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HLT30121

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

Kick start your career as an Indigenous health care worker with this entry-level course that will qualify you to work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care in the community or private and public health care sectors.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Darling Downs and South West Far North Queensland North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online Apprenticeships and traineeships
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Start date: 15 Apr 2024 Duration: up to 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$1,580
Subsidised
$2,795
Full Fee
$7,655
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Begin your career in Indigenous primary health care with this entry-level qualification. This course will give you the core skills needed to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, clinics, and public and private health care settings, and provide you with career pathways to further consolidate your scope of practice in this specialised area of care provision. Work opportunities may be in urban, rural or remote environments, providing you with valuable experience and insight into the delivery of care for First Nations peoples.

This course will give you the foundation knowledge needed to undertake basic health assessments, identify community health issues, needs and strategies, provide information and strategies in chronic condition care, and assist with basic health screening, promotion and education. Our dedicated industry-experienced teaching team and student support services will provide you with valuable guidance to help you set yourself up for success in your studies.

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.

What can I do?

  • Indigenous Community Care Worker
  • Indigenous Health Promotion Officer
  • Indigenous Healthcare Worker
  • Indigenous Outreach Worker

Course outcome:

HLT30121 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care

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.

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 6 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • HLTAADV001
    Support clients to access health services
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAADV001
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate basic service information to clients, explain client needs to service providers and provide routine client support with practical issues such as appointment scheduling and transport.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support clients to access health services

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAAP001
    Recognise healthy body systems
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAAP001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Recognise healthy body systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAHCS002
    Assist with health assessments
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAHCS002
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work under the direct supervision and instruction of medical or other health practitioners to assist with health assessments.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with health assessments

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAMED001
    Work under instructions to support the safe use of medications
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAMED001
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to follow instructions from authorised primary health care team members for clients’ medication, and to support clients to self-administer.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work under instructions to support the safe use of medications

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAWOR001
    Work in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health support role
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAWOR001
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a primary health care support role within an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health service.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health support role

  • 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’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
  • 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
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time - 6 Residential Blocks
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
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. 

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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 - 6 Residential Blocks

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
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.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Townsville - Pimlico
On campus with some online
29 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 4 blocks per course Monday - Friday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
demo

Townsville - Pimlico

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. 

29 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

1 year

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 4 blocks per course Monday - Friday

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
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.

  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)
15 Apr 2024
up to 1 year
Part time 5 x 5 day blocks
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
demo

Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

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

15 Apr 2024

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

DURATION

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

up to 1 year

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.

Part time 5 x 5 day blocks

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
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.

Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)
08 Jul 2024
up to 1 year
Part time 5 x 5 day blocks
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
demo

Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

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

08 Jul 2024

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

DURATION

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

up to 1 year

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.

Part time 5 x 5 day blocks

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
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.

Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)
30 Sep 2024
up to 1 year
Part time 5 x 5 day blocks
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
demo

Online with on campus practical training (Toowoomba)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

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

30 Sep 2024

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

DURATION

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

up to 1 year

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.

Part time 5 x 5 day blocks

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $1,580
  • Subsidised: $2,795
  • Full fee: $7,655
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.

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Toowoomba
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Townsville - Pimlico
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30121)
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

It is recommended that you have sound literacy and numeracy skills.

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

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

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 
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

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 Certificate 3 Guarantee subsidised price or Fee-Free TAFE price, you must:

  • Identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • be aged 15 years or over, and no longer at school
  • permanently reside in Queensland
  • be an Australian citizen, 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 or be currently enrolled in a Certificate III or higher-level qualification (does not include qualifications completed at school or 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 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