Minimum age for entry is 16 years of age with parental permission for HSA students. To complete this course students must successfully complete a clinical placement. Industry states the minimum age for clinical placement is 16 years of age.

Is this the right course for you?

Have you got what it takes to be successful in this career? Our Core Skills guide lists the skills and attributes necessary to study and work in this field.

See the Core Skills Required

Core Skill Requirements (Inherent Requirements) 

To work in the industry area identified, the following skills needs to be considered; 

Observational skills – this includes the ability to: 

• notice changes in people’s behavior, ability and the environment 
• identify safety hazards and risks 
• observe and understand non-verbal cues (e.g. facial expressions, body language) 
• identify signs of verbal distress and / or aggression 

Communication skills – this includes the ability to: 

• communicate effectively with a range of people (e.g. clients, families, co-workers) 
• use appropriate language and respect when working with people from different cultures 
• listen attentively to what is being said 
• read and understand written information 
• understand and follow written and verbal instructions 
• understand and respond to verbal and non- verbal communication 
• write comprehensive communication appropriate to the situation 
• use technology to communicate (e.g. computer for reports, emails, documents) 
• communicate and work with other people as a team 

Technical and / or Motor skills – this includes the ability to: 

• deal with physical demands of manual tasks (e.g. bending, squatting, kneeling, crouching, repetitive movements, carrying, reaching) 
• be on your feet for extended periods of time, both walking and standing 
• grasp, push, turn and manipulate objects 
• use equipment and other technology (e.g. computers, push wheelchairs, manual handling equipment) 
• transport people around in wheelchairs, beds, trolley’s 
• have sufficient vision to safely perform the required range of skills 
• hear and differentiate sounds that may alert you of a problem (e.g. alarms, calls ) 
• deal with body fluids (e.g. urine, feces, blood) 

Cognitive / intellectual skills – this includes the ability to: 

• gather, understand, organize, recall and communicate information 
• use own judgment / basic problem solving skills (e.g. to respond to immediate safety risks) 
• understand other people’s perspectives / opinions and respect their choices 
• understand and use math’s effectively (e.g. measurements, basic calculations, 24 hour clock) 
• maintain a sufficient level of concentration to complete an activity / task 
• be attentive in interaction with others ( e.g. to identify risks, to identify changes) 
• perform tasks in a safe manner and within reasonable timeframes Behavioural and social skills – this includes the ability to: 
• demonstrate patience and willingness to work with a variety people 
• able to work under pressure 
• demonstrate professional behaviour (e.g. punctuality, maintaining confidentiality and respect personal boundaries) 
• control your emotions and reactions and withhold personal opinions 
• tolerate close proximity with individuals 
• interact with all genders 
• adapt to change 
• take responsibility for own actions – including use of social media 
• comply with legal requirements of industry (e.g. criminal history check) 

Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.

Work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you which will involve your attendance at a workplace.

To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.

Attendance in-class

You will be expected to attend class 2 days per week over one semester.

At-home study

As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 12 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research. There is an online reading component to this course and as such, you should be computer literate and have available computer and internet access.

You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.

Work placement

This course includes a compulsory practical placement at a health care facility during the second term of the program for a 1 week block. You must be available to attend all placement dates scheduled. Transport to placement and parking costs are at the students own expense. Groups will attend placement Monday to Friday from 0730-1430 as follows:

• Group 1 -  11/11/2024 - 15/11/2024
• Group 2 - 18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024

What you need for your first day of class

On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pens, exercise book, highlighters) and wear enclosed footwear. Students will need to bring their own device to class (laptop or tablet) for this course.

A uniform is a requirement for this course. This is to be worn every practical lab session. This requirement will be discussed on the first day. The uniform consists of a navy blue scrub top and pants with closed in shoes. 

Industry Mandatory Vaccination requirements

The following are out of pocket expenses the student will be expected to pay

• You will be required to undertake a health assessment and provide evidence of serology for your immunisation status, including current flu and COVID vaccinations, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis and MRSA screening test. (approx. $200)*
• TB Immunity test ($75) and*
• A National Police Certificate within the last 12 months (certain offences on your police clearance may affect your clinical placement) ($58)*
• A Working with Children Check (over 18's) (Approximately $11)*
• A WA Department of Health History Record Check (Free if you have a current National Police Certificate)
• A NDIS Screening Check (Approximately $11)*

*Costs may vary.

For more information visit:
https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au(opens in a new tab)
https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Police-Direct/National-Police-Certificates(opens in a new tab)

This course requires you to undertake a mandatory work placement with an employer associated with an industry outlined in the COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy. This means that you must be at least double vaccinated prior to your work placement. Please note that some work placements may request triple vaccination. For the latest information on vaccine requirements for students visit our COVID-19 update page. Students will also be required to have a current season flu vaccination to be eligible to go out on a hospital, aged care or community placement.