Ageing is a side-effect of life, and a side-effect of ageing is a decreasing ability to manage daily life. Aged care workers help the elderly by providing services that include anything from shopping and laundry to nursing and palliative care. Anyone can volunteer to do the shopping, but serious aged care requires more comprehensive study.
Aged care, like most healthcare services, is more of a calling than a job simply because it involves a lot of hard work that would make most people turn up their noses, like cleaning bed pans and feeding elderly people who can no longer manage basic tasks. You also need to consider that some people can be very cantankerous and stubborn, which means that they’re not always a joy to be around.
Popular Aged Care Courses
Before you even think of signing up for aged care courses it’s a good idea to visit some of the aged care facilities in your city, from private residential homes in Brisbane, Queensland to nursing facilities in public hospitals in Melbourne, Victoria. That way you can get a taste of what the job really entails.
TAFE courses in aged care are great, not only because of the high standards but also because they offer students the chance to enter traineeships and apprenticeships in the early stages so that, once again, they can get on-the-job experience before committing to study beyond Certificate III or IV level.
If you’re passionate about caring for the elderly and know that you can make a positive difference in the lives of Australia’s ageing population, then read on to find out what your study options are, from accredited online aged care courses in Sydney, NSW to advanced diplomas in Perth, WA and short courses for continuous professional development in Adelaide, SA.
Aged Care Study Path
Certificate III in Community Services
If you want to study aged care in Australia you have to start with Certificate II in Community Services. It starts with community services because very often aged care workers have to successfully integrate themselves into different communities and they need to be able to recognise needs and assets that the community provides. The course will help them assess community situations to better care for the aged within it. In any event, Certificate II Community Services courses typically focus on disability and aged care.
The course includes several compulsory and elective study units, including those that deal support for older people and working effectively with older people, which are especially for those who want to go into aged care. There is also a practical component, the duration of which varies depending on the course provider.
Certificate II Aged Care courses can take anywhere between three and six months to complete, although this will also depend on where students are completing the course (Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide), the course provider and whether they studying online or attending classes.
Certificate III in Aged Care
The next step is Certificate III in Aged Care. Before you register to study at any education and training institution you should ensure that the Aged Care Certificate IV is nationally accredited; the courses at many TAFE learning centres are recognised throughout Australia.
Certificate III in Aged Care contains theoretical and practical components to ensure that you are fully equipped to start working as a carer. Completion of the Cert III in Aged Care allows students to get jobs as care workers, care assistants, nurse assistants, personal care assistants and community support workers. They will have the option to work privately or for residential age care facilities.
Students who reach this level of aged care also need to be aware of certain legal requirements. For example, they will be subject to a National Criminal Record Check, in NSW students enrolled in aged care courses have to inform the Department of Health Screening Unit if they are charged with a criminal offence. Students must sign a CCYP Student Declaration form, which states that they not prohibited from working with children and young people, they must sign the Health Code of Conduct, undergo screening and vaccination for various infectious diseases and they must obtain manual handling and first aid certificates to prove they can manage all the heavy lifting and medical emergencies that aged care requires. Courses can take up to 18 months to complete, depending on the course provider and state in which it is being taken.
Certificate IV in Aged Care
Certificate IV in Aged Care builds upon Certificate III by providing students with more supervisory and management skills and teaching them how to work with special needs cases. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to coordinate and supervise programmes to help those working in aged care as well as the elderly who need care. After Certificate IV in Aged Care, employment opportunities will also include more medical responsibilities, especially with regards to illness, infection control, infirmity and age-related disabilities.
The legal requirements that applied to Certificate III in Aged Care also apply to those working in Certificate IV. Courses can take up to 18 months to complete, depending on the course provider and state in which it is being taken.
Courses found:
Diploma of Engineering – Technical (VIC ONLY) MEM50212
Are you looking to develop your engineering career, or gain practical engineering experience before undertaking a university degree? This course is designed for those wanting to work as an engineering technician, carrying out tasks such as engineering...


Diploma of Project Management BSB51415
The Diploma of Project Management is aimed at those who wish to pursue or develop a career in Project Management. This qualification is targeted at two main streams; candidates currently working in a project environment or those new to project managem...


Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) is a specialist professional qualification allowing students to graduate as Personal Development, Health and Physical Education teachers. This degree develops the requisite pedagogical and sub...


Course in Engineering – Welding MIG TIG ARC (VIC ONLY) MEM40105
The course is designed for current engineering and fabrication apprentices, or qualified tradespeople. You may work within the metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries or at equivalent levels in other industries where engineering tr...


Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only)
Are you patient, flexible and wanting to help nurture our future generation? Our CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a course designed for entry-level into the early childhood education and care industry. As a childcare wo...


Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)(VIC ONLY) 22261VIC
Are you looking to enter the electrical industry, or get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and increase your opportunities...


Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC ONLY) CHC30113
Do you love the idea of working with children? This entry-level childcare course will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a trained assistant in the children’s services sector....


Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....


Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Management)
The Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Management) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling career in sport. Students learn about coaching theory, scientific processes, leadership skill...


Certificate III in Community Services (PER ONLY) CHC32015
The community services industry is set to boom over the coming years, so there’s no better time to join this dynamic and rewarding sector. Our nationally accredited CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services suits entry-level and experienced commun...


Diploma of Information Technology Networking (VIC ONLY) ICT50415
If you’d like to establish a career in the field of computer and network systems engineering, this practical, industry-designed IT course is ideal. This course provides you with advanced skills and knowledge in the design, installation and maintenance...


Certificate II in Construction Pathways (PER ONLY) CPC20211
The Certificate II in Construction Pathways will provide students with a broad range of skills across occupations such as carpentry and bricklaying to gain entry-level experience in these trades. This Certificate is designed to introduce students to th...


Diploma of Sports Turf Management (VIC ONLY) AHC51016
Are you working in a sports turf environment, and would like to take your career to the next level? This course equips you with the latest industry skills and knowledge and covers a range of topics to prepare you for supervisory, management or consulta...


Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (NSW, QLD & VIC ONLY) TAE40116
Plenty Training delivers the new TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification! This course covers training design, training delivery and assessment activities – allowing you to: Deliver training and assessment in a TAFE or Registere...


Certificate III in Hairdressing (VIC ONLY) SHB30416
This qualification reflects the role of hairdressers who use a range of well-developed sales, consultation and technical skills and knowledge to provide a broad range of hairdressing services to clients. They use discretion and judgement to provide cli...


Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only) CHC50113
This Program will help you specialise in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry. Upon completion you will have the skills to be a Lead Educator responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs in Early Childhood services. The CHC50...


Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113
This qualification reflects the role of early childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. In doing so you work to implement an approved learning framework within the...


Certificate II in Engineering Studies “Mechanical, Fabrication and Composites” (VIC ONLY) 22209VIC
Are you hoping to secure an apprenticeship and develop an engineering career in the metal fabrication, manufacturing or mechanical field? This course will give you the entry-level skills and knowledge to work in the engineering industry and increase yo...


Bachelor of Health & Movement – Sport Major
The Bachelor of Health & Movement (Sport) is a personally rewarding and increasingly important field. Health and Movement studies combine learning in the areas of health, movement and science, with a focus on improving individual and community heal...


Course in Engineering – Welding Certification (VIC ONLY) MEM40105
The course is designed for current engineering and fabrication apprentices, or qualified tradespeople. You may work within the metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries or at equivalent levels in other industries where engineering tr...

