Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) - CHC33015

VOCATIONAL

Assist older people with their day to day activities and health and wellbeing.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

See Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Individual support workers play a vital role in helping to meet the needs of our ageing population.

They are empathetic, patient and detail-oriented carers who assist in promoting the wellbeing and independence of older people. 

The number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double by 2054-55^. To respond to this record growth, and to ensure that future generations receive the care they need as they grow older, we need to build a skilled and experienced aged care workforce. 

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a course teaching the theory, skills and practices required to begin a rewarding career in the aged care sector. This course reflects the role of a support worker in a residential setting who follows individualised care plans to assist older people. These plans outline their strengths, difficulties, goals and service preferences, ensuring they receive individualised care.

This program is a combination of online delivery, practical labs and work placement.

Some of the unique aspects of the RMIT Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) are:

  • extensive work placement component to ensure graduates are work ready at a residential aged care facility
  • RMIT instructor supported online learning, allowing students to fit study around work and family commitments
  • practical assessments are conducted in a combination of online, on campus and in a residential aged care facility.
It was incredible to see how valued the skills we learned in the course were. They're so good, a lot of my classmates were getting job offers straight off the back of getting a Certificate III.
Portrait of Elizabeth Jones, RMIT Certificate III of Individual Support graduate Elizabeth Jones, RMIT Certificate III of Individual Support graduate

*This is a JobTrainer and Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Throughout this course, you will receive personalised education and training to develop work practices for better client outcomes.

Learning clusters are delivered over 10-week terms, with a weekly commitment of two days.

In addition to this, you will undertake a supported placement at an accredited aged care facility with the guidance of an RMIT trainer. In these sessions, you will practice skills in an industry context and be assessed across a range of settings and tasks.

You will also undertake an independent, 120-hour work placement in an aged care facility and in a disability service setting. You will receive ongoing support while completing these placements, gaining hands-on experience at leading social service organisations.

Assessment will be based on demonstration of skills, the application of knowledge in a workplace context, and how you integrate these skills in preparation for the contingencies and demands of a busy workplace.

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) has been developed with significant Industry input.

All course content, delivery and assessment is informed by industry through a Program Advisory Committee.

This is a nationally accredited program enabling graduates to work anywhere in Australia.

A large number of our students are offered employment through their placement provider upon completion of their studies, such as BlueCross.

Throughout this course, you will be required to attend classes online 2 days per week and you will be advised when to attend on campus activities.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

This qualification requires the completion of 13 units - 7 core units and 6 elective units.

Your core areas of study will focus on safe, ethical and inclusive work practices. You will develop an understanding of healthy body systems and learn how to support and maintain the well-being of those in your care.

The ageing specialisation in this program introduces you to the specific needs of older people. It teaches you how to provide empathetic support for those living with conditions such as dementia and provides you with the knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups.

In addition to developing skills to effectively work in roles that involve service delivery and client work, this program aims to help you develop broad employability skills such as effective communication, self-management and teamwork.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
Program code: C3401
National curriculum code: CHC33015
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
City Campus
One year
C3401
Location
City Campus
Duration
One year
Plan code
C3401
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
City Campus
One Year
C3401C
Location
City Campus
Duration
One Year
Plan code
C3401C
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Healthcare and social assistance are currently Australia’s largest employing industries, and the fast-growing aged care sector offers a wealth of employment opportunities. 

The Department of Health estimates that the Aged Care sector will need to expand its workforce from 366,000 to 980,000 by 2050 to meet the needs of our ageing population. 

The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) prepares you for employment in roles such as:

  • Aged care worker
  • Personal care assistant
  • Home care worker
  • Family support worker
  • Accommodation support worker

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum requirements.

Applicants must be 18 years or above at the time of commencement.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Additional information

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If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Compliance requirements

  • Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). National Police records check are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check*:  You may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • COVID19 Vaccination*: You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.

Please note: Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

There are a number of pathway opportunities following the successful completion of this program.

Possible pathways programs are:

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

JobTrainer courses

JobTrainer is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth and State Government which provides additional funding for free or low-fee (20% of the listed tuition fee) training courses for young people and job seekers. Eligible applicants will be able to access up to one full qualification and one short course or skill set under the JobTrainer fund.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE or JobTrainer fee waiver.

2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$700.00* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$3,500* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$7,750* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022* is $315. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information