Allied Health

Allied health assistants work with a range of clients to improve quality of life.

With the growing need for specialised care, after completing this course which has a physiotherapy specialisation, you could find a role as a physiotherapy assistant (PTA) or you could be employed as an allied health assistant (AHA), supporting rehabilitation and therapy programs under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist. You may find employment in both public and private health settings such as hospitals and community rehabilitation, aged care facilities, private practices and not for profit organisations.

You will learn how to work with children, adults and older people with a range of physical disabilities, all done with the knowledge of safe work practices, legal and ethical considerations and current industry standards.

You will gain the required knowledge and skills through classroom discussions, simulation activities and workplace learning. Then you will undertake six weeks of full-time placement which North Metropolitan TAFE organises for you via our range of industry partners. Online learning makes up a small part of the course delivery but you will also have access to online resources to reinforce classroom learning.

You will have access to a team of allied health professionals who are able to share their experiences and support your learning throughout the course.

Some students have gone on to study allied health degrees at university after this course has ignited their passion.

Allied health assistants work with a range of clients to improve quality of life.After completing this course you could be employed as an allied health assistant, or with the growing need for specialised care you could find roles as physiotherapy therapy assistants (PTAs) or occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) supporting rehabilitation and developmental therapy programs.

You do not need to have completed a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance first but some students may find this beneficial especially if you are returning to study after a long break or upon leaving high school. If you enjoy working with people, have strong communication/ interpersonal skills and believe you have the ability to study at a certificate IV level it may be possible for you to enter this course.

You will learn how to work with children, adults and older people with a range of physical disabilities, mental health conditions, developmental delays, communication difficulties and/or social disadvantage.

You will also develop skills in specific therapeutic interventions, effective communication with clients and team, supporting individual client needs, managing therapy groups and the use of assistive equipment, all done with the knowledge of safe work practices, legal and ethical considerations and current industry standards.

Working alongside allied health staff is a growing industry

Gain the skills to assist allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists) with the implementation of maintenance therapy programs to improve a client's quality of life.

During this course, you will learn how to work with children, adults and older people with a range of physical disabilities, mental health conditions, developmental delays, communication difficulties and/or social disadvantage. You will have access to a team of allied health professionals who are able to share their experiences and support your learning throughout the course.

Online learning makes up part of the course delivery and access to online resources to reinforce classroom learning is provided. You will be supported in learning the required knowledge and skills through classroom discussions and simulation activities before undertaking a full-time work placement.

Did you know that over one quarter of all people admitted to hospital have an operation? Many more have treatments that require sterile equipment to be used. You could assist in ensuring that patients are protected from infection during their care.

You will learn about infection control and prevention, how the body works and medical terms. You will also learn how to clean, inspect, package, sterilise and distribute instruments and equipment for surgical and clinical procedures.

Being able to work with others and carry out your work safely is also important and is covered in this course.

On completion of your course you will be able to work in a private/public hospital, in a private/public clinic or in an operating theatre's sterilising service or department.