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HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care)

Gain the knowledge and skills to work as a Nursing Assistant in a hospital or other health care facility

Duration
2 – 3 terms
Delivery Location
Delivery Mode
Accredited

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Funding
Funding Options

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HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care) overview

Working in the health industry is rewarding, flexible and motivating. Every day is different, with a vast array of patients and health professionals working together with each other.

The CHLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance has no entry requirements and is a nationally recognised qualification that will open up the opportunity for you to gain entry level employment working as an assistant in nursing, nursing support worker or patient support worker. This qualification provides you with the skills and knowledge to support professionals such as doctors and nurses in ensuring that health services function effectively when delivering care to patients and clients.

As a nursing assistant you’ll provide support to clients according to their care plan and under the supervision of a health professional. You’ll learn how to perform patient observations, how to work effectively with culturally diverse clients and how to use medical terminology. After completing this course you could work in aged care facilities, hospitals, clinics, private medical practices and home and community care services. The program offers electives to cater to specific work functions including assisting in nursing and working in acute care.

 

Learn New Skills Including: 

  • How to communicate and work in health or community services
  • Work with a range of diverse clients
  • Recognise healthy body systems
  • Infection prevention and control procedures
  • How to interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

 

Employment opportunities with this qualification include:

  • Assistant in nursing
  • Nursing support worker
  • Patient service attendant
  • Ward assistant
  • Ward support

 

What you need to know about this course?

  • The College offers part time day courses. See below for class options.
  • Attendance can be in person at a College Campus. Classes listed with a campus location are face to face and campus attendance is required for the duration of the course.
  • The course is delivered using a blended learning model which includes timetabled classroom attendance, weekly flexible directed self study hours and 80 work placement hours.
  • Students will need to allow regular weekly hours (approx 15-18)throughout the course for directed self study for the completion of learning and assessment tasks.
  • There are no classes during school holidays.
  • The course is delivered in the College’s fully equipped aged care/nursing training room by our qualified and industry experienced trainer/assessor.
  • Work placement hours will differ to normal class hours.
  • 15 units of competency must be successfully completed to achieve this qualification. To review the list of units scroll down and click on the Accredited Units tab below to review both the core and preselected elective units.
  • A timetable will be provided prior to the course commencement detailing theory, practical and work placement training sessions.

In addition a student must be comfortable in completing the following tasks on a laptop/computer:

· Downloading and uploading templates

· Saving documents to folders

· Easily accessing/locating files on their computer quickly

· Using tables to complete templates

· Able to minimize, reduce page size, open files

· Participants will also need to have access to Microsoft Word or Google docs.

 

Student Support

Please advise our Training Coordinator during your initial telephone or in-person meeting if you require additional learning support. This allows a support plan to be developed before you commence your course. Support services may be available for students with a disability, impairment or long-term condition, and/or learning, language, literacy or numeracy difficulties. As outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment, students are encouraged to contact the College at the time of enrolment to confirm whether appropriate support can be provided for their individual needs.

Throughout your studies, you may experience personal challenges that could affect your enrolment. This may include stress at home, difficulties at work, financial pressures, or other personal issues. Our Wellness Coordinator is available to assist as needed. If you are experiencing stress or facing personal difficulties, please inform your Trainer or Training Coordinator, who can refer you to the Wellness Coordinator.

All conversations with the Wellness Coordinator remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law or you provide consent for relevant information to be shared with your Trainer. Counselling offers a confidential space where you can discuss concerns that may be impacting your academic performance or mental health and wellbeing. All NBMC counselling services are free and available to all students. Please note that counselling at NBMC is short-term; if you require ongoing or long-term support, we can provide details for an appropriate external provider.

Are there Assessments?

  • Competency based assessment of each unit of competency in the course will be conducted through a mix of assessment methods including case studies, theory tasks, projects and practical demonstration.
  • Some units of competency require assessment of practical skills during work placement.
  • You will receive clear assessment instructions and an opportunity will be provided for resubmission of assessments if required.

 

Available as a Traineeship 

This qualification can be completed through a traineeship pathway. Please contact Nadia Louw on 9970 1008 or email nadia@nbmc.nsw.edu.au for further information.. New entrant traineeship course cost is currently fee free. You can also learn more about traineeships here – https://nbmc.nsw.edu.au/course-funding-option/traineeship/

 

To Enrol or For Further Information 

  • Commence the enrolment process by completing the application below. On receipt of an application, our Training Coordinator will be in touch to progress your enrolment.
  • Contact Nadia Louw on 9970 1008 or email nadia@nbmc.nsw.edu.au for further information.

 

 

  • Telephone or personal meeting with our Training Coordinator who will provide course information and answer your questions to ensure this is the right course for you before you enrol.
  • Current National Police Check.
  • Current Working with Children Check
  • Provide copy of up to date vaccination records
  • Unique Student Identifier (see information below).
  • Successful completion of an NBMC Language, Literacy and Numeracy Quiz and Digital Readiness for Learning Questionnaire to determine your suitability for the course and if any additional support may be required.
  • Reasonable level of fitness to carry out manual handling tasks and, as part of First Aid training, perform CPR while kneeling on the floor.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must demonstrate competency and successfully complete:

15 units of competency

  • 7 core units
  • 8 elective units

Once successfully completed the student will receive the nationally recognised industry qualification – HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care) and a First Aid Certificate.

Unit CodeUnit Name
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
BSBWOR301 Organise personal work priorities and development
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

We have selected the following electives which meet industry requirements

Unit CodeUnit Name
HLTAID011 Provide first aid
CHCCCS012 Prepare and maintain beds
CHCCCS002 Assist with movement
CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
CHCCCS026 Transport individuals
HLTAIN001 Assist with nursing care in an acute care environment
HLTAIN002 Provide non-client contact support in an acute care environment
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues

Electives – 1 elective to be chosen by student

Unit CodeUnit Name
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues

If you have a specific elective in mind which is not listed above, please let us know in your interview process.

To be awarded this qualification, a student must complete and demonstrate competency in all 7 core units and 8 elective units.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Northern Beaches & Mosman College recognises that you may be able to demonstrate a particular competency based on prior learning, skills gained in the workforce, or skills otherwise gained.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) can be granted if you can demonstrate competency in all the elements and performance criteria of a particular unit of competency (from a training package).

 

If you think you may be eligible for RPL in a prospective course, please contact the College for an initial discussion as to your suitability at least 2 weeks before the course commences, or for late enrolments, you must advise the Training Coordinator on enrolment. Students then have 3 weeks to lodge a fully completed application with all supporting documentation.  Supporting and current evidence must be submitted with your application. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the evidence to support their claim for RPL. As RPL must be considered and assessed through one-on-one interaction between the applicant and assessor, the course fee remains the same (unless otherwise determined by a funding contract).

 

Applications received after this time will not be considered. Please be aware, if any of the training for units of competency for which you are applying for RPL are delivered while your application is still being considered, it is strongly recommended that you attend the related classes as we cannot guarantee that your application for RPL will be successful. As a guide the process will take between 2 and 4 weeks once your application has been submitted.

 

Steps in the RPL Assessment Process

If you decide you would like to investigate the possibility of RPL further:

 

Step 1 – Request a formal RPL Application Pack from NBMC

The pack will include an application form and details of the units of competency and competency skills required within the relevant qualification. The application must be fully completed with as much supporting documentation as possible before being returned to NBMC. Ensure that all the evidence that you provide is relevant to the units of competency for which you are applying for RPL. The more comprehensive the evidence is, the easier and faster the assessment process will be. You have 3 weeks on receiving the application to complete and return it to NBMC.

 

Step 2 – Conversation with Assessor

If required, the assessor will conduct a competency conversation with you. You will be required to answer questions related to the industry area to identify your current skills.

 

Step 3 – Practical demonstration of your skills

If required, the assessor will conduct a practical skills test at your workplace (if appropriate) or at another suitable venue. This, again, is an opportunity to demonstrate your level of competence. This assessment will be focussed on skills that are required in the qualification. Your assessor will identify the skills that he/she will want you to demonstrate.

 

Further steps

After the assessment, your assessor will give you information about the skills that have been recognised and whether you have gained any of units of competency applied for through RPL.

 

Credit Transfer

Northern Beaches & Mosman College recognises Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO) where the Training Package guidelines allow it.

 

If you have a current qualification from another RTO that you wish to seek credit for (towards a course offered by NBMC) you can apply to the College for recognition of this achievement, including Credit Transfer where appropriate.  You will be required to give permission to NBMC to verify the authenticity of the qualifications provided by contacting the issuing Registered Training Organisation or by checking your Unique Student Identifier records.

 

You must make this application within one week of the commencement of the course.

 

Credit Transfer may only be awarded for whole units of competence that meet the packaging rules of the Qualification they are enrolled in. Where a mapping guide identified a partial credit, this will not be considered for credit transfer, and the applicant will be advised to seek RPL.

  • A minimum of 80 hours of unpaid work placement in a care service facility is required (arranged by NBMC)
  • Work placement provides you with the opportunity to respond to situations and circumstances that cannot be replicated in a simulated environment.
  • Your trainer will either accompany you or visit you regularly during work placement hours to guide and support you as well as assess practical skills.

There are many pathways you can follow into more specified fields of nursing once you gain this entry level qualification. The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance provides a clear pathway to the Diploma of Nursing which can then lead to a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.

From 1 January 2015 it is a requirement of the Federal Government that all students undertaking nationally recognised training will need to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This involves an easy online application. See USI Fact Sheet for information on how to apply for a USI go to the Unique Student Identifier (USI) Website for additional information: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi . Please ensure when completing your enrolment information, that the details relating to your name are identical to those on the identification evidence (eg passport or driver’s licence) used when creating your USI, eg no abbreviations or nicknames should be used. Once created, it is important that you keep a record of your USI and access to your accredited training records in a safe place. You will need this information for any future enrolments into accredited training in Australia. Please contact the College on 9970 1000 if you require assistance.

All NBMC Trainers/Assessors are current industry professionals with the required qualifications to deliver and assess this course. Trainers draw upon and share their own experiences in the industry to ensure that the training delivered to you is current and relevant. For information about individual trainers, please click on the trainer name in the class details below for the trainer’s bio.

Enjoy smaller class sizes, a personalised relationship with your trainer, face-to face teaching sessions and qualifications that may include real life work experience, when you choose to study at Northern Beaches & Mosman College. (NBMC)

With classes available across the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore in Brookvale and Mosman, the College offers increasing numbers of accredited and vocational qualifications. Students include those looking to upskill, to change career direction and school leavers keen to step onto a career pathway. Courses on offer can lead directly to employment and/or go towards future learning opportunities.

The NSW and Federal Governments have signed an agreement to deliver more fee free vocational education places in NSW in 2025 and 2026. Funding is being rolled out in stages and for priority qualifications. The next funding period is for training to commence between 1 January 2026 and 1 June 2026.

To be eligible you must be:

  • an Australian Citizen/Perm Resident/NZ citizen/humanitarian visa holder or a partner visa holder whose sponsor is a humanitarian visa holder
  • aged 15 years or older, and
  • live or work in New South Wales, and
  • no longer be at school or equivalent (excluding registered home schooled)

If you meet the above criteria, along with the Course Entry Requirements, you can apply to study this course fee free (includes course resources). Fee-free places are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

NOTE: NSW Fee Free applications for Semester 1 2026 are limited. Where NSW Fee Free applications are exhausted applications for subsidised enrolments under the Smart & Skilled Program are still being accepted. See fee structure below. No payment required until application has been approved.

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

For further information, please contact Nadia Louw, Training Coordinator at nadia@nbmc.nsw.edu.au or phone 9970 1008.

 

TitleFee
Exempt $0
Concession $240
If no prior post school qualification $1600
If a post school qualification has previously been completed $1930
Not Eligible for Smart & Skilled $7000

Eligibility for Subsided Training under the Smart & Skilled Training Program

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government under the Smart & Skilled Training Program.

Eligibility for Skilling for Recovery (JobTrainer) – Free Training

Skilling for Recovery is a NSW Government initiative to deliver JobTrainer funding in NSW. It provides free certificate, diploma and short course training to eligible applicants.

Payment options for this course are as follows:

  • In full if the course cost is less than $1500
  • By two instalments – half on enrolment and half midway through the course
  • An interest-free payment plan paying $240* on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments (an initial admin charge of $10 will be added for direct debit set up)
  • By Cash, Cheque, Visa or MasterCard

*Enrolment instalment is payable on acceptance into the course.

Note: If not eligible for Smart and Skilled, payment will be by instalments of no more than $1500.  Please contact the College for payment options.

Cert III Health Services Assistance Tile

Enrol Now

Below are our available intakes to the  HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care). Select the intake you wish to enrol into and complete the Online Enrolment Form

Available Intakes

Name Course Start Date Course End Date Apply
2026 Term 1 - Thu & Fri 9.30am to 2.30pm - Brookvale Campus Trainer: Jyothi Immaraj 12/02/2026 17/07/2026 Click here

Funding Eligibility Calculator

Find out if you are eligible for Government Funding with our easy to using Funding Eligibility Calculator.

To apply, check your eligibility for Government funding first.

You are eligible for NSW Fee Free funding

Name Course Start Date Course End Date Cost
2026 Term 1 - Thu & Fri 9.30am to 2.30pm - Brookvale Campus Trainer: Jyothi Immaraj 12/02/2026 17/07/2026 $0.00

You are not eligible for NSW Fee Free funding. Enrol below with Fee-for-Service rates

Name Course Start Date Course End Date Cost
2026 Term 1 - Thu & Fri 9.30am to 2.30pm - Brookvale Campus Trainer: Jyothi Immaraj 12/02/2026 17/07/2026 $0.00

Need some help
deciding?

If you have any questions related to the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care) please enquire here.  Alternatively you can email one of our course-cordinators here