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 prepares learners to support hospital ward operations, administration
and patient care in clinical settings. Participants build skills in medical terminology,
healthy body systems, infection prevention and workplace health and safety to
contribute to safe, effective service delivery. The course also strengthens communication, cultural awareness and the ability to organise work priorities within person centred health service environments.
Who This Course Is For
- Individuals working in or seeking hospital support, administration, or patient care roles
- People interested in roles such as Ward Clerks, Wardspersons, Administrative Officers, or PSAs
- Those who enjoy team based work in fast paced healthcare settings
- Learners seeking a nationally recognised pathway into health careers
- People new to the health sector looking for entry level hospital support and administration roles
This Qualification Builds the Capability 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
9-12 Months
Funding
State funding available in NSW, VIC and QLD.

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
Operating Theatre Technician Specialisation Units
Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care Specialisation Units
Environmental Services
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. The specialisation, Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care) requires the learner to have completed at least 80 hours of work performing the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit.
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 HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services 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.
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.
Payment plans are available, please enquire for details.
Fee-for-Service Price List