Aged Care

About the Aged Care Industry

According to the Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council, there is a major demand for aged care workers, with current figures set to skyrocket by 272% over the next three and a half decades. If you’re after job security with a role that’s in high demand now and well into the future, and a career that will see you make a difference in the lives of our elderly citizens, consider aged care as your next career move. There are a variety of aged care courses providing practical workplace skills, whether you’re a school leaver, want a career change or simply looking to do more meaningful work. In general, an aged care worker will provide help to an elderly person either in their home or at an aged care facility. From getting dressed to personal hygiene, social and emotional support and more, an aged care career is one of the most rewarding out there.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)
Are you interested in a caring profession and prefer work that is hands-on? The CHC33015 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) is an ideal qualification if you're interested in working as a Care Worker or similar in the aged care sector.
12-18 months
Average
Blended, Online
Enquire now
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) – TAFE Queensland
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) – TAFE Queensland
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) – TAFE Queensland
Kick start your career in the community services industry with this entry-level qualification. Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide individual support in an aged care setting.
15 Months
Blended, Online, In-class
Enquire now
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) by Open Colleges
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) by Open Colleges
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) by Open Colleges
This nationally accredited Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) course will equip you with the right skills to work as an aged care worker.
Self paced
maximum of 12 months
Online with Work Placement
(via OpenSpaceX)
Enquire now
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) by Kirana Colleges
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) by Kirana Colleges
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) by Kirana Colleges
This nationally-accredited Certificate III prepares you to provide individualised support and facilitate the empowerment of the elderly and people living with a disability. Essentially, it will help you jumpstart a rewarding career as a care assistant, disability support worker, or community care worker.
12 months
Online
Enquire now
Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) by Open Colleges
Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) by Open Colleges
Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) by Open Colleges
This nationally accredited Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) course will prepare you for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector.
Self paced
maximum of 12 months
Online with Work Placement
(via OpenSpaceX)
Enquire now
Certificate IV in Ageing Support by Aged care Training Services
Certificate IV in Ageing Support by Aged care Training Services
Certificate IV in Ageing Support by Aged care Training Services
Via this Certificate IV course, you will gain specialised skills and knowledge to provide aged care services in residential, home, or community-based environments.
10-14 months
Blended, Online
Enquire now

What Are the General Entry Requirements to Study Aged Care?

The entry requirements to aged care will vary based on the exact course you want to do. Academic requirements will differ between educational institutions and the level of study you undertake. For the most accurate information, you should view the course information on the institution’s website.

For the most part, there are no prerequisites to begin studying aged care, especially if you’re completing a Certificate III in Aged Care.

For Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses, most students will need to have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10. Some courses may require extra prerequisite subjects or work experience.

Typically, you won’t need to hold an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent, which is good news for school leavers who left earlier than Year 12.

What Skills Are Needed to Study Aged Care in Australia?

When studying aged care in Australia, there are several skills that will help you be the best aged care professional you can be. While some things can be learned, these are some intrinsic skills you should possess, or be willing to work on:

  • Empathy
  • Communication Skills
  • Discrete
  • Respectful
  • Positive
  • Service-orientated
  • Empathetic
  • Positive Attitude
  • Flexibility
  • Time Management
  • Confidence
  • Supportive and caring

Is an Aged Care Course Right for Me?

There’s no arguing that aged care is a fulfilling career path, but it can be emotionally and physically taxing. You’ll need to be physically fit to help with everyday tasks, including getting in and out of bed, as well as emotionally intelligent to handle any challenging social issues that may arise. However, the personal rewards you’ll gain from a career in aged care far outweigh any challenges. It’s important you’re comfortable helping elderly people with needs such as toileting, showering and eating, as well as some housework and chores. Because you will be working closely with your elderly clients, you may become emotionally attached, so it’s important to keep good boundaries at work and have great communication skills to work with everyone in your client’s life.

What Are the Different Types of Aged Care Courses?

There are several pathways to aged care. To find the best aged care course in Australia, you need to decide where you want your aged care career to take you, while also taking into account your current level of health and community services knowledge and any previous study/work you’ve done in the field.

Here are some of the different aged care courses available in Australia:

  • Certificate III: A Certificate III in Aged Care is an entry-level qualification that will provide you with the skills necessary to help elderly people with their personal care and hygiene needs, provide social and emotional support, and help maintain a sense of independence. You will also learn how to assist with medication administration, as well as how to handle certain behaviours like dementia.
  • Certificate IV: The Certificate IV in Aged Care is an extension of the Certificate III course. It will level you up in aged care, teaching you the skills to care for elderly individuals, including those who require complex management and special assistance.

Undertaking a Certificate III and IV courses in aged care will provide you with enough knowledge and skills for most Aged Care roles in Australia. Both Certificate III and IV qualifications can be taken online or in class.

What Can I Do after Studying Aged Care?

There are several roles you can do with an aged care qualification. Over 90% of aged care workers work in healthcare and social assistance. The rest work in public administration and safety, administrative and support services, and education and training.

Here are some of the roles an aged care qualification can land you:

  • Aged Care Assistant
  • Aged Care Nurse
  • Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
  • Support worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Home Care, Personal Carer or Personal Care Assistant
  • Care Supervisor or Team Leader
  • Residential Care Work
  • Respite Care
  • Aged Care Management

Which Are the Top Institutes to Study Aged Care?

There are several excellent institutes to study aged care at, including Open Colleges, Kiarna Colleges, Selmar Institute of Education, Aged Care Training Services and more.

How Much Can I Earn with an Aged Care Qualification?

As an aged care worker, your salary will vary depending on responsibilities, qualifications, hours and location. According to the latest Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, as a full-time aged care worker, you can expect to earn between $801.40 and $973.40 weekly – or anywhere between $41,600 – $50,600 yearly.

Are Aged Carers Still in Demand in 2022?

Aged carers are in demand today, and will continue to be in demand for decades to come thanks to Australia’s ageing population. There are expected to be more than 179,000 new job openings created for aged and disabled carers over the next 5 years, with current figures set to skyrocket by 272% over the next three and a half decades.

Are Courses in Aged Care Subsidised?

There are over 10,000 fully subsidised aged care training places across NSW for people looking to start or progress their careers in this sector. Subsidies will vary from state to state, but there are some fully-funded courses by the NSW and Commonwealth governments, meaning you could pay as little as $0 for a course like Certificate IV in Ageing Support, which is typically $10,310 to complete.