Study Certificate IV in Leisure and Health online

Study CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health through flexible, self-paced online learning with optional weekly virtual classes. Develop skills relevant to Activities Officer, Lifestyle Coordinator and other leisure and health roles in aged care, disability and community services.

If you value supporting older people or people with disability, are creative and enjoy helping people participate in meaningful activities, this course could be a good fit for you.

The qualification develops skills to plan, implement and evaluate leisure and health activities and programs in residential aged care, disability services and community settings.

Course at a glance

  • Delivery: Flexible self-paced online learning with optional weekly virtual classes
  • Duration: 9 months, with an extension of up to 3 months available where required
  • Practical placement: Minimum 120 hours in residential aged care or another approved workplace setting
  • Qualification structure: 17 units of competency — 10 core and 7 electives
  • RPL and credit transfer: Available for eligible applicants based on previous qualifications, skills and experience

Activities Officer and Lifestyle Coordinator roles

Activities Officers plan, implement and evaluate person-centred leisure and lifestyle programs that support wellbeing, independence, communication and social connection.  They commonly work in residential aged care, disability services and community settings, and may work under the supervision of a Lifestyle Coordinator or Manager.

With suitable experience, graduates may also work in or progress towards Lifestyle Coordinator and related leisure and health roles.  These roles can involve coordinating activities and programs, supporting individual participation, working with residents, clients, families, carers and health professionals, and reviewing programs to ensure they reflect individual needs, interests and preferences.  Students and Graduates may apply for membership of the Allied Health Assistants’ National Association.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.  However, students may find the course easier to complete if they have previous study or experience in aged care, disability support, community services or a related field.

You will need sufficient English language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to complete online learning and assessment tasks.  Access to a computer or suitable device and a reliable internet connection is also required.

Additional requirements apply before commencing practical placement, including relevant screening and compliance checks.  See our Placement Information page for details.

Online study and practical placement

CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health is delivered through flexible, self-paced online learning and assessment, with optional weekly virtual classes with a qualified trainer.  Students are expected to make regular progress and submit assessment work at least monthly.

You will also complete a minimum of 120 hours of practical placement in residential aged care or another suitable workplace setting.  If you are already working in an appropriate role, placement may be completed in your usual workplace, subject to employer and Phillips Institute approval.

Students who need a placement can receive guidance and assistance to identify a suitable placement opportunity. If you live outside metropolitan Melbourne, we will work with you to help identify appropriate placement options in your local area, subject to availability and placement requirements.

Duration

The expected course duration is 9 months. Some students may complete sooner where relevant prior learning, qualifications, skills or experience are recognised through RPL or credit transfer. If you need additional time, you may request an extension of up to 3 months. Practical placement must be completed within six months of completing the coursework.

Qualification Structure

CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health consists of 17 units of competency: 10 core units and 7 elective units. Phillips Institute’s program includes the units listed below, selected to support relevant vocational outcomes in leisure and health, aged care, disability and community services.

Core units (10)
  • CHCCOM002 – Use communication to build relationships
  • CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
  • CHCLAH001 – Work effectively in the leisure and health industries
  • CHCLAH002 – Contribute to leisure and health programming
  • CHCLAH003 – Participate in the planning, implementation and monitoring of individual leisure and health programs
  • CHCLAH004 – Participate in planning leisure and health programs for clients with complex needs
  • CHCLAH005 – Incorporate lifespan development and sociological concepts into leisure and health programming
  • CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • HLTAAP002 – Confirm physical health status
  • HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Elective units (7)
  • CHCAGE007 – Recognise and report risk of falls
  • CHCCCS038 – Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
  • HLTFSE001 – Follow basic food safety practices
  • CHCAGE011 – Provide support to people living with dementia
  • CHCDIS017 – Facilitate community participation and social inclusion
  • CHCPAL003 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
  • CHCCCS036 – Support relationships with carer and families

Elective units may be subject to change in accordance with qualification packaging rules and training requirements.

Work placement: CHCLAH002, CHCLAH003 and CHCLAH004 include requirements that contribute to the minimum 120 hours of work specified for this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer

If you already have relevant qualifications, skills or industry experience, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfer, which may reduce the amount of training and assessment you need to complete.

RPL may be suitable for people already working in leisure and health, aged care, disability or community services who can provide evidence of relevant current skills and experience. Credit transfer may apply where you have previously completed equivalent units of competency.

Eligibility is assessed individually against the requirements of the qualification and relevant units.  See the Student Handbook for information about Phillips Institute’s RPL and credit transfer processes, or contact our team to discuss your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health online?

Yes. Phillips Institute delivers CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health through flexible, self-paced online learning and assessment, with optional weekly virtual classes. The qualification also includes practical workplace requirements.

What roles can Certificate IV in Leisure and Health support?

The qualification develops skills relevant to leisure and health roles such as Activities Officer and Lifestyle Coordinator in aged care, disability and community services. Employment opportunities depend on the role, employer and your previous skills and experience.

Do I need a Certificate III before enrolling in CHC43415?

No formal Certificate III entry requirement applies. However, previous study or experience in aged care, disability support, community services or a related field may help you complete the course successfully.

How long does Certificate IV in Leisure and Health take?

The expected Phillips Institute course duration is 9 months. Some students may complete sooner where relevant prior learning, qualifications, skills or experience are recognised through RPL or credit transfer. An extension of up to 3 months may be requested where required.

Does CHC43415 require practical placement?

Yes. Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of practical placement in residential aged care or another suitable approved workplace setting.

Can I complete the placement in my current workplace?

Possibly. If you already work in an appropriate role and workplace, your placement may be completed there subject to employer and Phillips Institute approval and the workplace meeting the relevant requirements.

Can Phillips Institute help me find a placement?

Yes. Students who need placement can receive guidance and assistance to identify suitable opportunities. If you live outside metropolitan Melbourne, Phillips Institute can work with you to help identify appropriate options in your local area, subject to availability and placement requirements.

Can I apply for RPL or credit transfer?

Yes. If you have relevant previous qualifications, skills or industry experience, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfer. Eligibility is assessed individually against the requirements of the qualification and relevant units.

Still have questions about Certificate IV in Leisure and Health?

Talk to Phillips Institute about your previous experience, current workplace, placement needs or whether CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health is suitable for your study and career goals.

Related courses and further study

Depending on your experience and career goals, you may also be interested in the CHC53415 Diploma of Leisure and Health, CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, or CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support