Certificate III in Aged Care

Admission requirements

You are eligible if:

* you have successfully completed the Australian year 12 including passes in mathematics and biology, or equivalent in your country
* you have achieved a minimum of either:
- IELTS 6.0 academic (no band score less than 5.5) or
- TOEFL paper based 550 (minimum TWE 4.5) or
- TOEFL computer based 213 (minimum TWE 4.5) or
- TOEFL internet based 80 (minimum 19 in all sections.

Intake

February and July

Books and equipment (AUD)

Supplied through the materials fees, however students will be required to supply their own personal stationery.

Material fees (AUD)

$220

Students will be supplied with uniform, learning resources, manuals and workbooks.

Study pathways

On completion of the Certificate III, graduates may continue their study in:

* Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled nurse) (071146E) at Kangan Institute
* Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (071394M) at Kangan Institute
* Certificate IV in Pathology (071393A) at Kangan Institute.

Career pathways

To work in aged care in Australia Certificate III in Aged Care is the minimum regulatory requirement. Employment prospects are strong for workers who hold this qualification. On completion of the Certificate III, graduates may seek employment as:

- High care aged care worker
- Low care aged care worker
- Home and community care worker
- Disability services support worker.

Course structure

Special note: This course has a clinical component and prior to undertaking the placements all students must obtain a Victorian Police Check, a Working With Children clearance (WWC) and prescribed vaccinations. If placements are undertaken outside metropolitan Melbourne any accommodation costs that may be incurred will be the responsibility of the student.

This qualification includes compulsory and electives. These units cover knowledge and skills needed for this work including understanding client needs, personal care, documentation, workplace and legal requirements as well as communication and teamwork.

In a typical week students will attend classes approximately three days per week with approximately 50 percent theory classes then 50 percent coursework practical placement. Classes will be scheduled between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Coursework practical placement is usually shift work between the hours of 7am to 1.30pm and 1.30pm to 8pm.

The teaching methods used include classroom-based teaching, supervised coursework practical components and placement. The assessment methods include tests, assignments (both individual and group), class presentations and coursework practical placement.

Units

COMPULSORY
Support older people to maintain their independence
Work effectively with older people
Provide support to people living with dementia
Work effectively in the community sector
Provide support to meet personal care needs
Participate in the implementation of individualised plans
Support individual health and emotional well being
Follow safety procedures for direct care work
Deliver care services using a palliative approach
Recognise healthy body systems in a healthcare context

ELECTIVE UNITS
Electives are from the following study areas:
Client support
Medication
Organisational support
Supervision and training
Community care
Working with people with disabilities