CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH ASSISTANCE LEVEL 3

This programme is designed to meet the needs of a growing population of older adults and individuals living with chronic conditions or disabilities. With experienced lecturers and a personalized learning plan, students gain practical, real-world skills to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

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OVERVIEW

The Certificate in Health Assistance (Level 3) is a fully online programme designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the growing demand for qualified Health Care Assistants. This programme is tailored for individuals who wish to upskill while maintaining their current employment, offering flexibility and personalized support.

  • NZQF Level: 3
  • Total Credits: 71
  • Delivery Length: 31 weeks (including 2 holiday weeks)
  • Total Learning Hours: 710
  • Directed Online Learning: 20 hours per week
  • Work Placement: Clinical hours in the student’s current workplace (minimum 5 hours per week)

Students who successfully complete the programme will be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) with a strand in Healthcare Assistance.

GRADUATE OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be equipped with:

  • Advocacy Skills: Understanding their role and responsibilities in protecting and advocating for vulnerable individuals.
  • Recognition of Needs: Ability to identify signs of abuse, neglect, and vulnerability, and respond appropriately.
  • Professional Conduct: Capability to apply ethical and professional standards in health and wellbeing settings.
  • Person-Centred Care: Skills to address physiological, safety, and belonging needs of clients while working under supervision.
  • Effective Communication: Competence in delivering care through clear and empathetic communication.
  • Responsiveness: Ability to observe and respond to changes in client needs, ensuring improved care and comfort.

Apply knowledge of information systems and technologies to help individuals, groups and organisations achieve their goals within a competitive global environment.

EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

Graduates of this programme will be qualified to pursue careers in various healthcare settings, including:

  • Health Care Assistant roles in aged care, primary care, acute care, or therapeutic programme care.
  • Community Support Worker.
  • Medical Practice Assistant or Dental Assistant.
  • Homecare Support Worker or Caregiver.
  • Hospital Orderly.

TIMETABLE

Activity

Hours per Week

Directed Online Learning

20

Clinical Work Placement

Minimum 5

Total Weekly Hours

25+

This flexible schedule allows students to balance their studies with their current employment, with online learning accessible anytime, anywhere.

CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH & WELLBEING (Level 4) with Strands in Dementia Care and Diversional Therapy

Graduates may pursue further studies in:

  • Health and Wellbeing: Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 5), Addiction Studies (Level 6), or related bachelor’s degrees.
  • Leadership and Management: New Zealand Certificate or Diploma in Business (Levels 4–6).
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OVERVIEW

This programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to support individuals and families across diverse health and wellbeing settings.

Key Details:

  • NZQF Level: 4
  • Credits: 120
  • Duration: 46 weeks (includes 6 holiday weeks)
  • Total Learning Hours: 1200 (including 400 hours of work placement)
  • Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (20 hours per week) and work placements. Distance students must attend block courses in March and August.

Upon successful completion, graduates receive the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4).

GRADUATE OUTCOMES

Graduates will:

  • Be equipped with knowledge and skills to work in health and wellbeing sectors.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct while supporting individuals, families, and communities.
  • Be ready for employment in dementia care or diversional therapy roles.

EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

Dementia Care Roles:

  • Healthcare Assistant (Aged/Dementia Care Units, Primary/Acute Care, Therapeutic Programme Care)
  • Medical Practice Assistant
  • Homecare Support Worker/Caregiver

Diversional Therapy Roles:

  • Diversional Therapist in aged care facilities
  • Activity Coordinator in healthcare settings
  • Healthcare Assistant (Therapeutic Programme Care, Aged/Disability Sectors)
  • Community roles supporting recreation for individuals with limited capacity

TIMETABLE

  • Block Courses: March and August (onsite for distance learners).
  • Full-Time Study: 20 hours of face-to-face classes per week plus work placements.
  • Part-Time Study: Flexible schedule based on course load.

Technology Requirements:
Students must have a laptop or tablet with access to the online learning platform (CANVAS) and Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH & WELLBEING (Level 4) with Strands in Palliative Care Support and Dementia Care Support

This certificate opens opportunities for further studies, including:

  • Health and Wellbeing:
    • New Zealand Certificate in Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 5).
    • New Zealand Diploma in Addiction Studies (Applied) (Level 6).
    • Bachelor’s degrees in health and wellbeing.
  • Leadership and Management:
    • New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4).
    • New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5 & Level 6).
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OVERVIEW

This unique hybrid programme provides students with foundational and advanced skills in health and wellbeing. Designed to accommodate international learners, the programme combines flexible online learning and a hands-on practicum in New Zealand.

Key Details:

  • NZQF Level: 4
  • Credits: 120
  • Duration: 50 weeks (includes 2 holiday weeks)
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid (online learning + in-person practicum)
  • Total Learning Hours: 1200 (400 hours in work placements)

Delivery Structure:

  • Part A: Theory (37 weeks)
    • Online learning supported by experienced lecturers.
    • 25 hours of directed learning per week.
    • Flexible learning allows students to work while they study.
  • Part B: Practicum (11 weeks)
    • Week 1: On-campus learning with School lecturers.
    • Weeks 2–11: Arranged unpaid internship in various healthcare facilities across New Zealand.

At successful completion, students will be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) with strands in Palliative Care and Dementia Care.

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GRADUATE OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this programme, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of ethical and professional practices in health and wellbeing sectors.
  • Possess the skills to deliver person-centred care, particularly in dementia and palliative care.
  • Be prepared for employment or further study in the health and wellbeing field.

EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

Dementia Care Roles:

  • Health Care Assistant in aged care or dementia care units.
  • Medical Practice Assistant.
  • Homecare Support Worker or Caregiver.

Palliative Care Roles:

  • Health Care Assistant in aged care or disability sectors.
  • Community Agency roles.
  • Homecare Support Worker or Caregiver.

Graduates will be equipped to work alongside individuals, families, and communities to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

TIMETABLE

  • Part A: Theory
    • 37 weeks of online learning (25 hours per week).
    • Flexible schedule designed for working students.
  • Part B: Practicum
    • 1 week of in-person learning with lecturers on campus.
    • 10 weeks of arranged, supervised internships in healthcare facilities across New Zealand.

Technology Requirements:

  • Laptop or tablet with access to CANVAS (online learning platform).
  • Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).