Certificate IV In Ageing Support

This is a Free TAFE for Priority Course. Find out about your eligibility

Advance your skills and impact lives as an aged care support worker

Course code

CHC43015

Delivery location

Frankston

International

Not available for International students

Length

Full Time, 1 year.

Start dates

29 April

• Timetable

  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (9am-4pm)
  
  • Days per week: 3
  • Hours per day: 6
  • Expected hours of self-directed learning per week: 15
  
  This course is delivered through a blended learning model designed for flexibility and hands-on training:
  
  • Online theory classes: All theoretical components of the program are completed online, allowing you to engage with course materials, participate in interactive sessions, and access resources conveniently from anywhere.
  • On-Campus practical labs: Practical skills are developed on-campus in our fully equipped simulated labs. These labs replicate real-world disability support environments, providing you with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and scenarios.
  
  This blended approach ensures that you receive both the flexibility of online learning and the essential, hands-on training required to succeed in the support field.

• Study units

  Unit code	Unit Description
  CHCAGE003	Coordinate services for older people
  CHCCCS006	Facilitate individual service planning and delivery
  CHCLEG003	Manage legal and ethical compliance
  CHCCCS025	Support relationships with carers and families
  CHCAGE005	Provide support to people living with dementia.
  CHCCCS011	Meet personal support needs
  CHCAGE001	Facilitate the empowerment of older people
  CHCPAL001	Deliver care services using a palliative approach
  HLTWHS002	Follow safe work practices for direct client care
  CHCCCS023	Support independence and wellbeing
  CHCAGE004	Implement interventions with older people at risk
  HLTAAP001	Recognise healthy body systems.
  CHCADV001	Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
  CHCCOM002	Use communication to build relationships
  CHCAGE002	Implement falls prevention strategies
  CHCPRP001	Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
  BSBMGT401	Show leadership in the workplace
  CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people.

• Assessment methods

  • Observation
  • Questioning or Test/Quiz
  • Project
  • Presentation
  • Portfolio
  • Logbook/ Diary/ Journal
  • Report/Essay

• Admission requirements

  You must be:
  18 years old before the course begins
  
  Students will be unable to complete full course requirements without completing placement.

  Inherent requirements

  Our inherent requirements are a guide to help you decide if a course is right for you.

  If you are a student with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or are a primary carer of an individual with a disability, you can apply for support through our Equitable Learning and Disability Support team.

  Work Placement Readiness:
  • Physical capability to perform duties required in aged care settings (e.g., manual handling) is recommended.
  
  Additional Prerequisites:
  • A Certificate III in Individual Support or equivalent experience in the aged care or disability sector is recommended but not mandatory.
  • Manual Handling: Students should have the physical capacity to perform manual handling tasks, such as lifting, transferring, and assisting
  clients with mobility. These skills are essential for providing safe and effective support in aged care environments.
  • Stamina and Endurance: The role may involve extended periods of standing, walking, and potentially strenuous activities, requiring a baseline
  level of physical fitness.
  • English Language Skills: Students need to demonstrate proficiency in English at approximately an ACSF Level 3 to effectively communicate
  with clients, staff, and stakeholders. This includes:
  • Clear and effective communication to provide instructions, understand clients’ needs, and document client care.
  • Ability to document care procedures accurately and complete client records, progress notes, and incident reports.

  Language, literacy and numeracy

  You are required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy skills test before course commencement. This will determine course suitability and if you may need additional support.
  
  We use an approved online skills review tool to determine your language, literacy and numeracy skills within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
  
  Below are the levels required for this course:

  • Language and literacy: 3
  • Numeracy: 2

• Practical placement

  A minimum of 120 hours work placement is required to successfully complete this course. You are pre-allocated a placement provided by the Placement Coordinator.
  
  Prior to placement, practical sessions will be conducted in our state-of-the-art allied health facility at Frankston, with simulated hospital rehabilitation and community environments.

  Documentation or licences required for practical placement

  You must:
  • Hold a valid Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) for the duration of the program.
  • Hold a valid National Police Record Check. If you believe there would be a disclosable issue on your National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required before enrolment to determine suitability for work within a community services environment.
  • Up to date vaccination certificates

• Simulated work environment

  The simulated work environments are designed to replicate realworld aged care settings, providing students with hands-on experience in a controlled and safe space. Key features include:
  • Realistic Equipment and Facilities: Labs are outfitted with industry-standard equipment, including hospital beds, mobility aids, patient lifters,
  and clinical tools, allowing students to practice manual handling, client care, and health monitoring.
  • Scenario-Based Learning: Simulated environments enable students to engage in scenario-based exercises, such as complex client care,
  infection control, and emergency response, under the guidance of trainers. This allows them to develop critical skills and decision-making
  abilities in realistic settings.
  • Safety and Supervision: These environments provide a safe space for students to learn and make mistakes without risk to real clients, with
  immediate feedback from qualified trainers to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Interpersonal Skills Development: Through role-playing exercises with peers and trainers, students practice communication and clientcentered
  care, essential skills for interacting effectively with clients, their families, and other care team members.
  • Assessment of Competencies: Performance in simulated scenarios is evaluated to ensure students meet required competencies, preparing
  them comprehensively for placements and professional aged care roles.
  
  This structured, immersive learning approach supports the development of both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring students are well prepared
  for the demands of the aged care industry.
  
  All students must wear approved PPE or work attire when participating in simulated work environments to ensure safety, hygiene, and professional
  standards. The following guidelines must be observed:
  • Hair: Long hair must be securely tied back.
  • Nails: Nails should be kept short to maintain hygiene and prevent any interference with personal care practices.
  • Jewelry: Jewelry should be minimal, and any items that could obstruct or impact personal care tasks should not be worn.
  • Rings are prohibited to reduce infection risk.
  • Large hoop or loop piercings should be avoided.
  • Dangling jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, must not be worn to eliminate the risk of catching on equipment or
  clients during personal care duties.
  • Personal Hygiene: Proper personal hygiene is expected, including regular showering and the use of deodorant, to maintain a professional and
  comfortable environment. Attire must also comply with anti-discrimination laws.
  • Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory in simulated work areas to ensure foot protection and meet workplace safety standards.
  These guidelines support a safe, hygienic, and professional environment that mirrors industry expectations and protects all participants within the
  simulated aged care setting.

• Course and career pathways

  Nationally recognised training	Certificate IV In Ageing Support
  Possible job outcome	residential care worker personal caregiver/ worker

• Fees

  Tuition fees* (GST exempt)

  Fees

  Fee Type	Fee Amount	Select
  Free TAFE	FREE	freeAmount
  Concession	$1,425	ConcessionAmount
  Government subsidised	$7,125	GovernmentSubsidisedAmount
  Full fee paying	$18,375	FullfeeAmount
  Mandatory other fees** (GST inclusive)
  Materials	$90	MaterialFeeAmount
  And one of: Student services – concession (annual) OR	$135	studentservicefeewithConcession
  Student services - no concession (annual)	$270	studentservicefeewithnoConcession

  Total fees  

  Additional costs
  

  There may be some additional costs required to successfully complete your course. This may be equipment, tools or text books.

  Approx Cost $ 90.00
  Details:Polo top, General Consumables (paper towel, hand wash, cleaning supplies, PPE, etc), Printing (placement logbook) and Retractable name tag lanyard.

  *Student tuition fees are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Please note: Fees will be subject to change if the course runs over two or more calendar years. Check here to see if you are eligible for government-subsidised training. Training to eligible students is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. Students with a disability are encouraged to apply for this course using Skills First funding.
  **You are required to pay additional fees for materials and support services, not covered by your tuition fees. This may include things like learning resources, personal protective equipment/clothing, and vary depending on the course you study. Material fees are also subject to change given individual circumstances. Please note: You will also be required to pay the Student Services fee for each year of enrolment.

• Help with fees

  Payment plans

  At Chisholm, you can spread your tuition costs over the year by making part payments via direct debit on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Payment plans are available for local students enrolling in certificate level courses only. Read more about payment plans.

  Scholarships

  Annual scholarships may be available to eligible students suffering financial hardship through the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation. Find out more about the scholarships, which to date have supported more than 150 students with grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on circumstance and the area of study.

  Government-subsidised training

  Check here to see if you are eligible for government-subsidised training. Training to eligible students is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. Students with a disability are encouraged to apply for this course using Skills First funding.

• Skills recognition

  Your current skills, knowledge and experience can help you get a qualification.

  Find out about skills recognition and RPL for certificate to advanced diploma courses.

  Find out about advanced standing for graduate certificate, graduate diploma and bachelor degree courses.