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  4. Free vs Paid Disability Courses: The Difference Explained
Published 16 Jun 2020

Free vs Paid Disability Courses: The Difference Explained

Avatar photo Candlefox

Browse Disability Courses

Disability Courses


If you’re hoping to build a career in disability services then it’s important to look at what the right pathway is for you. These days there are so many different free and paid courses available online, it can be hard to know what to choose. There are positives for both, but it’s important to know what they both offer so that you can ensure you’re getting the right education for your career path.

Free Disability Course


Free courses are a great way to gather a basic understanding of what being a disability care worker entails; they will give a general overview and allow you to learn about disability services at a surface level. If you’re unsure about whether you really want to work in disability services, then a free course will allow you to dip your toe in the water to see if you want to pursue it further and undertake the necessary certified training.

Benefits of a free course include:

  • General overview of what Disability Services entail
  • No cost = no risk
  • No commitment
  • Complete the course in your own time

Be aware that free courses are all self-led, as they don’t include an assessment component. They also tend to span across a longer period of time due to the lack of structure and deadlines, and are not accredited.

Paid Disability Course


Paid disability courses provide you with a guaranteed qualification, which will make you a stronger candidate when applying for jobs. The content and components of paid disability courses are significantly richer as time, money and resources have been put in to deliver high quality materials, in easy to follow and well-structured formats. 

Undertaking tertiary study with a trusted education provider will not only give you the confidence to provide individualised support to patients with disabilities, but also give you industry-recognised certification that will allow you to become a high-value employee.

What you can expect from a paid course:

  • One-on-one training with industry experts
  • Practical placement
  • Valuable resources
  • Developing the skills and knowledge to offer excellent disability services
  • An accreditation

One of the leading benefits of paid courses is that you can expect to have access to experienced industry professionals within the disability sector, who will guide and mentor you through training in disability care. They will be there to support you, answer questions and give insight from their own experiences in the industry to help you become the best carer you can be.

Whether the course be online or in the classroom, nothing beats having an teacher who can curate the course content to meet your learning style.

Why a Disability Course?

Working in disability care can be an extremely rewarding career as you get to empower and help people with disabilities gain more confidence, independence and self-reliance. In some circumstances, more intensive support may be required but at the end of the day the aim is to promote community participation as well as overall better quality of life. 

Free courses will kick start your journey to becoming a disability care worker by providing you with the basics. However, a paid course will provide you with an in-depth curriculum and the necessary skills and qualifications to turn your dream of helping others into a reality. 

Both free and paid disability courses have their benefits and drawbacks. The most important thing is to understand how they differ, and how that relates to your future.

Browse Disability Courses

Browse Disability Results

Courses found:
Top Result

Diploma of Nursing HLT54121

Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....

Open Colleges School of Health -  Course
in partnership with
Open Colleges
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
Open Colleges School of Health -  Course
in partnership with
Open Colleges

Graduate Diploma in Management

The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...

AIM Business School -  Course
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Canberra ACT +6
Job Outcomes People Management +3
AIM Business School -  Course

Graduate Certificate in Management

The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...

AIM Business School -  Course
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
AIM Business School -  Course

Certificate III in Community Services (WA Only) CHC32015

The Certificate III in Community Services is perfect for entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or suppor...

Industry Skills Training -  Course
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +1
Job Outcomes Community Support Worker +3
Industry Skills Training -  Course

Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)

Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...

Endeavour College of Natural Health -  Course
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Naturopath
Endeavour College of Natural Health -  Course

Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)

Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...

Endeavour College of Natural Health -  Course
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Clinical Nutritionist corpor... +1
Endeavour College of Natural Health -  Course

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only) CHC33021

If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...

Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +2
Job Outcomes Care Assistant +4
Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd -  Course

Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education & Care (Perth Only) CHC30121

If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can provide you with an entry-l...

Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +2
Job Outcomes Early Childhood Educator +2
Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd -  Course

Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only) CHC32015

Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...

Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd -  Course
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +1
Job Outcomes Support Worker +1
Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd -  Course

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (SA Only) CHC33021

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to support people living with disability in a variety of care settings. With a focus on person-centred support, you’ll learn how to...

Open Colleges School of Health -  Course
in partnership with
Open Colleges
Study Method Blended
Location South Australia
Job Outcomes Disability Support Worker
Open Colleges School of Health -  Course
in partnership with
Open Colleges

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