Becoming a healthcare assistant can be an enriching experience with many opportunities for career growth. Healthcare assistants apply their administrative skills and standard industry knowledge to help emergency centres, hospitals, dental clinics, radiology facilities and more run smoothly.
Some key duties include managing patient bookings and records, sterilising medical equipment and preparing exam rooms. However, their primary responsibility is keeping patients comfortable, safe and respected throughout their visit.
So, if you value learning new skills and enjoy helping others, this could be the career for you. Continue reading to learn more!
Quick links:
- What is it like to be a healthcare assistant in Australia?
- What qualifications do I need?
- What are the expected roles and responsibilities of a healthcare assistant?
- What skills will I acquire as a healthcare assistant?
- How long does it take to become a healthcare assistant?
- What are the next steps I can take after becoming a healthcare assistant?
- Why study with Connect ‘n’ Grow?
- Grow with us!
What is it like to be a healthcare assistant in Australia?
The healthcare industry can be fast-paced and challenging yet highly rewarding. Depending on what department or facility you work in, it can be a mentally and physically demanding job. From long hours and night shifts to handling unwell or immobile patients, becoming a healthcare assistant is no easy task. It’s hard work that requires resilience, sensitivity and teamwork.
Those who excel in this role are usually compassionate, adaptable and motivated individuals who can multitask and work under pressure. A keen eye for detail and an interest in healthcare are also highly regarded.
What qualifications do I need?
To become a healthcare assistant you will need to complete a HLT33115 CERTIFICATE III IN HEALTH SERVICES ASSISTANCE. This course covers a range of factual, technical and procedural knowledge to help health professional staff care for their patients.
The course covers seven core units, eight elective units and 80 hours of work experience. By the end of your course, you will be able to:
- Recognise healthy body systems
- Provide quality, personalised support and service
- Promote responsible behaviour
- Uphold Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety
- Interpret and apply medical terminology
- Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
- Assist with nursing care in an acute environment
- Transport individuals
- Assist with movement
At Connect ‘n’ Grow, we offer valuable health education and training to schools, workplaces, and individuals. Discover your ideal pathway with us today.
What are the expected roles and responsibilities of a healthcare assistant?
Depending on the type of facility you work at, you will typically be responsible for helping physicians and nurses with patient care and administrative duties.
Your key duties will include:
- Verifying patients and managing all bookings, cancellations and records
- Checking and taking patient vital signs and heart rate
- Entering sensitive patient information into the database
- Keeping the facility space presentable, clean and sanitary
- Filing, handling and protecting confidential documentation
- Assisting with clinical duties when needed
- Ordering inventory supplies, office equipment, replacement supplies etc
- Communicating with healthcare professionals and patients as needed
What skills will I acquire as a healthcare assistant?
As you navigate diverse scenarios and converse with all walks of life, you will obtain a range of valuable capabilities, including:
- Increased awareness of people’s needs, feelings and personal situations.
- The ability to prioritise, multitask and manage time efficiently.
- Improved organisational and clerical skills.
- Strong interpersonal relations and professional communication abilities.
- Knowledge of standard nursing and healthcare processes, terms and practices.
- Excellent computer skills and knowledge of medical databases.
Connect ‘n’ Grow will also ensure you develop knowledge and expertise in:
- Workplace Health and Safety (WHS).
- Basic health screening and checks.
- Quality customer service.
- Infection control.
- Health promotion and communication.
- Maintaining personal well-being in the workplace.
- Working with diverse cultures.
- Routine stock maintenance.
Got more questions? Chat with our friendly team today!
How long does it take to become a healthcare assistant?
With Connect ‘n’ Grow, if you stick to your training schedule, attend the mandatory training, and complete your 80 hours work placement, you can receive your certification in 6 months.
What are the next steps I can take after becoming a healthcare assistant?
Many healthcare professionals started as assistants. They were inspired by observing and aiding nurses, physicians and doctors perform their clinical tasks daily. The good thing about obtaining a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is that you would also be eligible to become an Assistant in Nursing (AIN). If you choose this role, it could lead to a career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
As a general healthcare assistant, you could discover a more specialised sector to pursue, such as:
- Sonography
- Radiology
- Dentistry
- Midwifery
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Physiotherapy
- Paramedic
- Physician
- Psychologist
And many more!
Why study with Connect ‘n’ Grow?
By equipping our students with solid foundation skills, quality training services and equal opportunities, we help foster a diverse and inclusive healthcare industry. Our Health and Human Services workforce presents various career paths across Queensland, South Australia and The Northern Territory.
Put simply; we are one of the best RTOs out there. We understand that consistent support and accessibility are crucial to personal and industry success. As a result, our courses promote exceptional health education and have an impressive completion rate of over 90%.
Grow with us!
Ready to start your new career journey? We can help you discover your potential and shape the future you want. Contact our team on 1300 283 662 for free, non-obligational advice.
Not sure if you want to become a healthcare assistant? We have a range of other courses available!
*Students will need to complete School-Based VET and other Senior subjects to fulfil entry requirements into a tertiary degree.
