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Allied health assistant occupational therapy course

Education

You will need to have completed year 10, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:

  • A qualification at Certificate II level or higher OR
  • 2 years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian or require guardian/parental consent.

English

This course involves reading and undertaking a range of written assessments, as well as engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 10 level.

If you haven’t successfully completed English at Year 10 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate II level or higher; or
  • 2 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to you by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Digital equipment

You will need access to:

  • A digital video recording device and/or a digital camera and associated software to save and upload video, image and audio files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phones and smart phones include this technology.
  • Software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet.

Physical requirements

  • Students need to be fit to:
    • Stand or stoop for long periods of time
    • Undertake light physical labour 
    • Manage exposure to blood, chemicals, and other bodily fluids
  • Learners undertaking the unit HLTAID011 Provide first aid, will be required to undertake Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) continuously for a minimum 2 minutes while kneeling on the floor as indicated in the assessment requirements for the unit.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Overview

This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide therapeutic and program related support to allied health professionals. You will gain the skills necessary to conduct therapeutic and program related activities in occupational therapy under the supervision of an allied health professional.

Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs).

Additional Information

This course has a mandatory work placement (120 hours in total). CIT teachers will arrange all placements.
Before undertaking any industry placement, you must:
– be at least 18 years of age;
– have a National Police check;
– have a ‘Working with Vulnerable People Check’ ;
– provide evidence of required vaccinations.

Skills Recognition

Entry Requirements

Open entry

On entry, you will need to demonstrate appropriate literacy and numeracy skills by undertaking a literacy and numeracy assessment. You may be required to undertake additional Foundation Skills subjects to support your learning and success in this course.

To study any course at CIT (excluding degrees and non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Further Study

University of Canberra
Bachelor of Human Nutrition

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at [email protected].

Subject Information

Complete 16 subjects

Core: Complete all 9

  • BSBMED301   Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
    • CIT Code: ADMN177 Cost: Standard $132.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and respond to instructions; to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology. It applies to individuals who apply a broad range of competencies in various medical administration contexts. They may exercise discretion and judgment using appropriate knowledge to provide technical advice and support to a team. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. Prerequisites: Nil
  • CHCDIV001   Work with diverse people
    • CIT Code: CLTS145 Cost: Standard $56.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers. Prerequisites: Nil
  • CHCCOM005   Communicate and work in health or community services
    • CIT Code: COMM500 Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers. This unit applies to a range of health and community service contexts where workers may communicate face-to-face, in writing or using digital media and work with limited responsibility under direct or indirect supervision. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAAP001   Recognise healthy body systems
    • CIT Code: HESC501 Cost: Standard $154.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body. This unit applies to any worker who needs to use and interpret information that includes references to client anatomy and physiology. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAAP002   Confirm physical health status
    • CIT Code: HESC502 Cost: Standard $403.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret information about client health status and to check a client’s physical health. It requires a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology. This unit applies to individuals working directly with clients and who assist in the provision of health care services. Some disciplines may be subject to state/territory regulatory determination regarding delegation and supervision. Prerequisites: Nil
  • CHCLEG003   Manage legal and ethical compliance
    • CIT Code: LEGL220 Cost: Standard $176.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research information about compliance and ethical practice responsibilities, and then develop and monitor policies and procedures to meet those responsibilities. This unit applies to people working in roles with managerial responsibility for legal and ethical compliance in small to medium sized organisations. There may or may not be a team of workers involved. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTWHS002   Follow safe work practices for direct client care
    • CIT Code: WPHS114 Cost: Standard $55.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members. This unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, in both centre-based and home-based service provision. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA010   Assist with the development and maintenance of client functional status
    • CIT Code: HESC509 Cost: Standard $198.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support clients to participate in developmental activities that will enhance or maintain functional status. This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA016   Support the fitting of assistive equipment
    • CIT Code: HESC511 Cost: Standard $154.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with clients, their carers and other members of a multi-disciplinary team where appropriate, to assist with fitting assistive equipment to meet individual client needs. This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 7

  • HLTAID011   Provide first aid
    • CIT Code: HESC586 Cost: Standard $130.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings. Specific licensing/regulatory requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training should be obtained from the relevant national/state/territory Work Health and Safety Regulatory Authorities. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA001   Assist with an allied health program
    • CIT Code: HESC504 Cost: Standard $143.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide basic assistance to an allied health professional. This unit applies to allied health assistants working in a health or community context. Depending on the setting, work may include following treatment plans for therapeutic interventions and/or conducting programs under the regular (direct, indirect or remote) supervision of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA003   Deliver and monitor a client-specific physiotherapy program
    • CIT Code: HESC505 Cost: Standard $187.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to deliver and monitor a therapeutic program that has been developed by a physiotherapist to address the requirements of individual clients. This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA005   Support the delivery and monitoring of physiotherapy programs for mobility
    • CIT Code: HESC507 Cost: Standard $154.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support individuals or a group of individuals participating in group physiotherapy programs designed to restore optimum movement and functional independence. This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA009   Assist in the rehabilitation of clients
    • CIT Code: HESC508 Cost: Standard $198.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to receive and respond to rehabilitation programs developed by allied health professionals. This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil
  • HLTAHA011   Conduct group sessions for individual client outcomes
    • CIT Code: HESC510 Cost: Standard $388.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and implement group activities to meet individual client outcomes. This unit applies to allied health assistants and should be performed under the direction and supervision (direct, indirect or remote) of an allied health professional. Prerequisites: Nil
  • CHCCOM006   Establish and manage client relationships
    • CIT Code: COMM496 Cost: Standard $77.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge to establish and manage professional on-to-one relationships with clients in the context of providing an ongoing health service or intervention. This unit applies to community services or health workers who have defined responsibilities to work independently with clients within broad but established guidelines. Prerequisites: Nil
  • CHCCCS002   Assist with movement
    • CIT Code: HESC557 Cost: Standard $55.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support people who require assistance with basic physical movement which may be due to incapacity. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services or health contexts who provide front line support services within the context of an established individualised plan. Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email [email protected]