Become a Personal Care Assistant, Home Care or Disability Support Worker
Now only $50 or $125 for funding eligible applicants* – no extra costs!
Have you ever considered becoming a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) or Aged or Disabled Carer? If you enjoy caring for people, have a sensitive and compassionate nature, and a desire for satisfying work, then working as a personal carer in the aged care, home care or disability sector either in residential centres, community settings or clients’ homes may be for you.
This qualification provides a career path into a professional aged care or health career. With Phillips Institute, you will complete class-based training with skills and knowledge classes before starting an industry-based practical placement. Please note – we will switch classes to remote delivery using zoom classes and resources delivered online during periods of required restrictions with practical skills sessions when possible.
We deliver residential aged care, home and community care, or disability specialisations for this qualification.
If you’re already working in a relevant role, or have previous skills, knowledge and experience, you may be eligible for some recognition of your existing competency. You might also be interested in upskilling with our CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. You may only need to do eight units if you already hold the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support, meaning reduced study time and reduced cost!
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Entry Requirements
No minimum education is required, however your ability to communicate well in spoken and written English is very important for working in caring and support roles and is necessary to successfully complete the course requirements. You must also be able to read and interpret information and use basic numeracy skills to the level expected in the workplace. The training we provide will focus on developing your skills so that you will be ready for working in this important and growing sector.
All applicants must provide a copy of a current National Police Check before commencing the placement. It will not be possible to start your placement until this check is received. Some organisations may also require you to obtain, a no-cost Volunteer Working with Children Check.
In addition, some organisations will expect you to meet immunisation requirements prior to starting your placement, for example, Influenza immunisation is commonly required for work in aged care, home care and disability services. Further information about these requirements can be provided by your trainer or by checking the workplace specific recommended immunisations.
Duration
Course duration is 22 weeks of classes for full-time intake, or 28 weeks for part-time intake, with up to one year to complete all course requirements. If you have previous skills, knowledge or experience, you may be able to complete this course in a shorter time frame. Speak with one of our course advisors prior to enrolment for more information about credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and/or recognition of current competencies, or read our Student Handbook for further information.
Placement
This is a key component of your course where you will put everything you have learned into practice! If you already have a placement organisation in mind, such as a residential aged care facility close to where you live, you may be able to organise your own placement. But remember, you do not have to set up your own placement – we will do all the organising for you – and we will endeavour to find a placement for you as close to your home as possible. This is something we have been doing for our students for over 20 years.
Pathways
Many of our former students have continued their career with studies in Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, Certificate IV in Disability, or gone on to further studies in Diploma of Nursing, a Bachelor degree in Nursing and other allied health fields. A Certificate III in Individual Support can provide a terrific launching pad for your future health care and/or community services career. Don’t forget, you can also study a second course such as the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and graduate with two qualifications! Ask us about the dual enrolment if you’re interested.
Ready to get started?
Get ready for your future aged care, HACC or disability career – Call us on 1300 558837 or just click on the Apply Now button when you’re ready to apply.
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Sample – Units of Competency with the Ageing specialisation
| CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support |
| CHCCCS023* | Support independence and wellbeing |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| CHCAGE001 | Facilitate the empowerment of older people |
| CHCAGE005 | Provide support to people living with dementia |
| CHCCCS011 | Meet personal support needs |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
| HLTFSE001 | Follow basic food safety practices |
| HLTINF001** | Comply with infection control policies and procedures |
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Locations and Next intakes:
Carnegie – Full time: New intake starts every 2 to 4 weeks
Carnegie – Part time: New intake starts every 4 to 5 weeks
Find out if you are eligible for government funding, even if you are currently employed! Note: all Phillips Institute courses are now Tuition Fee FREE, just like selected TAFE courses.
Schedule
Class-based training
Full time:
Two days per week, 9:30am to 4pm – approximately 22-24 weeks – plus placement
Part time:
One evening plus one day per week – Carnegie only (Thursday 5:30pm to 8:30pm) and most Saturdays 9am to 3:30pm – approximately 28 weeks – plus placement
Placement – Residential Aged Care Facility:
3.5 to 4 weeks, Monday to Friday, usually 7am to 2.30pm
must total 120 hours minimum – we find and organise your placement for you!
*This training is delivered with Commonwealth and Victorian Government subsidies.