HLT33021
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Gain the practical skills to support physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals in hospitals, aged care, rehabilitation centers, and community health services.

This qualification prepares learners to support allied health professionals to deliver safe, person-centred care in real clinical settings. Training is workplace based, building confidence in communication, infection prevention, WHS, and assisting with therapy programs. Learners develop the skills to follow clinical instructions, use medical terminology, respond to behaviours of concern, and contribute to efficient, team based health service delivery aligned with industry standards.
Who This Course Is For
- People working in or seeking entry into allied health or broader health services
- Staff who support physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other allied health professionals under supervision
- Individuals who enjoy practical, hands on work supporting clients with daily and therapy activities
- Learners wanting a nationally recognised, workplace based qualification
- Those seeking a strong foundation for future health support roles
This Qualification Builds the Capability to
- Communicate effectively and work respectfully with diverse clients and colleagues in health settings
- Follow allied health programs, including preparing equipment and assisting with therapy activities
- Apply infection prevention, WHS and safe manual task practices, including assisting with movement
- Use and interpret medical terminology and recognise healthy body systems
- Identify the impact of common health conditions and respond appropriately to behaviours of concern
Course Snapshot
Qualification
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Duration
9-12 months
Funding
State funding available in NSW

This qualification comprises 12 units of competency, including 7 core units and 5 elective units, selected to reflect relevant workplace requirements and industry standards.
Core Units
Elective Units
Entry Requirements
Participants will need an appropriate level of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to engage effectively with this course. Upon enquiry, SWC will discuss LLND skills with participants to help determine any support that may be beneficial before training begins.
If undertaking this qualification via our workplace based model or as a Traineeship, you will need to be employed in work relevant to the qualification being undertaken.
Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) if you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. These options can reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. For more information, please refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy on our Support page.
Course Commencement
This course offers flexible start dates with rolling enrolments throughout the year.
Course Duration
Typically, 9-12 months, delivered flexibly via our workplace based training model with self paced learning, primarily on the job.
This qualification includes a minimum of 120 hours of on the job clinical placement, completed in a suitable workplace environment.
Course Delivery
This qualification is delivered in the workplace, with all training and assessment completed in real work environments. Learners are supported by an experienced workplace supervisor/mentor and receive an SWC Learning Guide and Resources to help gather workplace specific evidence.
Training includes:
- One on one Trainer/Assessor sessions every 4-6 weeks
- Self-directed learning using SWC resources and workplace policies and procedures
- Regular support via email and phone
- Real time practice of skills in the workplace setting
The program is self paced and competency based, with most learners completing in 9-12 months.
Assessment
You will be required to complete both knowledge based and practical assessments completed during work hours. These may include:
- Workplace observation
- Oral and written questioning
- Portfolio evidence
- Third party supervisor reports
- Simulated tasks (if required)
All assessment tools meet training package and compliance requirements.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance qualification.
Smart and Skilled Funding (NSW)
Eligible learners and employers in New South Wales may be able to access government subsidised training through the NSW Smart and Skilled program. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Fee for Service
If government funding is not available or eligibility criteria are not met, this course can be undertaken on a fee for service basis. Please refer to our price list for current course fees and up to date pricing.
Payment plans are available, please enquire for details.
Fee-for-Service Price List