Key details
Duration
The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
* - Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This is a VET in Secondary Schools (VSS) qualification only
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide support for the effective functioning of health services. At this level workers complete tasks under supervision involving known routines and procedures or complete routine but variable tasks in collaboration with others in a team environment.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Ancillary Health Services include:
>Health Services Assistant
>Orderly
>Hospital Cleaner
>Stores Assistant
>Health Support Services Worker
>Food Services Deliverer
>Ward Assistant
>Production Cook
>Groundsperson
>Health Administrative Worker
>Kitchenhand
>Hospital Grounds Maintenance Worker
>Community Services Driver
>Nutrition Assistant
>Pathology Courier
>Kitchen Attendant
>Caretaker
>Laundry Operator
>Food Service Assistant
>Hospital Maintenance Worker
>Admissions Clerk (Health Services)
>Institutional Cook
>Food Service Worker
>Client Assistant
>Housekeeping Attendant
>Nurse's Aide
>Ward Clerk
>Hospital Porter
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.
This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include, but are not limited to HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance or HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
Fees
2022 Course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place is $4,39.50, and for students who are not eligible is $2,930.00.
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
What will I study?
To achieve a CERTIFICATE II IN HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES a total of TWELVE (12) units of competency must be completed comprising FOUR (4) Core and EIGHT (8) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 293.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency |
Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 30 |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 115 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY Group F- Client Support Specialisation | ||
CHCCCS012 | Prepare and maintain beds | 15 |
CHCCCS020 | Respond effectively to behaviours of concern | 20 |
CHCCCS026 | Transport Individuals | 20 |
HLTHSS004 | Handle and move equipment, goods and mail | 20 |
OTHER ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY |
|
|
HLTWHS005 | Conduct manual tasks safely | 30 |
CHCCCS010 | Maintain a high standard of service | 30 |
CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 |
UNNAMED ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY |
|
|
HLTAID003 | Provide first aid | 18 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 178 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 293 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
CDU Domestic Entry Requirements
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification. However, applicants who wish to commence this course need to have a general command of spoken and written English to be able to meet industry standards for communication.
By law all students must apply for a working with children clearance, also called an Ochre Card, to work or
volunteer with children in the Northern Territory.
Students can apply for a Ochre Card through Safe NT/NT Police or the Northern Territory Government:
- Safe NT/NT Police website: https://forms.pfes.nt.gov.au/safent/
- Northern Territory Government website: https://nt.gov.au/emergency/community-safety/apply-for-a-working-with-children-clearance
Essential requirements
English language requirements
I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.
Yulia
CDU Student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the HLT Health Training Package.
VET for secondary schools
VET for Secondary Students (VSS)
Select VSS for more detail about this program.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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