HLT40221

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

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

Apply now

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

$340

Subsidised

$2,325

Full Fee

$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.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners are integral members of multi-disciplinary healthcare teams, delivering primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. They work in diverse settings, including urban, rural, and remote areas, ensuring culturally safe health and wellbeing promotion, preventative health care, and clinical treatment services.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners play a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional and modern healthcare practices, ensuring that services are accessible, effective and culturally appropriate.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 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 clinical hours in a relevant health service.

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

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
HLTAHPR004

Promote awareness and early detection of diabetes

UNIT CODE :
HLTAHPR004

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide clients with information about diabetes, its prevalence in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations, and to encourage early detection and prevention of certain types.
UNIT NAME
Promote awareness and early detection of diabetes

UNIT CODE
HLTAHPR005

Promote awareness and prevention of chronic disease

UNIT CODE :
HLTAHPR005

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide clients with information about chronic disease, its prevalence in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations, and to encourage prevention and early detection.
UNIT NAME
Promote awareness and prevention of chronic disease

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE
HLTASXH001

Promote men's sexual health

UNIT CODE :
HLTASXH001

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide clients with information about male sexual health issues, the prevalence of problems in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations, and to encourage prevention and early detection of sexual health problems.
UNIT NAME
Promote men's sexual health

UNIT CODE
HLTASXH002

Promote women's sexual health

UNIT CODE :
HLTASXH002

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide clients with information about women’s sexual health issues and the prevalence of problems in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations, and to encourage prevention and early detection of sexual health problems.
UNIT NAME
Promote women's sexual health

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On campus with some online

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
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. More Apply
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 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 18 months The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. 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 Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus and vocational placement The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

Download Brochure

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

Ask a question

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

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

This course is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

You must be currently employed as a health worker and have a suitably qualified (AHPRA registered) workplace supervisor(s).

You must be 18 years of age at time of enrolment.

Selection criteria

It is strongly recommended that you have completed a Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care.

You require numeracy skills including basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and measurements relevant to health care settings.

You must complete a pre-course interview with the educator.

Resources required

A laptop with internet access and a USB memory stick. Microsoft 365 apps are available at no cost for students.
Laptops will be available for use during residential blocks if required.
A fob or wristwatch with a second hand.

Placement

You are required to complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours in a relevant health service and have suitably qualified supervisor(s) to observe practical assessments and sign off on industry reports.

Completing practical assessment requirements is mandatory in accordance with the course requirements.

Important information

Students will be required to complete coursework between scheduled residential study blocks.

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.

Transition statement

TAFE Queensland is currently seeking accreditation by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Accreditation Committee (the Committee), and approval by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (the Board). The superseded HLT40213 program (currently being transitioned to the new HLT40221) is accredited by the Committee and approved by the Board.

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

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

Related courses