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.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Sunshine Coast

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Apprenticeships and traineeships

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2026 Duration: up to 9 months View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Fee-Free TAFE

Concession

$765

Subsidised

$1,445

Full Fee

$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 specialities 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. Focus on your studies, not your finances and seize your opportunity to get job ready with the industry-relevant skills employers are looking for (eligibility criteria apply). 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

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS002

Assist with movement

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS002

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support people who require assistance with basic physical movement which may be due to incapacity.
UNIT NAME
Assist with movement

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS020

Respond effectively to behaviours of concern

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS020

Unit description :

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to respond effectively to behaviours of concern of people. Skills are associated with handling difficult incidents rather than managing ongoing behaviour difficulties.
UNIT NAME
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS036

Support relationships with carer and family

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS036

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work positively with the carer and family of people using a service based on an understanding of their support needs.
UNIT NAME
Support relationships with carer and family

UNIT CODE
CHCCCS038

Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support

UNIT CODE :
CHCCCS038

Unit description :
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support, and to deliver rights-based services using a person-centred approach. It should be carried out in conjunction with individualised plans.
UNIT NAME
Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support

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

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
Sunshine Coast Health Institute	On campus with some online	28 Jan 2026	up to 9 months	Full time 1 day per week plus 15 hours of self-directed study Thursday	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. More Apply
Sunshine Coast Health Institute 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. 28 Jan 2026 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 9 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 1 day per week plus 15 hours of self-directed study Thursday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each 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 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

Choose your study location

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

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.

At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, online or a mix of all these options. Learn more

You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

Costs:

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.

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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

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.

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

Inherent Requirements

Before deciding if a course is right for you, it's important to make an informed choice and consider the key skills, knowledge, and assessment requirements involved. Review the inherent requirements for this course and reflect on whether any of them might present difficulties for you, and if they align with your abilities and goals. If you feel you may have challenges due to a disability, a health condition, or for any other reason, we encourage you to speak with a regional Education Manager, a student services team member, or the regional AccessAbility Officer to discuss your concerns and confirm if the course is suitable for you.

Placement

Placement assessment in industry is a mandatory requirement of this course. Full requirements can be found on the Placement information for health and nursing page. Please ensure you read all the information provided and click on the links to your preferred course for its specific needs.

Important information

If you have an existing medical condition that requires possible reasonable adjustment or personalised support during practical assessments, you need to discuss your specific needs with the region’s placement team prior to enrolling. You are advised that industry may not be able to accommodate personal support needs or preferences that do not align to industry safe practice guidelines, organisational policy and procedure or national standards, or are not structurally or financially feasible (such as adding infrastructure to accommodate mobility aids). Should you be unable to complete a mandatory placement component you may not be able to meet all the requirements of your course and therefore would not be eligible to graduate.

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

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

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Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Fee-Free TAFE

Core units

Elective units

Sunshine Coast Health Institute

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Placement

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance

Careers

Diploma of Nursing

Careers