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HLT33021

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Embark upon your career in the health sector with this entry-level course that may qualify you to work as an assistant to allied health professionals including dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists and podiatrists.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Sunshine Coast
WAYS TO STUDY Online Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 22 Apr 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

$0
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$765
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$1,445
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$4,605
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Begin your career in the health sector with this entry-level qualification, equipping you with the skills necessary to assist allied health professionals including dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists and podiatrists services. Allied health specialties are set to grow by 22% over the next 3 years, experiencing the second-highest growth across the health sector.

You will learn how to recognise healthy body systems, interpret and apply medical terminology, assist with an allied health program, and communicate and work in health or community services. Our highly-experienced teaching staff are leaders in their field and will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to support you through your learning.

Successful completion of this course may qualify you to work as an assistant alongside allied health professionals, allowing you to specialise in dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, or podiatry services.

What can I do?

  • Podiatrist's Assistant
  • Physiotherapist's Assistant
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Medical Imaging Assistant
  • Allied Health Assistant

Course outcome:

HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBMED301
    Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBMED301
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and respond to instructions; to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM005
    Communicate and work in health or community services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate and work in health or community services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAHA027
    Assist with an allied health program
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAHA027
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to an Allied Health Professional. Work includes following treatment plans for therapeutic interventions or conducting programs.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with an allied health program

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAHA049
    Recognise impact of health conditions
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAHA049
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise the impact of health conditions of a person undertaking an intervention or therapy program. Work includes using a basic understanding of the human body to assist in interpreting information about person's health status to promote ways to maintain a healthy functioning of the body.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Recognise impact of health conditions

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTINF006
    Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTINF006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety

  • You will study online however your classes will be delivered in real time via a scheduled timetable. You will interact with your teachers and other students using programs like Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online virtual classroom
22 Apr 2025
1 year
Full time plus 20 hours of self-study per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $765

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,445

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $4,605

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

22 Apr 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time plus 20 hours of self-study per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $765

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,445

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $4,605

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Sunshine Coast Health Institute
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

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Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021)

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Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

COURSE CODE: HLT33021
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

You need to meet one of the following requirements:

  • Year 10 level of education or equivalent  
  • Mature-aged entry with work experience in a related field

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 120 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This course requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the vocational placement assessment component of your studies.

Prior to Placement, you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:

  • You must complete your online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application at this link - NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU), and nominate TAFE Queensland as your employer. There is no cost to students. TAFE Queensland will verify each student.
  • Students must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes in total). Upon completion, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and their placement provider.
  • If you work with children on Placement, you will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check. This is called Blue Card in Queensland or you will need the equivalent if you are completing your Placement outside of Queensland.
  • Please note: you can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).

If your check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Placement Coordinator for further information.

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.

Vaccination requirements 
Mandatory vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement.These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

It is recommended that you undertake screening for vaccination (and meet any costs incurred) against the following Queensland Health Mandatory vaccination requirements:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) (persons born during or since 1966 who have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine should have a second dose)
  • Chickenpox (if not previously infected)
  • Pertussis (whooping cough -an adult booster dose)
  • Influenza (annual vaccination)
  • COVID-19 (strongly recommended)

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

If you have a current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011) this may be used as a credit transfer decreasing your study load.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more