successful at creating very realistic learning and assessment opportunities.

The Cert IV is delivered over 19 weeks. Students spend one day per week in the classroom and two days per week (from weeks 6-19) doing fieldwork in an aged care setting. If students are already employed in the aged care industry they are able (with their employer's support) to use this to meet the fieldwork requirements, if they are not we arrange a fieldwork placement. This means that work and study can be combined very successfully. Much of the learning and assessment focuses on the student's workplace which allows the application of newly-learned skills and also develops reflective practice.


Career Outcomes

Depending on the stage of completion, graduates can gain employment as a nursing assistant, home care worker, aged care worker, residential care worker, team leader, house/unit supervisor or recreation/day activity worker.


Further Study & University Options

Studies at TAFE WA can be continued through to the Diploma of Community Welfare Work (see the Study Pathway diagram above).


Detailed Course & Unit Information

These courses consist of required units and a broad choice of elective units allowing students to specialise in certain areas. A sample program structure and unit outline is available in the Subject handbook (PDF).


Other General Study Information

For further information about studying at TAFE WA please see our TAFE Colleges section or find out about the application process by clicking on:


Student Profile

yinStudent: Yin Shan Kong - Hong Kong

Course: Certificate IV in Aged Care Work

Where: West Coast TAFE - Joondalup

"I really enjoy studying at West Coast College of TAFE. It is a really good experience for me to choose to study in Perth. I have learnt a lot of things that will help me with my employment and the lecturers are really friendly."