Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance

Delivered by expert staff through our award-winning blended learning, the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at VU Polytechnic will provide you with the essential training to work alongside health professionals such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists in the health industry.

Upon completion of this course you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to:

provide therapeutic and program-related support to allied health professionals conduct therapeutic and program-related activities under the guidance of an allied health professional identify client circumstances that need more input from an allied health professional work in a speciality area, or in general areas, across an organisation to deliver allied health assistance work in conjunction with an allied health professional be responsible for supervising other allied health assistance workers.

During this course, you will undertake a work placement to help you gain necessary skills to work in the industry.

To be awarded the HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, a student must successfully complete a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, comprising of:

• seven (7) core units, and;
• nine (9) elective units, of which:

• at least six (6) units must be selected from the electives listed in the HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance qualification; at least 2 of these units must be coded HLTAHA;
• three (3) units may be selected from any endorsed training package or accredited course. These units must be relevant to the work outcome.

Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance. Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation.

Packaging for each specialisation:

• All Group A electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy)
• All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Podiatry)
• All Group C electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational therapy)
• All Group D electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Speech pathology)
• All Group E electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Community rehabilitation)
• All Group F electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and dietetics)

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by Victoria University Polytechnic.

The Polytechnic currently offer the following specialisation:

• Community rehabilitation.

Course structure and units

Specialisation: Community rehabilitation

To be awarded this specialisation, the following additional rule must be adhered to:

- all Group E (2) electives must be selected.

CORE UNITS

• BSBMED301 - Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
• CHCCOM005 - Communicate and work in health or community services
• CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
• CHCLEG003 - Manage legal and ethical compliance
• HLTAAP001 - Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTAAP002 - Confirm physical health status
• HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A: Physiotherapy

Group A electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Group B: Podiatry

Group B electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Group C: Occupational therapy

Group C electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Group D: Speech pathology

Group D electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Group E: Community rehabilitation

• HLTAHA004 - Support client independence and community participation
• HLTAHA024 - Work within a community rehabilitation environment

Group F: Nutrition and dietetics

Group F electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Other Electives

• CHCAGE001 - Facilitate the empowerment of older people
• CHCAGE005 - Provide support to people living with dementia
• CHCCCS001 - Address the needs of people with chronic disease
• CHCCCS002 - Assist with movement
• CHCCCS006 - Facilitate individual service planning and delivery
• CHCCCS023 - Support independence and wellbeing
• CHCDIS007 - Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide therapeutic and program related support to allied health professionals. The worker is required to conduct therapeutic and program related activities under the guidance of an allied health professional. Supervision may be direct, indirect or remote and must occur within organisation requirements. The worker is required to identify client circumstances that need additional input from the allied health professional. The worker may be engaged to work in a speciality area or work generically across the organisation in delivery of allied health assistance services. The worker, in conjunction with the allied health professional, may have responsibility for supervising other allied health assistance workers.