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Placement information for health and nursing students
Placement provides you with an opportunity to actively participate in your chosen industry while you are studying. It connects you to a real-life work environment as you contribute your skills within your level of learning, under supervision. Placement also provides industry with an opportunity to supplement your learning through identifying and offering experiences to further ensure you are work ready when you complete your studies.
Placement arranged under vocational placement guidelines is a lawfully unpaid experience under the Fair Work Act 2009 (the FW Act).
Placement may also be in the form of an industry-initiated or industry-supported work placement where employees / trainees are supported to upskill, and in this arrangement placement assessment could be during paid routine shifts.
For health and nursing students, most placements are standard vocational placement arrangements where students are allocated to pre-determined placement providers with legal arrangements in place to support the terms and conditions required for your attendance and safety.
Placement assessment will require you to demonstrate your physical, emotional, and behavioural capabilities as you carry out the expectations of the role and its tasks and responsibilities in the reality of the workplace. You will be expected to perform your assessment requirements while you integrate with colleagues and attend to clients. You will have support and guidance, and are expected to demonstrate accountability and self-awareness in accepting and carrying out your tasks. Please see below link to the inherent requirements for your health studies:
Please note:
It is important to know, that if you have an existing medical condition or disability that requires possible reasonable adjustment or personalised support during practical assessments, you need to discuss your specific needs with the region’s placement team and AccessAbility Officer 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 certain types of mobility aids, or making changes to lighting or sound in client care environments).
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.
Please ensure you discuss your needs with the placement team of your region.
Eligibility to attend placement
Placement is a mandatory component of your assessments and there may be varying specific placement requirements, depending on your qualification of study. These will be outlined further, under your qualification.
For all qualifications however, your required attendance will reflect the expectations of industry. The placement provider will determine your allocated days and shift times, and the placement provider will prioritise that you have the appropriate supervision and access to the necessary assessment experiences. While shifts are routinely Monday-Friday, they may be allocated as early, late or night duty shifts, and include weekends and public holidays. Allocation may also be required as block placements, for example Monday-Friday for a minimum of one week, in accordance with the placement provider's preferences. You will be notified of your allocated arrangements at the earliest possible time to support your personal planning. All students are required to manage their domestic, work and any other duties and commitments to ensure attendance for the allocated days and shifts. Any necessary transport and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
Failing to attend or successfully complete the practical tasks for assessment will result in delays in progressing and completing your qualification.
Placement cancellation or re-allocation fees may apply for failing to notify or provide sufficient and valid evidence to support non-attendance, or for additional attempts at a placement assessment.
To be eligible to attend placement, there are pre-placement mandatory requirements that need to be obtained or met. These requirements reflect State, national, and industry standards and guidelines, as well as placement provider preferences and routine course assessments and these are outlined further for you in the sections below.
- A criminal history check without notifications from the Australian Federal Police
- Eligibility to obtain a Working with Children Check (WCC) (Queensland version is the ‘Blue Card’)
- Eligibility to obtain a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check
- Vaccination evidence
- Successful completion of unit practical simulation assessments
- Successful completion of placement provider’s eLearning and orientation requirements
Please know: TAFE Queensland may be required to share pre-placement evidence requirements for the purpose of confirming your eligibility to attend placement with a placement provider. For further information, please refer to the TAFE Queensland Privacy Policy, in particular, Section 4.
Mandatory mask use and fit testing
Queensland Health has advised that all students will be required to wear a mask or respirator when attending placements in Queensland Health facilities if there is a high risk of exposure to infectious agents and where additional PPE protocols are in place. Mask fit testing ensures that a specific make, model and size of a N95/P2 mask or respirator will provide a sufficient seal on your face.
TAFE Queensland campuses will provide enrolled students with the details for onsite fit testing sessions or locations to attend.
There are several factors that impact on ensuring an effective seal when wearing the required type of mask. You are advised of the following requirements for when being fit tested, and while wearing the mask on placement:
- Facial hair along the sealing surface prevents an effective seal so you are advised that you must be clean/closely shaven.
- Long hair that frames the face or falls forward may impact on an effective seal and you are advised to ensure that hair is secured back from the face.
- Facial jewellery that interferes with an effective seal must be removed.
- Facial creams or make-up may cause skin irritation at the site of where the mask sits on th skin surface and soil or moisten the fabric reducing the seal's effectiveness, and you are advised to minimise the use of such products.
Students who are unable to ensure the above requirements need to discuss their enrolment options with customer service in their region.
Australian Federal Police (AFP Check) (Criminal History Check)
You will be required to provide a current criminal history check obtained only through the AFP website: AFP - Application at an approximate cost of $56. Fees are subject to change.
You are to download the application form and under Section 2.3 Purpose of Check choose ‘Commonwealth Employment/Purpose’ as the Purpose Type, then select Code Number 37 to satisfy placement requirements.
Your criminal history check MUST be issued by the Australian Federal Police. All other types of criminal history checks will not be accepted.
Current AFP documentation must be no older than 3 months prior to the start of study and when completing the application.
You must be able to provide an original AFP check on request of a placement facility at any time.
Important: 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 of your region for further information prior to enrolling.
Working with Children Check
All students undertaking placement are required to have a Positive Notice Working with Children Check as you may be required to provide care for persons under the age of 18.
Different States/Territories have different requirements, and you will need to apply for a Working with Children Check relevant to the state or territory in which you will be undertaking placement. This is free of charge for an enrolled student.
In Queensland the Working with Children Check is referred to as a Blue Card.
To apply for a Queensland Blue Card (or exemption card) online, follow these steps.
- Open the Queensland Government website
- Have your Customer Reference Number (CRN) nearby to reference.
- Register for an online account. This is how they will verify your identity and obtain the photo for your card.
- Apply for your Blue Card (or exemption card) using the online applicant portal.
If you are an International student you need to apply for the Queensland Blue Card.
Interstate students will find information under there states and territories government websites: Working with Children Checks in Australia
Alternatively you may be able to complete your application during your on-campus orientation or via a paper-based application.
You are to apply for this once you are enrolled, as verification of your application requires TAFE Queensland to confirm you are an existing student.
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.
Important: 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 of your region for further information prior to enrolling.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check
This course now requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the work placement assessment component of your studies.
You are to apply for this once you are enrolled, as verification of your application requires TAFE Queensland to confirm you are an existing student.
There is no cost to students.
You may also need to complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules at approximately 90 minutes in total) should these be requested by a placement provider. If so, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both their regional Placement Team and their placement provider.
Did you know?
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).
Current First Aid Certification (including current CPR)
You will also need to provide evidence that they hold first aid competency that is current at the time of placement.
A current First Aid requires a HLTAID011 Provide First Aid Statement of Attainment, issued no more than 3 years from your date of placement commencement. First Aid certification expires after 3yrs from date of issue and you are responsible for ensuring it is maintained for the duration of the placement requirements.
You will also require a current HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation Statement of Attainment no older than 12 months from the date of placement commencement. CPR currency requires an annual renewal from date of issue.
The CPR component will need to be updated annually, and it is your responsibility to ensure you provide evidence of updated currency to your Placement Team.
If you hold a current Australian First Aid Certificate with current CPR (updated annually), please ensure you notify the Enrolment Team as you may also then be eligible for Credit Transfer for this unit if it is part of your studies.
If you DO NOT have a current Australian First Aid Certificate and it is required for placement, TAFE Queensland routinely deliver this unit as part of your course requirements.
Important: First Aid is not a unit on the Bachelor of Nursing (HED007) but will be required for Professional Experience Placement (PEP).
TAFE Queensland vaccination requirements reflect State and national government directives, industry requirements, and for nursing students, the AHPRA guidelines.
TAFE Queensland vaccination and immunisation also requirements reflect those recently determined by the Queensland Government Health guidelines for students in client care scenarios, in clinical or non-clinical settings, as stated in their guideline for the Vaccination of healthcare workers, released September 2024.
Guidelines for students attending placement in Queensland Health facilities have been updated with both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations deemed as strongly recommended. However, you may still need to comply with additional vaccination requirements, which are at the discretion of the individual facility and healthcare organisations.
Many aged care, private health, community and specialist placement providers may continue to mandate ‘full maintenance of’ COVID-19 vaccination in addition to the annual influenza vaccination.
For those students who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, TAFE Queensland will endeavour to source a suitable placement provider that will accept unvaccinated students. However you are advised that you may need to be prepared to travel and accept any additional costs incurred if there are no suitable alternative placement providers in your local area. Note: placement availabilities are limited for unvaccinated students and TAFE Queensland cannot guarantee that a suitable placement provider will be available within the required study timeframes. As a result, your progression in the course may be delayed.
While TAFE Queensland strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all health students, in accordance with the Australian Immunisation handbook guidelines, students are also advised that vaccination requirements may change at any time in response to public health concerns, facility preferences, or government directives. Changes and timeframes for changes in vaccinations will be urgently communicated to students.
Please know that TAFE Queensland may be required to share your vaccination history with a placement provider for the purposes of confirmation of placement eligibility.
An overview of the required vaccination evidence for students is below, in accordance with the updated government protocols for vaccine preventable diseases screening for students.
Need to know:
Those students who have a medical contraindication to any vaccination requirement may be unable to complete the placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.
We would advise you to discuss any queries with your regional placement team prior to enrolling.
You will not be able to commence your placement unless you have provided the required evidence as specified in the table below.
All health and nursing portfolio students will require the following:
| Disease | Vaccination evidence | Notes |
| Hepatitis B |
|
|
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) |
|
|
| Varicella (Chicken Pox) |
|
|
| Pertussis (whooping cough) |
|
|
| Influenza |
|
|
| COVID-19 Vaccination |
|
|
*A formal letter requires a medical practice or facility letterhead, the medical practitioner’s signature and professional designation, service provider number, and practice stamp.
Some qualifications also require confirmation of a student’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills safely and effectively, prior to attending placement.
These are practical simulation assessments that must be successfully completed and are a demonstration of your ability to carry out tasks in accordance with safe practice guidelines prior to applying these in the real world.
These simulation assessments are included in your unit guide and scheduled in your timetable of study.
They will be supervised, and you will be safely practicing your skills prior to these simulation assessments in an environment that accurately reflects workplace conditions.
Placement providers have mandatory workplace health and safety requirements. One of these is that all students are to attend a compulsory facility orientation prior to commencing shifts or being allocated to tasks in the facility. Orientation allows you to become familiar with the running of the facility and includes information about your role and responsibilities, and the safety and welfare of you, your colleagues and your clients such as emergency procedures, staff identification, contact details, facility routines, location of resources including emergency equipment, onsite amenities, parking arrangements, and more.
Confirmation of your attendance at orientation is required for your eligibility to continue with your placement allocation.
Organisations and facilities often require eLearning to be completed prior to orientation also. This is to ensure that essential knowledge has been provided – and reviewed - prior to placement commencement. eLearning routinely requires students to complete modules and provides a digital confirmation once successfully completed. Completing all eLearning also ensures you are eligible to continue with the placement allocation.
Supervision during your placement will be negotiated and confirmed by TAFE Queensland prior to your placement commencement. Supervision will be provided either by a workplace supervisor or an allocated TAFE Queensland facilitator.
Students are supported both in the workplace and by TAFE Queensland during the placement period.
In the workplace, students are routinely allocated to work alongside an experienced and dedicated team member. The workplace team member or leader will report to their workplace supervisor. The student is required to remain in close contact with their dedicated team member as well as the team leader or workplace supervisor. These arrangements will be confirmed at orientation.
For nursing students, their workplace supervisor may be a facility-allocated clinical facilitator who is a registered nurse.
All details regarding support and supervision will be provided to each student prior to their placement commencement.
TAFE Queensland will coordinate your placement allocations to ensure you have opportunity to practice and apply your knowledge and skills in a workplace that is able to support your training needs and supervision requirements.
TAFE Queensland has a large number of contractual agreements across all regions with various health industry placement providers that have been confirmed as suitable to support your placement needs. These agreements include centralised communication channels that liaise directly with TAFE Queensland regions for the purpose of planning and allocating students within their facilities.
TAFE Queensland has the responsibility of ensuring a suitable placement provider for each student’s assessment needs and there are suitability reviews and legal processes and forms to complete to finalise these arrangements. Students are discouraged from making contact with local facilities to negotiate a personal placement unless directed to do so by their regional placement team, due to these pre-placement processes as planning and allocations of student numbers routinely commences at least 6 months prior to the course commencing. Students are also not aware at this stage of their specific assessment and supervision needs to be able to discuss these requirements.
TAFE Queensland is also required by law to ensure the legal processes to finalise contracts and arrangements with placement providers are completed prior to a student attending any hours at a facility. Any unauthorised changes to contractual arrangements can result in penalties for TAFE Queensland. This may include a student’s unauthorised absenteeism from an allocated placement as this may incur attendance costs. Should this occur, there may be fees to be paid by the student to contribute to the costs of additional allocations for missed attendance. Regions have strict requirements and processes in place to manage placements in order to meet contractual requirements and to minimise penalty fees for both TAFE Queensland and the student. Further information will be provided by your regional placement officer/team and at your orientation.
Students attending placement are covered by TAFE Queensland’s Certificates of Insurance, including Public Liability Insurance and WorkCover Queensland. Further information is available from your regional placement officer/teams.
Courses
Placement assessment is measured against your performance, as mentioned previously, but also against your professionalism in accordance with the relevant codes and standards of the regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The NMBA oversees the professional standards and codes that guide Registered and Enrolled nursing practice.
For all nursing students, these include the Code of conduct for nurses and the Scope of practice and capabilities of nurses.
As a student enrolled nurse, these also include the Enrolled nurse standards for practice, and for the student registered nurse student, the Registered nurse standards for practice.
Placement assessment incorporates the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool (ANSAT) with specific assessments for both student Enrolled and Registered Nurses. For the student enrolled nurse, placement assessment also incorporates the specific skills and knowledge required to be demonstrated to satisfy the various units of competency.
As a student enrolled into our approved (accredited) program of study in a health profession, you will be registered with the NMBA by TAFE Queensland, as is required under the National Law. Further information is available here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Student-Registrations.aspx
The student enrolled nurse will be required to successfully complete a minimum of 400 hours of Vocational Placement (VP). This will be allocated as 80-120 hour in Stage 1, 160hr in Stage 2, and 160 hours in Stage 3. These placement hours will be completed as a standard 8-10 hour shift, as allocated in accordance with industry standard work hours.
The student registered nurse will complete 840 hours of Professional Experience Placement (PEP). This will be as 120 hours in Year 1, 320 hours in Year 2, and 400 hours in Year 3.
Allocaton may be in the format of block placements of a minium of one week. As mentioned above in the section Eligibility to attend placement, students are required to manage their domestic, work and any other duties and commitments to ensure attendance for the allocated days and shifts. Any necessary transport and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
Placement allocations and the range of tasks across the allocations will reflect your increasing understanding and scope of skills and abilities as you move through the stages (or semesters) of your course. As a novice learner, your initial placement will have a fundamental focus on understanding and applying basic care knowledge and skills within your role and learning to work as a safe and effective team member. As you progress through your studies, your placement experiences and scope of practice will expand to include complex and acute surgical and medical care, and finally, a holistic understanding of the various aspects of health that are interwoven with ageing, cultural and spiritual considerations, mental health needs, and your role and responsibilities as a nurse within a the healthcare team, the diverse supporting network in community care, and in traditional care environments.
You will learn to perform basic nursing skills to collect essential client health information, while you hone communication skills that help you develop a positive and professional relationship with clients. You will carry out personal hygiene cares while understanding each interaction with your client is an opportunity for conducting a comprehensive health assessment. You will learn the importance of teamwork and how reliability and accountability form the basis of safe practice and professional conduct. You will learn medication administration skills and the responsibilities of monitoring and managing the effects of treatment on your clients. You will undertake wound care, manage drains, care for post-operative cardiac, orthopaedic, and vascular surgeries, and support those with chronic health and palliative needs. Your work environment will include a diverse and dynamic mix of nursing and medical staff, allied health, community and client groups, and more. It is a rewarding and well-respected career path, one that will sustain you in employment and provide further opportunities for professional growth and development in healthcare.
Once you have completed your nursing studies, opportunities also exist through credit transfer for pathways into complementary areas of health studies, including allied health, pathology, health administration and indigenous primary health care programs, providing you with a diverse scope of clinical practice. Welcome to nursing!
Mandatory mask use and fit testing
Queensland Health has advised that all students will be required to wear a mask or respirator when attending placements in Queensland Health facilities if there is a high risk of exposure to infectious agents and where additional PPE protocols are in place. Mask fit testing ensures that a specific make, model and size of a N95/P2 mask or respirator will provide a sufficient seal on your face.
TAFE Queensland campuses will provide enrolled students with the details for onsite fit testing sessions or locations to attend.
There are several factors that impact on ensuring an effective seal when wearing the required type of mask. You are advised of the following requirements for when being fit tested, and while wearing the mask on placement:
- Facial hair along the sealing surface prevents an effective seal so you are advised that you must be clean/closely shaven.
- Long hair that frames the face or falls forward may impact on an effective seal and you are advised to ensure that hair is secured back from the face.
- Facial jewellery that interferes with an effective seal must be removed.
- Facial creams or make-up may cause skin irritation at the site of where the mask sits on th skin surface and soil or moisten the fabric reducing the seal's effectiveness, and you are advised to minimise the use of such products.
If you are unable to meet the above requirements you will need to discuss your enrolment options with customer service in your region.
Additional requirements for placement
Please refer to Section 1 and 2. There are no additional vaccination or mandatory documentation requirements for this qualification.
Courses
- Certificate II in Health Support Services (HLT23221) – this qualification does not have a placement requirement.
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115)
- Dual delivery of the Certificate II in Health Support Services (HLT23221) and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) – this is a school-based program
Additional information
Completing training in the field of Health Support Services provides you with the abilityassist with operational services at the ground level of care delivery, such as food, laundry, cleaning or transport areas. It is a fundamental introduction to the services level of a facility’s operational tasks in providing for the basic needs of clients. There is no placement requirement for this level of training however it does provide credit transfer opportunities into HLT33115 and other health certificate III courses. Studying the Health Services Assistance qualification builds on that fundamental introduction with a greater focus on becoming an effective member of the health care team.
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) studies will provide you with additional training that includes learning how to perform fundamental client care tasks, how to collect and collate essential health information through client assessment skills, how to assist with medication administration, understanding the legalities and importance of using medical terminology, and how to accurately document and report your findings. While this course is not a certification as an Assistant in Nursing, which is now the entry level requirement in the aged care sector, this qualification is recognised as a personal carer role for all ages and employment may be obtainable in either aged care or acute care settings.
This role is recognised in industry as providing essential health care and services and provides a career pathway for professional development through credit transfer opportunities into the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) or diversifying into health administration or allied health fields. Essentially qualified students may then be employed and earning while continuing with further studies.
Placement assessment for the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) is routinely completed in aged or community care environments, as these are guaranteed to provide you with opportunities to complete the skills required in your units of study. Placement may be available in acute care facilities also, for those students who study the acute care units*. Workforce shortages have identified the need for skilled care and services workers across all areas, and this qualification provides you with readily available work opportunities, or, to take your health career further such as into nursing, allied health, health administration, and indigenous health areas.
You must successfully complete a placement of 80 hours and will be expected to attend shifts as allocated, across early, late, and night duty allocations, with shift times and days as determined by the Placement Provider. These placement hours will be completed as a standard 8-10hr shift, as allocated in accordance with industry standard work hours. Placement details will be communicated to you to support your personal planning.
The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) training package also includes 2 specialisations, Operating Theatre Technician, and *Assisting in nursing work in acute care. TAFE Queensland is currently developing the training resources for these, and they should be available in early 2026. There are specific placement requirements for these specialisations and students may be required to be employed in industry in order to complete the assessments. Further information will be available with your regional placement officer or team.
Placement allocations for these specialisations will be tailored to address the assessment requirements and will include allocation within an operating theatre or an acute care environment. These specialisations may be limited to those currently employed in the industry. Further information about the training package study requirements for these specialisations can be found here: Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) Training Package - Specialisations.
Additional requirements for placement
Please refer to Section 1 and 2. There are no additional vaccination or mandatory documentation requirements for this qualification.
Courses
- Certificate III in Health Administation (HLT37315)
- Certificate IV in Health Administration (HLT47321) - students must be employed in the industry
- Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715) - students must be employed in the industry
Additional information
Health administration is more than simple paperwork. It requires attention to detail, teamwork, and an ability to communicate effectively with clients and various acute health and community health professionals. It also entails an understanding of maintaining health records and accounts, privacy and confidentiality, and an ability to problem solve and multi-task while navigating through computer software programs amidst complex and busy work environments. Standard elements within healthcare carry across these programs, such as infection control and work health and safety, understanding and using medical terminology, as well as learning to engage with and provide support for vulnerable and diverse client groups. The health administrator has a key liaison role in connecting clients to their healthcare teams, and so your professional conduct and communication skills are essential in achieving a successful outcome and in preparing you for industry employment.
The foundational studies in the Certificate III provide the basis for employment and a pathway into the expanded scope of skills and administration management training provided in the Certificate IV and Diploma studies. Each qualification provides for credit transfer opportunities in other areas of study in health, including direct clinical cares, as in the Health Service Assistance, Allied Health, Pathology, Indigenous Primary Health Care or the Diploma of Nursing courses.
Placement assessment for HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 72 hours in an allocated workplace where you will undertake tasks and duties within your health administration role and address the specific assessment requirements for your units of study, under the supervision of the experienced facility staff. Students will be expected to attend shifts as allocated, including early and late shift times, with shift times and days as determined by the Placement Provider. These placement hours will be completed as a standard 8-10hr shift, as allocated in accordance with industry standard work hours. Placement details will be provided to you by your regional placement staff for your personal planning.
For HLT47321 and HLT57715 students, assessment is based on a skills completion requirement only, undertaken in the place of employment and under the supervision of the workplace manager.
Additional requirements for placement
HLT37315 students ONLY: Please refer to Section 1 and 2. There are no additional vaccination or mandatory documentation requirements for this qualification.
Students for HLT47321 Certificate IV in Health Administration and HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management must be employed in the industry and will attend assessment within their current workplace and are therefore only required to satisfy the requirements of their employer regarding mandatory documentation and vaccination.
Courses
- Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215)
- Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415)
Additional information
Pathology services contribute to health management across all communities and locations. They provide the vital information to assist in identification, diagnosis and management of diseases at a cellular level. The roles of the pathology collector in the community and care facilities and the pathology assistant in the laboratories are essential in ensuring the effectiveness and accuracy of results that then support each client’s prescribed care and treatment. Demand for these services is increasing as society’s chronic and complex health needs continue to grow; the more educated we become about public health, self-care, disease signs and symptoms, the greater need for diagnostic support.
Pathology includes collecting and processing blood and non-blood samples, from routine types of blood tests to tissue, urine, drug and saliva samples.
You will study a mandatory group of core foundational units then branch off to follow your preferred specialisation.
Foundational learning includes medical terminology, communication skills, working with culturally diverse clients and teams, legalities and infection control and general risk management. The specialisations then differentiate, with pathology collection studying venous blood collecting, collecting specimens other than blood, managing the specific risks in the collection workplace. The pathology assistance specialisation includes maintaining the laboratory space, preparing work solutions, performing basic tests and microscopic examinations, and risk/awareness of dangerous goods and materials in the laboratory workplace.
The foundational studies in the Certificate III provide the basis for employment and a pathway into the expanded scope of skills and administration management training provided in the Certificate IV and Diploma studies. Each qualification provides for credit transfer opportunities in other areas of study in health, including direct clinical cares, as in the Health Service Assistance, Allied Health, Pathology, Indigenous Primary Health Care or the Diploma of Nursing courses.
The placement duration for both pathology specialisations is a block attendance of 35 hours (1 week) in industry. You will be expected to attend shifts as allocated, including possibly early and late shift times, with shift times and allocation as determined by the placement provider. Placement details will be provided to you by your regional placement staff for your personal planning.
Our placement providers in industry continue to support our students by ensuring they have supervision and exposure to tasks associated with their unit assessments. The vast majority of our students gain employment, often with their placement provider. Some students use this as a pathway into other health studies such as providing direct client cares, health administration, allied health, or indigenous health, with some continuing to work casually while they move into other studies.
Additional requirements for placement
Please refer to Section 1 and 2. There are no additional vaccination or mandatory documentation requirements for this qualification.
Courses
- Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT20121) – this qualification does not have a placement requirement and is a school-based program
- Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30121)
- Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40121)
- Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221) - coming soon - students must be employed in the industry
- Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Management (HLT50221) - students must be employed in the industry.
Potential students are advised that it is a requirement of these studies that you identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander for eligibility to enrol.
Additional information
Indigenous health is a primary health care focus in the welfare of Australia’s population. There is a nationally recognised need to address the shortage of skilled health workers to provide culturally appropriate health care and services to rural and remote communities, as well as the urban areas. The objective of this specialised training is to improve health outcomes, reduce the inequity of access, and provide support to the indigenous communities.
Please note that it is a training package requirement that students must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander for eligibility to enrol into this range of courses.
The certificate II level of study is an introductory level, focussed on fundamental services delivery such as transport, community support and access to services, and routine administrative or operational tasks. There is no placement requirement for this level of training however it does provide credit transfer opportunities into the certificate III course or other health studies.
Placement assessments will see students allocated as part of a multidisciplinary team in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, clinics, and public and private health care settings, and tasks and hours are specific to the different courses.
The knowledge and skills for the certificate III course will include undertaking basic health assessments, identifying community health issues and needs, planning and implementing strategies for managing chronic health conditions and promoting lifestyle changes, and assisting with basic health screening and education. Study options provide you with career pathways for your professional development in this specialised area of care provision, and the certificate IV levels will include greater scope within arranging, coordinating and providing health care in community health clinics and remote and rural communities, such as reviewing treatment plans, assessing and supporting clients' social and emotional wellbeing, and the safe use of medications.
Enrolment into the HLT40221 course requires a student to be actively employed in a multidisciplinary health care team that provides health care services to indigenous clients and communities. The managerial level of the diploma is also aimed at those already employed in industry and will provide training in a more greater operational capacity, such as, overseeing program planning and development, implementing community projects, supervising health teams, overseeing the assessment of clients’ social welfare needs and capacities, engaging in research, and more.
Completing the higher-level Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221) course will qualify you to seek registration as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner and provide opportunities for you to deliver specialised knowledge and training to small groups of diverse clients within local and broader health sectors. Employment after graduating may be in urban, rural or remote environments, providing you with valuable experience and insight into the delivery of care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Studies in Indigenous primary health care also provide opportunities for pathway options through credit transfer for alternative areas of study in health, including qualifications in Health Services, Allied Health, Pathology, Health Administration, or the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) courses.
You will be expected to attend shifts as allocated, including early and late shift times, with these shift times and days as determined by the placement provider. These placement hours will be completed as a standard 8-10 hour shift, as allocated in accordance with industry standard work hours. Placement details will be provided to you by your regional placement staff for your personal planning.
Placement allocations per course are as follows:
Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30121) = 120 hours
Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40121) = 240 hours
Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221) = 500 hours (completed in your workplace during routine work hours*)
(NOTE: Successful completion of Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221) will provide eligibility to seek registration with the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia).
Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT50121) = 240 hours (completed in your workplace during routine work hours*)
You will be allocated to suitable placement providers and will be expected to attend shifts days and times as determined by the placement provider. Placement details will be provided to you by your regional placement staff for your personal planning.
* These courses require you to be working as part of a multi-disciplinary health care team providing primary healthcare services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities.
Additional requirements for placement
You are advised that an additional vaccination for Hepatitis A is required for placement. This is in accordance with Australian Immunisation handbook.
https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/hepatitis-a
The following table outlines the options for vaccination. You will be required to provide evidence of having been vaccinated against Hepatitis A either at enrolment or soon after, as per your region’s placement team’s requirements. Failing to complete any vaccination may impact your ability to be allocated to the placement assessment and therefore delay course completion.
If you have any queries about your ability to evidence your vaccination, please discuss these directly with the regional placement team as they will be able to advise regarding industry requirements and if any options are available.
| Vaccine | Age of vaccine recipient (years) | Volume per dose (mL) | No. doses | Vaccination schedule |
| Avaxim | >2 | 0.5 | 2 |
|
| Havrix Junior | 2 to <16 | .05 | 2 |
|
| Havrix 1440 | >16 | 1.0 | 2 |
|
| Vaqta Paediatric /Adolescent | 1 to <18 | 0.5 | 2 |
|
| Vaqta Adult | >18 | 1.0 | 2 |
|
Courses
- Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021)
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021)
Additional information
Allied health assistants support client care and services provided under the supervision and guidance of allied health professionals.
The allied health assistant provides direct care through hands-on assistance with treatment or exercise programs, coordinating and overseeing treatment plans, monitoring and reporting client progress and general health status, and managing administrative aspects of programs such as gathering client history and documentation, arranging appointments and completing client records. Work environments vary and include public and private health facilities, rehabilitation and specialist centres, general practice and community clinics. Allied health professionals include, for example, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, podiatrists, and speech pathologists*.
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021) is considered the entry level qualification and includes foundational aspects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, workplace safety, managing clients across age groups and their behavioural changes. It also introduces the structure of allied health treatment programs and how to provide support to both client and the Allied Health Professional.
You can pathway into the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021) course with some credit transfer available.
The certificate IV level is considered the intermediate level with the role expanding to include greater responsibilities such as case management and supervising students or lesser qualified staff. At this level there is also greater expectation in problem solving skills, critical thinking, understanding family and carer/client relationships, socio-economic and diversity aspects, complex client assessments and refined engagement skills. There is also opportunity to consider various areas of care specialisations, such as movement and mobility, nutrition and dietetics, rehabilitation and reablement, and more. These may be delivered at different locations across TAFE Queensland regions.
Once completed, you are able to qualify for credit transfer into various selections of healthcare courses, such as nursing, pathology, medical administration, health services assistance, and Indigenous primary health care, and enabling a diverse scope of clinical experiences and practice to support career opportunities.
Placement requirements for both qualifications include a mandatory placement assessment of 120 hours, completed under the supervision of an allied health professional*. This is routinely attended as a block of attendance to enable you to complete the multiple practical requirements stipulated in many units without having to attend further hours. These placement hours will be completed as a standard 8-10 hour shift, as allocated in accordance with industry standard work hours. There are specific skills and tasks to be completed, and the assessment incorporates the demonstration of a professional manner and approach in all aspects of the your workplace roles and responsibilities.
*Note: Doctors, nurses, dentists and midwives are not allied health professionals.
Additional requirements for placement
Please refer to Section 1 and 2. There are no additional vaccination or mandatory documentation requirements for this qualification.