Course Description
The Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance will give you the practical skills and knowledge to work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
You will learn:
- The role of an Allied Health Assistant and how they contribute to the health and wellbeing of patients
- How to communicate in a healthcare setting
- How to work safely in a healthcare setting
- How to interpret and use medical terminology
- How the body works
- How to monitor a patient’s progress
- How to perform tasks that are frequently delegated to Allied Health Assistants
- How to screen patient’s physical, mental and cognitive status
- How to support patients in a treatment program
- Specialised skills including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and dietetics task procedures.
A work based practical placement will support you to practice your skills in a workplace setting.
Course Details
| Course Code | HLT43015 |
|---|---|
| Expected Duration | Flexible delivery, from12 – 24 months |
| Total Course Cost | $6500.00 |
| Study Locations | Toowoomba; Kingaroy; Other locations may be available on demand |
| Course Content | Delivered through online, video conference and face to face sessions |
Core Units | |
|---|---|
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance |
| HLTAAP001 | Recognise health body systems |
| HLTAAP002 | Confirm physical health status |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
Elective Units | |
|---|---|
| Students can choose from the following list of electives (Note: not all electives are available for each stream. Please contact RMEA for more information) | |
Physiotherapy | |
| HLTAHA003 | Deliver and monitor a client-specific physiotherapy program |
| HLTAHA005 | Support the delivery and monitoring of physiotherapy programs for mobility |
Occupational Therapy | |
| HLTAHA010 | Assist with the development and maintenance of client functional status |
| HLTAHA016 | Support the fitting of assistive equipment |
Speech Pathology | |
| HLTAHA012 | Support the development of speech and communication skills |
| HLTAHA013 | Provide support in dysphagia management |
| HLTAHA014 | Assist and support the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems |
Nutrition & Dietetics | |
| HLTAHA018 | Assist with planning and evaluating meals and menus to meet recommended dietary guidelines |
| HLTAHA019 | Assist with the monitoring and modification of meals and menus according to individualised plans |
| HLTAHA020 | Support food services in menu and meal order processing |
| HLTAHA021 | Assist with screening and implementation of therapeutic diets |
The following electives are mandatory for all streams | |
| HLTAID001 | Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
Assessment
Includes:
- online quizzes
- written assessment
- simulation activities
- observation by a third party
- portfolios & work samples
Practical Placement
You are required to complete 120 hours of compulsory practical placement in a workplace where health services are delivered by allied health professionals. During your placement, you will work under the supervision of an allied health professional, or an experienced Allied Health Assistant to provide allied health support to patients, document in medical records and communicate with the healthcare team.
Through RMEA’s strong partnerships with the healthcare industry, you will have access to a range of placement opportunities, including private hospitals, Residential Aged Care Facilities, and private allied health professionals.
Although RMEA will attempt to find a placement that fits with your work and family commitments, you may be required to manage your schedule in order to commit to the placement requirements. You may be required to travel up to 60 minutes of your local RMEA office.
Unless otherwise organised, placements will be offered in a full-time block of 40 hours per week for three consecutive weeks after completion of your study.
If you are currently employed in the healthcare sector, please discuss the possibility of completing your placement at your current workplace with our Course Coordinator.
Eligibility Requirements
Knowledge and skill requirements
It is recommended that students:
- are aged 17 or older at the course commencement date; or
- have language, literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Year 12; or
- have a nationally recognised qualification at the Certificate II level or higher; or
- experience working in the healthcare sector.
Technology skills and equipment
All students will require the following technological equipment to complete the online training:
- a computer and internet connection
- printer and scanner
- software to view online videos and images. Students will need to possess computer skills including being able to create, download, scan and upload documents, navigate an online learning platform, send and receive emails and search for resources using web based search engines.
Your Commitment
In order to participate in the course, you are required to commit to the following:
- Attend the nominated face to face sessions
- Complete the online training within the required timeframes
- Complete the practical tasks provided, including:
- Standing, bending and kneeling on the floor
- Lifting light items
- Manage being in a healthcare environment with patients who may have illness and injury
- Participate in the 120 hour practical placement.
To assist you in determining if you have the knowledge, skills and support required to complete this course, please complete the RMEA self assessment tool. Please contact us at RTOsupport@qrme.org.au to access the self assessment tool.
Career and Education Pathways
This course provides you with the qualifications to work as an Allied Health Assistant for a multidisciplinary allied health team, or as a profession-specific assistant in your chosen elective specialisation (for example, a Physiotherapy Assistant).
For students wanting to pursue tertiary education, you can use the knowledge and skills learnt in your Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance qualification to undertake further studies in healthcare. Universities may provide credit towards a degree in an allied health or related discipline.
What is an Allied Health Assistant?
Allied Health Assistants work as part of a multidisciplinary team under the guidance and supervision of allied health professionals. Allied Health Assistants can work in one specialty area, or work across the different allied health professions, including:
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Dietitians Podiatrists
- Speech Pathologists
- Radiographers
- Audiologists
The Allied Health Assistance workforce is expanding with the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance being identified as the qualification best aligned to allied health assistant roles within organisations such as State funded health organisations and Residential Aged Care Facilities.
Course streams
RMEA tailors your learning experience by offering the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance in separate streams according to your knowledge and experience:
Current Allied Health Assistants and people working in healthcare
This stream is tailored for students with experience in healthcare. Students eligible for this stream may complete their study faster. Students working in healthcare may be eligible for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and/or credit transfer. Eligibility requirements exist. Please contact us for more information.
High school students
Students with no healthcare experience and/or not currently employed in a healthcare setting
This stream is tailored for school students interested in a healthcare career. This stream is tailored for students that have limited or no experience in healthcare.
Course Trainers
RMEA specialises in providing trainers and assessors with experience delivering allied health services to patients in rural healthcare services, including hospital, community, disability and private practice environments. In addition to their professional qualifications, all trainers and assessors are required to possess further qualifications in training and assessment.
Placement requirements
Placement requirements
The Working with Children Check (Blue Card Application)
A Blue Card must be provided by all students on enrolment. If you do not have a current Blue Card, go to http://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check
An Australian Federal Police check must be provided by all students on enrolment. Go to the Australian Federal Police website to download an application form http://www.afp.gov.au.
Please contact RMEA if you have a notification or criminal history that appears on your certificate as this may affect your ability to complete the practical placement.
Immunisation
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella)
- dTpa (Adult Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
- Influenza Vaccination
Further Information
Please contact us at rtosupport@qrme.org.au or phone 07 4638 7999 for advice in relation to paying for your course or for information on available scholarships.
