Study Certificate IV in Ageing Support online

CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is designed for people who want to develop specialised skills for working with older people in residential, home or community-based aged care.

At Phillips Institute, the course combines self-paced online learning and assessment with practical workplace experience.  If you already work in a suitable aged care role, you may be able to complete your practical requirements in your workplace, subject to approval.  If you need a placement, Phillips Institute can provide placement support.  We have strong placement arrangements in Melbourne and surrounding areas, while regional and interstate students receive guidance and assistance to identify suitable local placement opportunities.

Experienced applicants may also be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfer, depending on their previous qualifications, skills and experience.

 

Course at a glance

  • Delivery:  Self-paced online learning and assessment, combined with practical workplace experience
  • Duration:  Approximately 9 months, depending on individual circumstances, credit transfer and RPL.
  • Practical experience: Complete required workplace and, where applicable, simulated practical assessments.  Students who are new to aged care may require placement in a suitable residential aged care setting to meet particular assessment requirements.
  • Already working in aged care?  You may be able to complete your practical requirements in your current workplace, subject to approval by the employer and Phillips Institute.
  • Need a placement?  Phillips Institute provides placement support and has established placement arrangements in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Regional and interstate students will be supported with guidance on identifying and approaching suitable placement organisations, but placement availability cannot be guaranteed.
  • RPL and credit transfer:  Available for eligible applicants with relevant previous training, skills or experience.
  • Commencement:  Flexible commencement is available.

Who is this course suitable for?

This qualification may suit people who are already working in aged care and want to develop more specialised skills, as well as experienced health or care workers who increasingly support older people and want to strengthen their knowledge of ageing, dementia, complex needs and person-centred care.

It may be particularly relevant if you:

  • currently work in aged care and want to build your skills and knowledge;
  • want to develop skills in areas such as individualised care planning, dementia support, palliative approaches and supporting people with complex needs;
  • have previous aged care qualifications, training or experience that may be considered for credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); 
  • work in a hospital or health service and regularly support older patients, including people living with dementia or complex age-related needs; or
  • are looking to develop skills for roles involving greater responsibility in aged care services.

The work may include:

  • support for activities of daily living to individuals with complex needs
  • provision of specialised care for individuals with dementia
  • supervision and support of other workers, trainees or volunteers
  • recognition and monitoring of falls risks
  • care planning and other documentation

About this course

CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is delivered through flexible, self-paced online learning and assessment, combined with practical workplace experience.

With Phillips Institute, you can:

  • study online at your own pace while continuing to work;
  • commence at a time that suits your circumstances;
  • attend optional workshops and learn alongside other aged care professionals;
  • complete practical requirements in an approved workplace or placement setting; and
  • receive guidance from experienced trainers and assessors throughout your course.

An individual learning plan will be developed based on your existing skills, knowledge and experience, including any eligible credit transfers or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Practical assessment and workplace requirements

CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support includes practical assessment requirements that must be completed in a suitable workplace and, where required, simulated environments.

For CHCCCS011 Meet personal support needs, students must demonstrate a range of personal support activities with real people, using appropriate workplace equipment, procedures and supervision.  Students who are new to aged care, or whose current workplace does not provide suitable opportunities to complete these assessments, may need to undertake practical assessment in a residential aged care setting.

CHCAGE001 Facilitate the empowerment of older people requires students to complete a simulated assessment before demonstrating the required skills in the workplace.  Phillips Institute will provide instructions and arrange the required simulation as part of the assessment process.

If you are already working in aged care, Phillips Institute can discuss whether your workplace can support the practical assessment requirements.  If you are new to the sector, we can discuss the most suitable placement and assessment pathway with you before or during your course.

How long does Certificate IV in Ageing Support take?

The standard Phillips Institute course duration is approximately 9 months. 

Some students may be able to complete the course in a shorter timeframe where eligible credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applies.

Note: if you already hold units of competency that are eligible for credit transfer, your course fees may be reduced.

Entry and study requirements

CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support has no formal entry requirements under the national training package.

Phillips Institute applicants are expected to have suitable language, literacy and numeracy skills for Certificate IV level study, intermediate computer skills, and reliable access to a computer with an internet connection.

You do not need to hold Certificate III in Individual Support before enrolling in CHC43015.  However, for applicants who are new to aged care, Phillips Institute may recommend completing Certificate III first to build the practical foundation for Certificate IV level study.

If you already have relevant aged care experience or previous training, we can discuss the most appropriate pathway with you.

Units of competency

The Phillips Institute CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support program comprises 18 units of competency: 15 core units and 3 elective units.

Workplace requirement:  To achieve this qualification, students must complete at least 120 hours of work.  The assessment requirements for core unit CHCCCS023 Support independence and wellbeing require activities to be demonstrated during at least 120 hours of direct support work in an appropriate aged care, home and community, disability or community service setting.

Core units (15)
  • CHCADV001 – Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
  • CHCAGE001 – Facilitate the empowerment of older people
  • CHCAGE003 – Coordinate services for older people
  • CHCAGE004 – Implement interventions with older people at risk
  • CHCAGE005 – Provide support to people living with dementia
  • CHCCCS006 – Facilitate individual service planning and delivery
  • CHCCCS011 – Meet personal support needs
  • CHCCCS023 – Support independence and wellbeing
  • CHCCCS025 – Support relationships with carers and families
  • CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
  • CHCLEG003 – Manage legal and ethical compliance
  • CHCPAL001 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
  • CHCPRP001 – Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
  • HLTAAP001 – Recognise healthy body systems
  • HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Elective units (3)
  • HLTFSE001 – Follow basic food safety practices
  • CHCCOM002 – Use communication to build relationships
  • CHCAGE007 – Recognise and report risk of falls

Elective units may be subject to change in accordance with training package and Phillips Institute program requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study Certificate IV in Ageing Support online?

Yes. Phillips Institute delivers CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support through flexible, self-paced online learning and assessment, combined with practical workplace experience and assessment requirements.

Do I need Certificate III before enrolling in CHC43015?

No. CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support has no formal Certificate III entry requirement. However, if you are new to aged care, Phillips Institute may recommend completing Certificate III in Individual Support first to develop the practical foundation for Certificate IV level study.

How long does Certificate IV in Ageing Support take?

The standard Phillips Institute course duration is approximately 9 months. Some students may be able to complete the course in a shorter timeframe where eligible credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applies.

Does CHC43015 require workplace experience or placement?

Yes. Students must complete the required practical assessments and at least 120 hours of work. Depending on your circumstances, these requirements may be completed in an approved workplace or through a suitable placement arrangement.

Can I complete the practical requirements in my current workplace?

Possibly. If you already work in a suitable aged care role, Phillips Institute can review your workplace to determine whether it provides the people, equipment, activities, supervision and assessment opportunities required for the course.

Can Phillips Institute help me find a placement?

Phillips Institute has strong placement arrangements in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Regional and interstate students can receive guidance and assistance to identify and approach suitable local placement organisations, although placement availability outside our established placement network cannot be guaranteed.

Is CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support relevant to hospital staff?

It can be. Hospital and health service staff who regularly support older patients may find CHC43015 relevant to their work, particularly where their role involves supporting people with dementia, complex ageing-related needs, care planning, independence and wellbeing. Some employers may also recognise higher qualifications within particular workforce classifications or progression pathways. Staff should confirm any pay, classification or progression implications with their employer. Where a hospital workplace cannot provide access to all required practical assessment activities, an additional placement in a suitable residential aged care facility or other appropriate aged care setting may be required.

Can I apply for RPL if I already work in aged care?

Yes. Experienced applicants may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or credit transfer. Eligibility depends on your existing skills, knowledge, workplace experience and previous qualifications, and evidence will be required to demonstrate competency.

 

Still have questions about Certificate IV in Ageing Support?

Talk to Phillips Institute about your previous experience, workplace, placement needs or the most suitable study pathway.

 

 

Related courses

You may also be interested in: CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, CHC53415 Diploma of Leisure and Health, HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance