New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) (Healthcare Assistance)
This programme aims to equip individuals aspiring to work in health or wellbeing settings with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver patient-centric care. It focuses on treating patients with complex needs and their families or whānau with the utmost respect, responsiveness, and consideration for their preferences, conditions, and values.
Targeting both domestic and international students, this programme is ideal for those who aspire to become healthcare workers or caregivers in settings such as dementia units, aged residential care, or home and community support.
The programme consists of five courses totalling 71 credits at NZQA Level 3, taught full-time and delivered through blended delivery. Content includes:
- Module 1: The Professional Role of the Healthcare Assistant in New Zealand
- Module 2: Minimising Risk
- Module 3: Reducing Vulnerability
- Module 4: Safe care practices
- Module 5: Palliative Care
Work placement
A compulsory workplace experience of 115 hours is required. The NZSVET Academic Manager will assist in arranging a suitable workplace for students not already working in a healthcare organisation.
Graduates will be able to apply the following skills and capabilities in a health care setting:
- Advocacy: Understand their role, responsibilities, and duty of care to protect the vulnerable person.
- Recognition and Response: Recognise signs of abuse, neglect, and vulnerability and respond appropriately.
- Professional Conduct: Select and apply professional behaviour and ethical standards.
- Person-centred Care: Gain transferable skills and knowledge to work as healthcare assistants under supervision.
- Effective Communication: Provide person-centred care using effective and appropriate communication.
- Responsiveness: Improve care by observing, recognising, and responding to changes in client needs.
General Requirements
- A New Zealand Citizen / Permanent Resident or valid visa holder.
- A minimum of 17 years of age.
- Physically able to do the job, including safely moving persons.
- Willingness to work with older individuals.
- Participation in an interview to ensure suitability and skills for the programme.
- Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as required by placement organisations.
Criminal Record Check
Given the vulnerability of the individuals healthcare workers interact with, NZSVET requires a criminal record check on all prospective students. Enrolment will remain provisional until these checks are complete. Any criminal convictions (except for minor traffic convictions) must be declared.
For International Students
International students must meet all the above requirements and provide evidence of English language competence, such as an IELTS score of 5.0 overall (with no band less than 5.0) or an equivalent recognised test.
Employment Pathway
Graduates can be employed in roles such as:
- Healthcare Assistant (Aged Care, Primary and Acute Care)
- Community Support Worker
- Medical Practice Assistant or Dental Assistant
- Homecare Support Worker / Caregiver
- Hospital Orderly
Education Pathways
Successful completion of this Level 3 Certificate can lead to further study in related health and wellbeing contexts, such as the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4), or into leadership and management programmes.
Course Information
- Duration: 23 weeks
- Credits: 71
- Level: 3
- Tuition fee: $7,500
- Material fee: $300
- Registration fee: $200