Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 6:24 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
HLT32507
D048
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 25/03/2011 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification covers workers in a range of work roles who provide assistance to health professional staff with the care of clients. Health Services Assistance involves the worker in direct client contact under supervision.
This qualification has been structured with elective groups for specific work functions in operating theatre support and assisting in nursing work in acute care. In addition the qualification supports multiskilling requirements of smaller and rural/remote work settings.
This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.
Occupational titles may include:
Assistant in nursing
Orderly
Nursing assistant
Operating theatre technician
Nursing support worker
Theatre support
Patient service attendant
Ward assistant
Patient support assistant
Wardsperson
Patient care assistant
Ward support
Schedule
Packaging Rules
15 units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including:- 6 core units
- 9 elective units
A wide range of electives is available and can be packaged to provide either:
- a generic qualification that covers a range of work functions, or
- a targeted qualification as required for specific work roles
Elective units may be selected from:
- Group A electives which are required for operating theatre technician work
- Group B electives which are recommended for assisting in nursing work in acute care
- Group C electives which are required for a more ‘generic’ qualification to address all other relevant work functions
- Group D electives which are recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
- Other relevant electives listed in the qualification outline
- Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Health and/or Community Services Training Packages
Elective units may be selected from:
1. Core Units
All six (6) units must be completed
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8280 | HLTHIR301B | Communicate and work effectively in health | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D8306 | HLTIN301C | Comply with infection control policies and procedures | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D0712 | BSBFLM303C | Contribute to effective workplace relationships | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D0835 | BSBMED301B | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D8380 | HLTOHS200B | Participate in OHS processes | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D5761 | HLTAP301B | Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context | 20 | Unit of competency |
2. Group B Elective Units
Six (6) units to be completd
The following group outlines ONE example of a training program for this qualification.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full details of available options
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A5727 | HLTAIN301B | Assist nursing team in an acute care environment | 80 | Unit of competency |
| D5839 | HLTCSD305C | Assist with client movement | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D5834 | HLTCSD201C | Maintain high standard of client service | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D5728 | HLTAIN302B | Provide support in an acute care environment | 25 | Unit of competency |
| D5840 | HLTCSD306C | Respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour | 15 | Unit of competency |
| D5836 | HLTCSD208C | Transport clients | 10 | Unit of competency |
3. Other Elective Units
Three (3) units to be completed
The following group outlines ONE example of a training program for this qualification.
Please refer to the Training Package for the full details of available options
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8247 | HLTFA301C | Apply first aid | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D5835 | HLTCSD203C | Prepare and maintain beds | 10 | Unit of competency |
| D5838 | HLTCSD304C | Support the care of clients | 75 | Unit of competency |
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C471 | HLT31602 | Certificate III in Health Service Assistance (Client/Patient Services) | Qualification |
| AXI5 | HLT31302 | Certificate III in Health Service Assistance (Operating Theatre Support) | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J065 | HLT32512 | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | Qualification |
VET Info Notes
1. This qualification is the copyright of The Department of Education, Science & Training (DEST).
2. Further information on this qualification is contained in the training Package available from Australian Training Products Ltd., Tel: (03) 9630 9836.
3. This qualification was entered on to the STARS by the VET Teaching & Learning Directorate of the WA Department of Education & Training on 22 October 2007.
Entry Requirements
Not Applicable
Traineeships and Apprenticeships