Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:25 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
HLT32512
J065
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 07/05/2012 | 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
Fifteen (15) units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including:- six (6) core units
- nine (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
- Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to three (3) units of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited courses where the details of those courses are available on TGA or other public listing
Pathways
| State Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CT90 | Acute Care |
1. Core Units
All six (6) units must be completed
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD165 | HLTHIR301C | 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 |
| WD311 | HLTWHS200A | Participate in WHS processes | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D5761 | HLTAP301B | Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context | 20 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Operating Theatre Techician Work
All four (4) units must be completed for operating theatre technician work.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD309 | HLTTH405D | Assist with preparation of clients for operative procedures | 100 | Unit of competency |
| WD307 | HLTTH303D | Identify and move to maintain a sterile field | 15 | Unit of competency |
| WD306 | HLTTH302D | Provide equipment support in an acute care environment | 40 | Unit of competency |
| WD305 | HLTTH301D | Provide theatre support services | 40 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B Assisting Nursing Work in Acute Care
All six (6) units must be completed for assisting nursing work in acute care.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD040 | HLTAIN301C | Assist nursing team in an acute care environment | 80 | Unit of competency |
| WD095 | HLTCSD305D | Assist with client movement | 20 | Unit of competency |
| WD090 | HLTCSD201D | Maintain high standard of client service | 30 | Unit of competency |
| WD041 | HLTAIN302C | Provide support in an acute care environment | 25 | Unit of competency |
| WD096 | HLTCSD306D | Respond effectively to behaviours of concern | 15 | Unit of competency |
| WD092 | HLTCSD208D | Transport clients | 10 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C Work Function Units
These four (4) units are required for a more 'generic' qualification to address other relevant work funtcions.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD095 | HLTCSD305D | Assist with client movement | 20 | Unit of competency |
| WD090 | HLTCSD201D | Maintain high standard of client service | 30 | Unit of competency |
| WD094 | HLTCSD304D | Support the care of clients | 75 | Unit of competency |
| WD092 | HLTCSD208D | Transport clients | 10 | Unit of competency |
5. Group D Culturally Aware and Respectful Practice
It is recommended that one (1) or both units be chosen.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8283 | HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8281 | HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | 30 | Unit of competency |
6. Other Relevant Elective Units
The remaining units may be chosen from the elective units listed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D048 | HLT32507 | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWJ4 | HLT33115 | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
Not Applicable
Traineeships and Apprenticeships