HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
Step into a career where you make a real difference in Community by providing culturally safe health care.
This course prepares Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to become registered health practitioners working in a range of Community and clinical settings.
You’ll learn how to deliver culturally safe health care, support Mob’s wellbeing, and provide clinical services as part of a multidisciplinary team. The role focuses on prevention, early intervention and treatment – supporting clients across all life stages.
Graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge to work in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), public or private health services – and in urban, rural, or remote areas across Australia.
Plus, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA) – a requirement to use the protected title of Health Practitioner.
AT A GLANCE
Delivery
Face-to-face classes held once a month at VACCHO. Tuesday – Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Assessments
Quizzes, workplace projects, case studies, role plays, reflective journal, practical tasks and more.
Cost
Refer to Fees & Charges.
Qualification
HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice subject to satisfactory course completion and meeting all VACCHO terms & conditions
COURSE DETAILS
How you will learn
This course combines classroom learning with real-world experience:
- Face-to-face classes and group discussions
- Workshops led by industry experts, including Elders and Community leaders
- Clinical placement, simulated learning and projects
Clinical placement
You’ll complete 800 hours of placement, with at least 500 of those hours in clinical settings and 300 hours in non-clinical settings – to ensure you meet ATSIHPBA registration eligibility.
You must be working or volunteering in a relevant health setting and supervised by a qualified practitioner who can complete reports on your applied learning.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- provide culturally safe clinical care and health education
- support clients through assessment, treatment and referral
- promote health and wellbeing across life stages
- work effectively within a health care team
- apply ethical and professional practice standards.
WHY LEARN WITH US?
01
INDUSTRY RELEVANT
This training program has been developed in consultation with other ACCHOs and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community sector to ensure its relevance.
02
EXPERT TRAINERS
Our staff have current on-the-job experience, bringing this into the training program to offer real industry training based on current industry trends.
03
EXPERIENCED SUPPORT TEAM
We offer in-house Mentors and support and have also teamed up with external experts to ensure that you are fully supported to succeed.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
To graduate, you must complete the required units of competency:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To enrol, you must:
- be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment
- complete a Learning, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and Pre-training Review (PTR)
- have wide-ranging skills and knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of living
- have basic digital skills, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
You must also be:
- working or volunteering in a relevant role providing support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, or
- working or volunteering for an Aboriginal health organisation, or
- able to access an appropriate workplace to complete practical assessments.
At your work placement employer’s discretion, you may need to provide evidence of the following documents:
- a National Police Clearance
- a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- evidence of some vaccinations – including influenza (flu) and COVID -19.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR STUDIES & EXPERIENCES
If you’ve completed similar units or gained relevant skills through work or study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. Our team can guide you through this process during enrolment.
STUDY AND CAREER PATHWAYS
Graduates can register as a Primary Health Care Practitioner with AHPRA – and can work at a range of organisations, including:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- Hospitals and health clinics
- Outreach and community-based programs
- Health promotion and education roles
FEES AND CHARGES
Refer to VACCHO Course Fees.
WHAT TO BRING
- Desktop computer/laptop.
- Stable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 3mbps.
- An email account such as Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail.
- Microsoft Office (2010 version or later) – must include Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Video conferencing software – Zoom preferred.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VACCHO’s training organisation, Yagilaith Djerring (RTO No. 20739), is responsible for the quality of training, assessment and the issuing of nationally recognised certification.
Completion of this course does not guarantee employment.
VACCHO supports inclusive education and welcomes learners from all backgrounds, including people with a disability.
SKILLS FIRST FUNDING DISCLAIMER
This training is delivered under the Skills First Program and may be free for eligible students.
Eligibility is assessed individually before enrolment, and tuition fees may vary depending on your circumstances.
Ready to kickstart your career in Aboriginal health?
Take the next step in providing culturally safe healthcare for Mob.
Training may be supported by Skills First Program, delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. The student’s tuition fees are as published and are subject to change given individual circumstances. This nationally recognised qualification is delivered by VACCHO (RTO No: 20739 and which is responsible for the quality of all services and the issuing of accredited certification. This qualification provides the skills and knowledge to the industry standard but does not guarantee a job. We actively tailor training for people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and encourage all to apply.
Aboriginal Health
Business and Leadership
Social and Emotional Wellbeing