Wondering how to start a career in aged care? It takes a compassionate and caring person to want to help those in need. We find it commendable that you’re looking to continue your education in this way.
At Global Business College of Australia, we want to support you in your journey.
To pursue aged care in Melbourne, we recommend taking our individual support course. Need help making the decision? We’ve put together this in-depth look at what to expect from studying a certificate III in Individual Support.
What Will You Learn from an Individual Support Course?
Aged care courses help you build knowledge and practical skills in the field so that you can properly care for those in need. Not only will you need to know some health care basics, but you’ll also need to be knowledgeable about the law, ethics, and communicating effectively. Further, you’ll need hands-on practice regarding dealing with people and solving problems quickly.
Once you are positive that you meet all the entry requirements for the certificate, read on to learn about the structure and details of the course.
Course Features
The Global Business College of Australia Individual Support Course has four main features that make up its structure. To receive your Certificate III in Individual Support, you must complete all the requirements of each feature. The course officially runs for 52 weeks at 20 hours per week.
Further broken down, the length of the course consists of:
- 30 weeks of internal training
- 6 weeks of vocational placement
- 4 weeks of catch-up class, reassessments, and additional placements if necessary
- 12 weeks of holidays
Overall, the certificate provides the knowledge you need to succeed in your aged care career. One of the most important components of your education, however, is the hands-on practice you’ll receive with our program.
The first feature is practical work placements, in which each enrolled student must complete at least 120 hours of work. Thankfully, you won’t have to find work on your own. At GBCA, we have partnerships with local employers who regularly welcome our students into entry-level roles.
When it’s time to place you in a work environment, the CBCA Work Placement Coordinator will help you find and apply for a position. If you’d like to find work on your own, you are more than welcome to do so.
As a part of your work placement, you must complete a project, portfolio, and journal.
The second feature is the simulation task. The simulation task will be one of the methods of your assessment in which you’ll prove your knowledge during a simulated real-life situation.
The third feature is role play, in which you’ll participate in activities with your peers. In this feature, you’ll learn about many common situations you could encounter and build your skills in response.
Finally, you’ll be assessed with a supervisor report of your work during the program.
Course Units
At GBCA, we pride ourselves on providing a well-rounded education in aged care. To offer the best education, we combine rigorous coursework with practical skills. In our program, we provide units in which you’ll learn how to:
- Provide individualised and personal support for patients in a person-centred way
- Support the independence and well being of patients and empower aged people
- Effectively communicate and function within health or community services, especially in a diverse environment
- Follow procedures and safe practices, including infection prevention and control, while conforming to legal and ethical guidelines
- Understand and recognise the healthy function of the body, signs of dementia, and how to support those with special needs
Throughout the program, you’ll take specialised aged care courses and disability care courses so that you can work to support aged and disabled patients.
Overall, the goal of this program is to teach you how to support and empower aged patients in their daily lives with person-centred care. Bolstered with the knowledge of healthy body functions, legal and ethical procedures, and how to work well within a health care environment, you’ll become a successful aged care assistant or support worker.
Transitioning Into Your Career
It’s great to understand the structure of the program and what’s required of you, but what’s important is how you’ll transition into your career. Because our program is built on practical knowledge, you’ll already be immersed in the work environment and building your skills. Once you graduate from the program, you can choose to go into several positions.
As someone with an education and work experience in individual support, you can find work in many different venues. You’ll be qualified to work as a personal care worker, an aged care support worker, or a disability support worker. These qualifications will allow you to apply for work at:
- Nursing homes
- Retirement villages
- Aged care centres
- Home care
- Residential aged care facilities
As an aged care support worker, you’ll support and empower elderly patients both physically and emotionally. You’ll be equipped to provide help in daily tasks and clinical care. As a professional in disability support, you’ll provide similar support to those with disabilities and work with other professionals to bolster mental and physical well-being.
With close relationships with local employers, graduates of the program can easily find internships and vocational placements as well as full-time careers. Outside our network, you can find work due to your education at an accredited school and program. The course is Nationally Recognised Training accredited and Australian Qualifications Framework accredited.
Kickstart Your Aged Care Career
Whether you’re wondering how to start a career in disability care or aged care, you’ll no longer have to ask, “Where can I study an aged care course in Melbourne?” At Global Business College of Australia, we have all the knowledge and experience you need.
Ready to get started? Sign up for our newsletter to get more information about the Individual Support Course, and contact our team to get started on your journey!