TAFE Queensland
6 months (Southport, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Cairns), 9 months (Springfield, Toowoomba), 4 terms (TAFE at School)
Launch your health care career with this entry-level Certificate III that equips you with essential skills to work as a client care and support worker. Perfect for those seeking foundation knowledge in nursing assistance, infection control, and patient care across diverse health settings.
This course is designed for entry-level students with no prior health care experience required. You should have basic literacy and numeracy skills. Some campuses may have specific entry requirements; contact your local TAFE Queensland campus for details. You must be willing to undertake 80 hours of vocational placement in an approved health care setting as part of the course requirements.
The course covers core competencies including: interpreting and applying medical terminology in health environments; organizing personal work priorities and professional development; communicating effectively with clients, colleagues, and management in health or community services; working respectfully with diverse people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; recognizing healthy body systems and maintaining body functions; applying infection prevention and control principles; and participating in workplace health and safety. Elective units include assisting with movement, maintaining high service standards, responding to challenging behaviors, transporting individuals, providing individualized support, facilitating empowerment, promoting cultural safety, and providing first aid. All learning takes place in simulated clinical labs equipped with modern equipment including electric beds, ceiling and stand-alone hoists, hygiene chairs, and PC-operated simulator mannequins.
TAFE Queensland is a leading vocational education provider with extensive experience in health care training. Our highly experienced team of industry professionals delivers practical, hands-on instruction in state-of-the-art simulated clinical environments that mirror real-world health care settings. We offer flexible study options across multiple Queensland campuses, government-funded Fee-Free TAFE opportunities for eligible students, and direct pathways to further studies in health care. Our commitment to student success is demonstrated through personalized one-on-one guidance and industry-standard facilities designed to prepare you for immediate employment.
Upon successful completion, you'll be qualified to work as a Client Care and Support Worker, Health Services Assistant, Care Attendant, Hospital Orderly, Food Services Worker, or Patient Support staff in aged care facilities, hospitals, community health services, and disability support organizations. The qualification provides the foundation knowledge needed to pursue further studies in nursing, allied health, or specialized aged care certifications. With strong job growth expected in the nursing support and personal care sector, graduates have excellent employment prospects across Queensland's expanding health care industry.
