HLT33115
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Develop practical skills in ward support, patient care assistance, and clinical administration for hospital roles supporting nursing and allied health teams.
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge to support day-to-day operations in hospital wards, clinical units and patient care environments. Learners gain experience in real workplaces, aligned to their chosen stream, whether focused on ward support, patient movement or ward administration. Health services assistants contribute to safe, efficient ward operations, working closely with nursing, allied health and administrative teams to enhance patient care and service delivery.
Who This Course Is For
- Individuals employed in or seeking hospital support and patient care assistant roles
- People wanting to build skills as Ward Clerks, Wardspersons or Patient Services Assistants (PSAs)
- Those who enjoy practical, team-based work in fast-paced healthcare environments
- Learners seeking a nationally recognised qualification to support ongoing health career development
- People new to the health sector looking for an entry pathway into patient support roles
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Communicate with patients, clinicians and health service teams using medical terminology and accurate records
- Apply infection prevention, WHS and safe work practices across hospital environments
- Support patient care activities under clinical direction, including safe movement and transport
- Perform ward reception, admissions and administrative tasks in line with workplace procedures
- Contribute to efficient ward operations through teamwork, prioritisation and patient-focused service
Course Snapshot
Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Duration
12 Months
Funding
State funding availability in NSW, VIC and QLD. Federal incentive availability in SA, NSW, QLD, WA and VIC
This qualification comprises 15 units of competency, including 7 core units and 8 elective units, selected to reflect relevant workplace requirements and industry standards for workers who use a range of factual, technical and procedural knowledge to provide assistance to health professional staff for the care of clients.
Core Units
Elective Units (can be tailored)
Operating Theatre Technician Specialisation Units
Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care Specialisation Units
Note:
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care). To achieve this qualification with this specialisation, the candidate must have completed at least 80 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the unit of competency.
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 course as a Traineeship, participants are required to be employed on a regular basis in work that is 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.
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. Ongoing enrolments available.
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 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) 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.
Skills First (VIC – Regional Only)
Eligible learners and employers in Regional Victoria may be able to access government subsidised training through the VIC Skills First program. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. For full details, please visit our Funding page.
Career Start & Career Boost (QLD)
Eligible learners and employers in Queensland may be able to access government subsidised training through the QLD Career Start & Career Boost. 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.
Fee-for-Service Price List