Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year -
Location
Melbourne city -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicable Location
Not applicable
Overview
If you’re motivated to work with people experiencing alcohol and drug dependency, this program will prepare you with the skills you need to make a difference to their lives.
This program is designed to prepare you for an entry-level role in the alcohol and other drugs sector, where you will provide services and interventions for clients experiencing drug and alcohol dependency.
The role of an alcohol and other drugs (AOD) worker is diverse and offers many exciting and challenging career opportunities.
This program combines workshops, field trips and practical work experience. Your teachers are experienced and highly skilled professionals currently working in the AOD and complex care sector.
Training in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is short, accredited training you'll receive as part of the program.
Graduates are employed in a range of contexts such as community mental health and AOD organisations, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services.
Details
An important aspect of this program is to understand the complex and interconnected nature of addiction and drug use. Learning activities are designed to consider the many and varied aspects of AOD use.
To be awarded the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs you will need to complete 17 units of competency. Twelve of the units/courses are core requirements of the national qualification. The other five have been selected as electives by the Community Services Team at RMIT in consultation with industry partners to best prepare you for the workforce.
You will learn through:
- class discussion
- presentations from specialist guest speakers who provide insight into current workplace practices
- extensive online resources
- both group and individual project work
There is support for students to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in the program.
Assessments are designed to prepare you for the workforce and/or further study.
The program will enable you to gain skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to workplace practices. Peer learning and networking will be fostered throughout the program through classroom discussion and the online learning system. The program also incorporates project-based learning (both group and individual work).
Assessments will incorporate a range of methods to indicate student performance and ability to apply required knowledge and skills as set out by each unit of competency. Assessment methods include but are not limited to:
- research projects
- presentations by students as individuals and as part of group work
- observation of practical tasks including simulations
- knowledge tests
- role-plays
- case-studies
- written reflections
- completion and reflection on learning goals while on placement
- supervisor’s report
- personal evaluation
All programs are delivered in English.
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
RMIT works closely with its industry partners to ensure that the program is aligned with industry needs. This program maintains strong links with the community services sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.
Work-integrated learning
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
In addition to face-to-face learning, students will be required to complete a 100-hour industry placement to complement classroom learning.
This program consists of twelve core courses and five elective courses.
You will study:
- Intervention and support
- Effective Work practices
- Initial Engagement
- First Aid
- Co-morbidity
- Direct Service Provision
- Suicide assessment and intervention
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs | City Campus |
12 Months Full-time
|
12 Months Full-time
|
C4364 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C4364
National curriculum code: CHC43215
Career
Graduates of the program may be employed as case workers, community support workers, drug and alcohol workers, family support workers, needle and syringe program workers and outreach workers.
They may be employed in organisations such as government, non-government, and not-for profit organisations and in community programs, including day programs, residential rehabilitation services, home-based outreach services, detoxification services, and needle and syringe programs.
Admissions
Entry requirements
All applicants must submit a personal statement outlining:
- their reasons for wanting to study in the alcohol and other drugs sector
- their intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes they will bring to the program
- details of any work experience.
Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program
To complete this program, you will need to meet its inherent requirements. These are the non-academic abilities you will need to participate in and complete your studies.
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading and writing skills for understanding and contributing to client documentation, referral documents and resource materials
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent client care
- time based problem solving when working with clients
View the full list of Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, 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.
What support is available?
If there are any activities that may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to 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 ELS.
Pathways
On successfully completion of this program you can pathway into a:
- Diploma of Youth Work
- Diploma of Community Services
- Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
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’.
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. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
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).
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 2019 is $303.
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.