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HLT40221

Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice

Advance your career in Indigenous primary health with this high-level course that will qualify you to seek registration as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner.

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STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 21 Jul 2025 Duration: 18 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

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

$340
Subsidised

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

$2,325
Full Fee

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

$10,270
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Take your career in health to the next level with this qualification. This course will give you the specialised skills needed to provide primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in urban, rural and remote areas.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as Indigenous health workers grew very strongly over the past five years. Stable future growth is predicted in this industry with employers looking for candidates who are caring, compassionate and have good social skills.

This course will give you the foundation knowledge needed to work as part of a multidisciplinary health care team and to work independently within the clinical supervision guidelines of your employer. You'll learn to contribute to the delivery and review of treatment, assess and support clients' social and emotional wellbeing, support the safe use of medications, undertake health assessments, provide lifestyle education and chronic health management, and more. Our highly-experienced and passionate teaching team will give you the one-on-one guidance to succeed in your studies.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA) as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health practitioner. It also provides a pathway to work in a range of health care settings including community organisations, and the public or private health sector.

What can I do?

  • Indigenous Public Health Officer
  • Senior Indigenous Community Care Worker
  • Indigenous Health Care Practitioner
  • Senior Indigenous Health Worker

Course outcome:

HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice

Learning support options

We have numerous support services if you need an extra hand. The Learning Skills Centre, located in most campus libraries, is a drop-in service staffed by experienced teachers who can help with basic and complex skills. Studiosity is an online after hours tutoring service focusing on writing, research and referencing, as well as subject-specific questions.

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 500 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM002
    Use communication to build relationships
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication techniques to establish, build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders based on respect and trust.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Use communication to build relationships

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCLEG001
    Work legally and ethically
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCLEG001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work legally and ethically

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAADV002
    Support the rights and needs of clients
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAADV002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist individual clients to understand their rights and communicate their needs and preferences to health service providers.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support the rights and needs of clients

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAHCS004
    Complete comprehensive physical health assessments
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAHCS004
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete health assessments of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients as part of a multidisciplinary health care team. It requires the ability to complete physical examinations and pathology tests, and to assess their health. This unit covers the ability to evaluate short term and uncomplicated health conditions, and also complex conditions and chronic diseases.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Complete comprehensive physical health assessments

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAHCS006
    Implement complex health care plans
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAHCS006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to review health assessments and contribute to the development of complex health care plans as part of a multidisciplinary primary health care team.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement complex health care plans

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAHPR007
    Promote lifestyle change
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAHPR007
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to promote lifestyle change by providing education on lifestyle disease, lifestyle risk factors, and advice on healthy lifestyle choices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote lifestyle change

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAMED002
    Support the safe use of medications
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAMED002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities to safely use medication through the provision of accurate information about medications.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support the safe use of medications

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAMED003
    Administer medications
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAMED003
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to administer medications to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients according to scope of medicines authority and clinical supervision arrangements established by the employing organisation.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Administer medications

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTASEW002
    Assess and support the social and emotional wellbeing of clients
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTASEW002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete assessments of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander client social and emotional needs as part of a multidisciplinary health care team.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assess and support the social and emotional wellbeing of clients

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAWOR002
    Work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAWOR002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care by integrating knowledge of historical, social, and other significant factors that impact the health and wellbeing of, and service delivery to, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. It covers skills required to work in culturally appropriate and safe ways and to deliver services according to primary health care principles.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAWOR003
    Use and promote reflective practice in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAWOR003
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to review current strategies and frameworks for the provision of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care, and to use and promote reflective practice to enhance work practices. Reflective practice refers to the critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills that are essential for health practitioners in their ongoing work to improve service quality and outcomes.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use and promote reflective practice in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAWOR004
    Provide support to address social and cultural determinants of client and community health
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAWOR004
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to integrate, into service provision, knowledge of social and cultural determinants that influence the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. It requires the ability to identify the social and cultural determinants of health for individual clients, families and the broader community, and to support clients and communities to access services beyond the health system. It covers skills to promote awareness of social and cultural determinants of health to clients, communities and external service providers.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide support to address social and cultural determinants of client and community health

  • 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

Ways to study
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns
On campus with some online
21 Jul 2025
18 months
Full time
  • Concession: $340

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

  • Subsidised: $2,325

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

  • Full fee: $10,270

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

demo

Cairns

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

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

21 Jul 2025
DURATION

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

18 months
Workload

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

Full time
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $340

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

  • Subsidised: $2,325

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

  • Full fee: $10,270

    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).

No
ASSESSMENT

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

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221)

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Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice

COURSE CODE: HLT40221
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 must be currently employed in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care organisational role.

You must have sound literacy and numeracy skills.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

During your course you will be required to complete practical assessments in your workplace.Should your employment status or access to your workplace for these assessments change at any time, you may be required to be allocated to an alternative workplace for your assessment requirements. In this situation, you will need to obtain the supporting mandatory documents required for work placement.

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.

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 500 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.
  • Additionally, if students work with children on Placement, they will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check (Blue Card in Queensland).
  • Please note:  Students can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal noted above 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.

You will also be required to complete a vaccination record or full immunisation. TAFE Queensland vaccination and immunisation guidelines reflect the specific requirements from health placement providers across Australia to ensure students are prepared and eligible to attend all placement allocations. It is important to be fully aware that the following Vaccination and Serology requirements are subject to change.

You will not be able to commence your Vocational Placement unless you have provided the required evidence as specified below:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Evidence of 2 vaccinations one month apart or positive serology for all 3 diseases
  • Hepatitis B: Commence a Hepatitis B course which is 3 injections (0, 1 and 6 months) with positive serology supplied 4-6 weeks following 3rd vaccination or supply evidence of an Age-appropriate Hep B course
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox): Evidence of 2 vaccinations one month apart or positive serology
  • dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccination: Evidence of vaccinations for all 3 diseases within the last 10 years
  • Tuberculosis: Mantoux Test or evidence of a plain chest x-ray
  • Influenza Vaccination: Annual vaccination
  • COVID-19 Vaccination (strongly recommended)
  • Any other test / vaccination as directed by Australian health authorities.

Please note: you will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these requirements.

First Aid
Students will also need to provide evidence that they hold a first aid competency that is current at the time of placement. This can be in the form of:

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid statement of attainment, that was obtained in the last 1 year.
    OR
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid statement of attainment, that was obtained more than 1 year but less than 3 years ago
    AND a HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation statement of attainment that was obtained in the last 1 year

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.

To be eligible for the Higher Level Skills subsidised price, you must:

  • Identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • be aged 15 years or over, and be no longer at school;
  • permanently reside in Queensland;
  • be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
  • not hold a certificate IV or higher-level qualification, not including qualifications completed at school and foundation skills training; and
  • not be enrolled in another qualification, not including foundation skills training.

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, available subsidies, 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