This qualification reflects the role of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people working to provide a range of non-clinical primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities, including specific health care programs.

These workers can be expected to flexibly assume a variety of job roles and undertake a broad range of tasks either individually or as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

Career opportunities and pathways

Completion of this qualification will assume a variety of job roles and undertake a broad range of tasks in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary and community health care sector as:

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
• Health clinics
• Health services
• Hospitals
• Rural locations, either through these services, or as a visiting service.

This qualification can lead to other higher-level Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) qualifications such as:

• Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care

Entry requirements

Applications for this course are open only to people who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent and are working in a Aboriginal Primary Health Care setting.

Prior to enrolment, all applicants are required to attend an interview. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of course commencement. Admission requirements are completion of a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment.

All students need to be able to obtain a Police Check and a volunteer Working with Children Check.

Duration and training delivery

The Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care duration is 18 months. The training delivery is in monthly blocks, consisting of three consecutive days and alternate weeks, online delivery

As part of the course, you will need to complete 250 hours of work placement in supervised practice in an Aboriginal health care setting. This will allow you to practice and use the skills you will learn in the classroom. Placement may be within your current job role, a job rotation within the workplace, or at another health service.

Units of study

Total number of units = 21

14 Core units:

• CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
• HLTAHW005 Work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care context
• HLTAHW006 Facilitate and advocate for the rights and needs of clients and community members
• HLTAHW007 Undertake basic health assessments
• HLTAHW008 Assist in planning and implementation of basic health care
• HLTAHW009 Provide information about social and/or emotional support
• HLTAHW010 Identify community health issues, needs and strategies
• HLTAHW011 Assist with basic health screening, promotion and education services
• HLTAHW015 Work under instructions to support the safe use of medication
• HLTAID003 Provide first aid
• HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
• HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

7 Elective units:

At least 4 units must come from the elective list in HLT40213 and up to 3 units may be selected from any endorsed training packages or accredited courses relevant to the work outcome. The elective units will be selected upon discussion with the trainers and students.

All electives have been chosen to contribute to a valid, industry supported vocational outcome.