Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Senior) 
specialising in Health and Community Services 

 
Traineeship
National Code
VCALSEN001 
CRICOS Code:  
Centre:
Health and Community Services
Location:
Elgar Campus
Study Area: VCAL; 
Study Area Sub Category:  
Career Card:
 

What does this course involve?

This program provides a unique way to enter the health and community services industry through obtaining a Certificate III health related certificate (or partially complete a Certificate IV) whilst still completing the Senior VCAL certificate. You will choose one health industry (children services, dental, allied health, remedial massage, aged care, youth work, nursing or patient services) and also study VCAL subjects such as literacy, numeracy, personal development and work related skills.

What employment opportunities will I have?

This course may provide you with employment opportunities in the Health and Community Services industry. Areas include children services, dental, allied health, remedial massage, aged care, youth work, nursing or patient services.
As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

This course is Government accredited and has National recognition.

What further study options will I have?

After successfully completing this course, you may be eligible to complete the remaining units of the Certificate IV in Youth Work. Alternatively, you may wish to apply into another Certificate IV or Diploma course such as Nursing or other Health and Community Service courses at the Institute.

Can I apply?

You must be 17 years or over and have successfully completed Intermediate VCAL, Year 11 or equivalent.

How do I apply?

Direct entry - Beginning of year.

Selection is a three stage process.

Stage 1: Attend a VCAL Information Session at (bookings not required):
  • Open Day Sunday 28th August or
  • Wednesday 12th October at 6:00pm (Elgar Auditorium) or
  • Wednesday 16th November at 6:00pm (Elgar Auditorium)

Stage 2: Complete and submit an application form (handed out during the Information Session).

Stage 3: Attend an interview.
If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

  • Individual interview
  • Information Session: See "How do I apply?"
  • Length of course

    Full time – 1 year

    Where will I study?

    Elgar Campus

    What costs and other fees should I expect?

    For this course, there are two fee structures. Visit the Government Subsidised Place Eligibility page to see if you are eligible for a Government subsidised place.

    Government Subsidised Fees

    1. Tuition Fee - $1.62 per hour (max $875.00)
    2. Concession Tuition Fee - $105.00
    3. Service and Amenities Fee - $65.00 or 90.00
    4. Material Fees - contact the Institute
    Fee For Service Fees

    Fee for Service - this course will cost $36,000.00 if you aren't eligible for government subsidised training.

    If you are an employer seeking training for groups of employees, contact the Institute for a customised package.

    How will I be assessed?

    • Oral presentation
    • Written assessment
    • Practical assessment
    • Project work
    • Examination or testing
    • Online assessment
    • Workplace assessment

    Will my previous experience or study count?

    Advanced Standing is approved recognition of prior learning that is displayed as an Exemption (EX) on the student’s academic record. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.

    What will I study?

    You will complete all of the core units and select one elective stream.

     
    Units of Competency

    VCAL core units
    LIT031
    Vcal Literacy Skills Senior Reading & Writing
    100.00 hr
    The purpose of this unit is to enable students to develop the skills and knowledge to read and write complex texts. The texts will deal with general situations and include some abstract concepts or technical details. At this level, students produce texts that incorporate a range of ideas, information, beliefs or processes and have control of the language devices appropriate to the type of text. In reading, the student identifies the views shaping the text and the devices used to present that view and express an opinion on the effectiveness and content of the text. At the end of the unit students will be able to read, comprehend and write a range of complex texts across a broad range of contexts.
    LIT032
    Vcal Literacy Skills Senior Oral Communication
    100.00 hr
    At the end of this unit students will be able to use and respond to spoken language with complex and abstract content across a broad range of contexts.
    NUM031
    Vcal Numeracy Skills Senior
    100.00 hr
    The purpose of this unit is to enable students to explore mathematics beyond its familiar and everyday use to its application in wider, less personal contexts such as newspapers and other media reports, workplace documents and procedures, and specific projects at home or in the community. At the end of the unit students will have the capacity to interpret and analyse how mathematics is represented and used.
    PDS031
    Personal Development Skills Senior Unit 1
    100.00 hr
    The purpose of this unit is to focus on the development of organisation and planning skills, knowledge, practical skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills through participation in experiences of a practical nature. The focus of the learning program for Personal Development Skills Senior Unit 1 includes: *subject specifi c knowledge applicable to a relevant personal, social, educational and/or community goal *skills applicable to a relevant personal, social, educational and/or community goal *understanding of cultural values and cultural awareness *organisational skills *leadership skills and decision-making skills for group or team work.
    PDS032
    Personal Development Skills Senior Unit 2
    100.00 hr
    The The purpose of this unit is to focus on the development of organisation and planning skills, knowledge, practical skills, problem solving and interpersonal skills through participation in experiences of a practical nature. The focus of the learning program for Personal Development Skills Senior Unit 2 includes: *subject specifi c knowledge applicable to a relevant personal, social, educational and/or community goal *skills applicable to a relevant personal, social, educational and/or community goals of a technical or specialist nature *project management and coordination skills *evaluative and problem-solving skills *introduction to skills for planning, organising and working in teams.
    WRS031
    Work Related Skills Senior Unit 1
    100.00 hr
    The purpose of this unit is to provide a focus for complex development of appropriate skills and knowledge in order to provide the necessary OH&S preparation for the workplace.
    WRS032
    Work Related Skills Senior Unit 2
    100.00 hr
    This unit provides a focus for the development of work related and vocational skills in a workplace context or appropriate simulation. The overall aims of the unit include: *integrating learning of increasing complexity of work related skills with prior knowledge and experiences about work *further enhancing the development of employability skills through increasingly complex work related activity *developing increasingly complex critical thinking skills that apply to problem-solving situations in the work context *developing planning and organisational skills that incorporate evaluation and review *applying increasingly complex transferable skills to work related contexts.
    Children's Services stream units
    CHCORG303A
    Participate Effectively In The Work Environment
    20.00 hr
    CHCCS400A
    Work Within a Relevant Legal And Ethical Framework
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to work within a legal and ethical framework that supports duty of care requirements.
    CHCCN301A
    Ensure The Health And Safety Of Children
    60.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required for a worker to ensure the health and safety of children.
    CHCCN302A
    Provide Care For Children
    70.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by those working with children to ensure the child’s physical and emotional well being is maintained and their self sufficiency is nurtured.
    CHCCN303A
    Contribute To Provision Of Nutritionally Balanced Food In a Safe And Hygienic Manner
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to ensure babies, children and young people are provided nutritionally balanced, safe and hygienically prepared food.
    CHCFC301A
    Support The Development Of Children
    45.00 hr
    CHCIC301D
    Interact Effectively With Children
    70.00 hr
    CHCPR301A
    Provide Experiences To Support Children's Play And Learning
    40.00 hr
    CHCPR303D
    Develop Understanding Of Children's Interests And Developmental Needs
    20.00 hr
    CHCCHILD401A
    Identify And Respond To Children And Young People At Risk
    30.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to address duty of care requirements, working within an ethical framework and applying relevant legislation, policies and procedures in responding to children and young people.
    HLTFA301B
    Apply First Aid
    18.00 hr

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid, life support, casualty management and incident response, until more definitive assistance becomes available.

    HLTHIR403B
    Work Effectively With Culturally Diverse Clients And Co-Workers
    20.00 hr
    This unit deals with the cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures.
    HLTOHS200A
    Participate In OHS Processes
    20.00 hr
    This unit specifies the workplace performance required for an entry level employee to participate in OHS processes in the workplace, in order to ensure their own health and safety at work, as well as that of others in the workplace who may be affected by their actions.
    Dental Stream units
    HLTDA303B
    Prepare For And Assist With Oral Health Care Procedures
    130.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing the dental surgery, including preparation of necessary equipment, instruments and materials, for oral health care procedures and to assist the operator during the delivery of these procedures. All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy.
    HLTDA304B
    Assist With Dental Radiography
    40.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing clients, equipment and materials for dental radiography, to protect themselves, the client, other members of the dental team and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation and to process and mount dental radiographs to diagnostic and quality assurance standards. All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, state/territory legislative requirements and organisation policy.
    HLTDA306B
    Assist With Administration In Dental Practice
    30.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by managing appointments to suit the client and the organisation, to record and reconcile payments and to maintain client records. All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures,current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy.
    HLTFA301B
    Apply First Aid
    18.00 hr

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid, life support, casualty management and incident response, until more definitive assistance becomes available.

    HLTIN301A
    Comply With Infection Control Policies And Procedures In Health Work
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to comply with infection control policies and procedures.
    HLTIN302A
    Process Reusable Instruments And Equipment In Health Work
    30.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers in the health care setting to clean and sterilise reusable instruments and equipment and to maintain associated environments. All procedures must be carried out in accordance with current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards and the policies and procedures of the health care establishment. All tasks must be carried out in accordance with State or Territory legislative requirements that affect work practices of the health care establishment and/or health care worker.
    HLTHIR301A
    Communicate And Work Effectively In Health
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a health setting with clients, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.
    HLTOHS200A
    Participate In OHS Processes
    20.00 hr
    This unit specifies the workplace performance required for an entry level employee to participate in OHS processes in the workplace, in order to ensure their own health and safety at work, as well as that of others in the workplace who may be affected by their actions.
    Patient/Client Services Stream units
    CHCORG3B
    Participate In The Work Environment
    20.00 hr
    Working effectively as an individual and in work groups to contribute to achievement of organisational objectives.
    HLTCSD306B
    Respond Effectively To Difficult Or Challenging Behaviour
    20.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to respond effectively to difficult or challenging behaviour of clients and others. These skills are associated with handling difficult incidents rather than managing ongoing behaviour difficulties.
    BSBFLM303B
    Contribute To Effective Workplace Relationships
    40.00 hr
    HLTAP301A
    Recognise Healthy Body Systems In a Health Care Context
    70.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to recognise body systems and their components and to identify and refer alterations associated with the functioning of the human body in the context of health care work.
    HLTFS207B
    Follow Basic Food Safety Practices
    20.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for basic food safety practices including personal hygiene, conduct when working in a food service environment, basic pest controlrequirements and basic food disposal requirements. It describes the most basic level of competence required by any person in any industry who directly handles food.
    HLTIN301A
    Comply With Infection Control Policies And Procedures In Health Work
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to comply with infection control policies and procedures.
    HLTMS207B
    Handle Medical Gases Safely
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to handle medical gas equipment in a safe manner within the health care environment.
    HLTMS208B
    Handle Waste In a Health Care Environment
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to handle waste in a safe manner within the health care environment.
    BSBMED201A
    Use Basic Medical Terminology
    30.00 hr
    PRMCL22B
    Organise And Monitor Cleaning Operations
    20.00 hr
    This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to organise and monitor work to maximise resource utilisation in the cleaning industry.
    HLTCSD201B
    Maintain High Standard Of Client Service
    30.00 hr
    This unit describes skills and knowledge for care assistance workers and other workers who have contact with clients required to deliver and maintain a high standard of service.
    HLTCSD203B
    Prepare And Maintain Beds
    15.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply bed making and cleaning practices to a range of ‘beds’ to ensure that clients can safely occupy a clean bed.
    HLTCSD208B
    Transport Clients
    20.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for the safe, timely and efficient transport of clients from one location to another at a particular site, or to other sites.
    HLTCSD304B
    Support The Care Of Clients
    20.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to care support clients in a range of health care and community settings. Clients may include those who are aged, disabled or accessing other health services.
    HLTCSD305B
    Assist With Client Movement
    20.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to support clients who require assistance with basic physical movement which may be due to incapacity.
    HLTHIR301A
    Communicate And Work Effectively In Health
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a health setting with clients, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.
    HLTHIR403B
    Work Effectively With Culturally Diverse Clients And Co-Workers
    20.00 hr
    This unit deals with the cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures.
    HLTOHS200A
    Participate In OHS Processes
    20.00 hr
    This unit specifies the workplace performance required for an entry level employee to participate in OHS processes in the workplace, in order to ensure their own health and safety at work, as well as that of others in the workplace who may be affected by their actions.
    Aged Care stream units
    CHCDIS301A
    Work Effectively With People With a Disability
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required as an introduction to working and communicating with people with a disability.
    CHCICS301A
    Provide Support To Meet Personal Care Needs
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by workers within their designated role and responsibilities to support or assist a client with their personal care needs within the framework of an individualised care support plan.
    CHCICS302A
    Participate In The Implementation Of Individualised Plans
    15.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to provide support for people to sustain quality of life according to individualised plans.
    CHCICS304A
    Work Effectively With Carers
    35.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively with members of families or other non-paid support people e.g. friends and carers, to support quality of life for their family member who is aged or has a disability.
    CHCOHS312A
    Follow Safety Procedures For Direct Care Work
    30.00 hr
    This unit is specifically designed to cater for safety aspects of work involving delivery of services in aged care, home and community care and disability services.
    CHCAC317A
    Support Older People To Maintain Independence
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by the worker to support the older person to maintain their independence with activities of living.
    CHCAC318A
    Work Effectively With Older People
    30.00 hr
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required by the worker to perform work that reflects understanding of the structure and profile of the residential aged care sector, the home and community sector and key issues facing older people in the community.
    CHCAC319A
    Provide Support To People Living With Dementia
    55.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to provide support to clients with dementia in a variety of settings including family homes, community day settings and residential care.
    CHCCS411A
    Work Effectively In The Community Sector
    40.00 hr
    This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a community work or service delivery setting with communities, clients, carers, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.
    CHCHC311A
    Work Effectively In Home And Community Care
    45.00 hr
    This unit describes the introductory knowledge and skills required to work effectively in a home care environment and community settings with clients, family members, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.
    CHCPA301B
    Deliver Care Services Using a Palliative Approach
    55.00 hr
    This unit describes the awareness, knowledge, skills and values required of a worker in contributing to the care of clients with life-limiting illness and/or normal ageing process within a palliative approach.
    HLTFA301B
    Apply First Aid
    18.00 hr

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid, life support, casualty management and incident response, until more definitive assistance becomes available.

    Youth Work stream units
    CHCAOD402A
    Work Effectively In The Alcohol And Other Drugs Sector
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by all workers who may be working primarily with clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues and provides a basic introduction to values, services and approaches applied to work in this sector.
    CHCCD412A
    Work Within a Community Development Framework
    65.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to work within a community development framework. A community development framework may include a range of methods designed to strengthen and develop communities by enhancing individual and group capacity to confidently engage with community structures and to address problems and issues.
    CHCCHILD505B
    Work Effectively In Child Protection And Out Of Home Care For Children And Young People
    80.00 hr
    CHCCM401D
    Undertake Case Management
    20.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to participate in carrying out specific activities in a case/care plan.
    CHCCOM403A
    Use Targeted Communication Skills To Build Relationships
    55.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to apply specific workplace communication techniques to build and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues based on respect and trust.
    CHCCS400A
    Work Within a Relevant Legal And Ethical Framework
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to work within a legal and ethical framework that supports duty of care requirements.
    CHCCS422A
    Respond Holistically To Client Issues And Refer Appropriately
    75.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to assess a range of client issues and refer appropriately.
    CHCICS406A
    Support Client Self-Management
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required by workers to provide clients with support and assistance to self manage aspects of their life that may include planning, access and involvement in community services and decision-making.
    HLTFA301B
    Apply First Aid
    18.00 hr

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid, life support, casualty management and incident response, until more definitive assistance becomes available.

    CHCMH301A
    Work Effectively In Mental Health
    50.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required in the context within which mental health work occurs.
    HLTHIR403B
    Work Effectively With Culturally Diverse Clients And Co-Workers
    20.00 hr
    This unit deals with the cultural awareness required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures.
    CHCYTH401A
    Engage Respectfully With Young People
    55.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to communicate effectively with young people (aged 12–25) in work roles with a specific focus on young people.
    CHCYTH402A
    Work Effectively With Young People In The Youth Work Context
    60.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to work in the youth work context. The unit focuses on the historical and contemporary youth sector practice and understanding of the current status of young people.
    CHCYTH403A
    Support Young People To Create Opportunities In Their Lives
    45.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to assist young people to identify the challenges and opportunities in their lives and to work towards their goals on an individual or group level.
    CHCYTH407D
    Respond To Critical Situations
    90.00 hr
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to maintain safety through effective response to potential or actual critical situations.
    All fees quoted are indicative fees and are correct at the time of publishing. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. An offer of a place is always subject to places being available. The Institute reserves the right to close applications when the course is full. Where minimum course numbers are not met, the course may be cancelled at short notice. In such instances and only when possible, an alternative option may be suggested for accredited courses. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.

    Course Enquiries

    Local Students
    1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)

    International Students
    +61 3 9286 9425

    Please click here to see the list of courses offered to International students