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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications are open for 2026.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
This qualification reflects the role of a new worker wanting to become an Allied Health Assistant and gain entry to the aged care, disability and other health sectors. They may provide assistance, under the delegation and supervision of Allied Health Professionals (AHP).
Supervision may be direct, indirect or remote, according to the individual Allied Health Assistant¿s scope of practice and experience.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 120 hours of clinical placement as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina |
| Duration | 1 year full-time 2 year part-time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Blended Face-to-face *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 1: 13/07/2026 to 11/09/2026 Term 4: 05/10/2026 to 04/12/2026 |
| Attendance | Students attend face-to-face classes in 4 x 3 hour blocks per week, per term. Classes are scheduled to coincide with routine school calendar dates. Students complete the qualification in 40 weeks delivered over 4 terms, dependent of student progress and prior knowledge/training. Students will be issued a timetable with the required attendance days and times prior to the commencement of each term. |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Allied health assistant
- Physiotherapy assistant
- Podiatry assistant
- Speech pathology assistant
- Therapy assistant
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.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $2,013.55 |
| Full Fee | $7,222.63 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider 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
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider 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
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance a total of twelve (12) units of competency must be completed comprising seven (7) core and five (5) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 523.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately | 60 |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community service | 30 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
| HLTAHA027 | Assist with an allied health program | 80 |
| HLTAHA049 | Recognise impact on health conditions | 100 |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | 35 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 365 | |
| Elective units of competency (Complete ALL 5) | ||
| CHCCCS002 | Assist with movement | 25 |
| CHCCCS020 | Respond effectively to behaviours of concern | 20 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 |
| HLTAAP001 | Recognise health body systems | 70 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 158 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 523 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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.
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To be eligible to gain a placement in an allied health service, students may be required to attain an Ochre Card to work with children or a police clearance.
Required Resources
Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on CDU's online learning platform Learnline. Before using Learnline however, students will need to ensure that their computer has the correct setup.
There may be costs if the student is not employed and is required to undertake work placement:
- Working with Children Clearance - Standard Fee (Employment) $87.00
- Working with Children Clearance - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $8.00
- National Police Check - Standard Fee (Employment) $89.00
- National Police Check - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $17.00
- NDIS Worker Screening Check - Standard Fee (Employment) $145.00
- NDIS Worker Screening Check - Concession Fee (Volunteer) $14.00
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
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
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
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the HLT Health Training Package.
Location and study mode
Locations: Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, Both
Note:
Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Health and Community Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE 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 TAFE and undergraduate.
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