How to Become an Aged Care Worker: A Social Career Offering Job Security

This qualification prepares workers for roles in the community and residential settings who provide support to people who may require it due to ageing, disability or injury.

This training offers skills in supporting clients physically and mentally, communicating effectively, and empowering older people. These are just a few.

The average duration of the course is 35 weeks but can be up to two years if taken part-time or as part of a traineeship. Delivery can be on campus, online, or both and requires 120 hours of work placement. Australian government fee concessions are available for eligible students.

This qualification provides the skills required to become a support worker who can complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services. These workers take responsibility for their work within defined guidelines.

Skills achieved in this course prepare learners to work in jobs such as care supervisors, care team leaders, community program coordinators or high performing personal care assistants.

The average duration of the course is one year full-time but can be studied part-time or as part of a traineeship. The course can be delivered in-class or online and requires 120 hours of work placement. Australian government fee concessions are available for eligible students.

The Diploma of Nursing teaches the skills and knowledge required to undertake enrolled nurse activities under the supervision of a registered nurse. This qualification covers the application of skills and knowledge required to provide nursing care for people across the health sector. 

Job outcomes for this qualification type could be roles in acute care, rehabilitation, mental health, aged care, palliative care, home nursing and paediatric care, to name a few. 

The average duration of the course is 18 months and can offer flexible start times, self-paced learning, and online delivery is available. Fee concessions are available for eligible students.

*To be eligible to apply for registration as an enrolled nurse and to practice in Australia, you must complete a Diploma of Nursing program accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved as ‘an approved program of study by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA ) in accordance with the Enrolled Nurse Accreditation Standards. Find out more here.

An aged care traineeship allows you to work in the industry while completing a nationally recognised qualification. The qualification you undertake can vary depending on the organisation that hires you. But no matter the course, the skills and knowledge you gain are the best foundation for success as an aged care worker. 

Traineeships usually take around 12 months and involve assisting older people in many ways at an aged care facility. Learners undertake this practical work experience while attending regular classes (in-person and online) to study the relevant training course assigned.