Aged care services are in huge demand today, but how do you take advantage of this demand to start a career?
Employers are now looking for more Australians to give individual care and support to seniors in aged and community care centres, and candidates with formal qualifications are the top priority.
However, there are many Australians who wish to work as personal caregivers or individual support workers, but find it hard to get qualified because of work and other commitments.
If you have a full-time job, then you likely cannot take entire weeks or months off work to attend face to face classes. Fortunately, you can still study your aged care training course and get qualified even while working by studying online.
So what should you expect in an online aged care course?
Here’s What You Need to Know About Aged Care Online Courses
I. What will you learn in online aged care training courses?
The latest nationally accredited aged care course is called the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing). This replaced the old Cert III in Aged Care back in 2015.
In the Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing) online course, you will learn to carry out the responsibilities of an aged care support worker. Learners who study online will be trained in the same skills and knowledge as Face-to-Face students because online courses cover the same skills and training that classroom study and Face-to-Face workshops do. Through this course, you will learn to:
- Meet personal support needs
- Facilitate the empowerment of older people
- Provide support to people living with dementia
- Support independence and well being
- Recognise healthy body systems
- Communicate and work in health or community services
- Work with diverse people
- Work legally and ethically
- Follow safe work practices for direct client care
- Provide individualised support
II. How will you gain practical skills and knowledge?
Online aged care training courses have a vocational placement requirement where you will gain first hand work experience in an aged care facility.
As part of the training course, you will work in a registered and approved aged care facility for at least 120 hours. This is designed to give you industry experience and develop your knowledge and skills.
During the vocational placement, a supervisor will monitor your tasks and give you feedback while you carry out the day to day responsibilities in aged care.
III. What are the advantages of Online Study over Face-to-Face Aged Care courses?
Enrolling in an online training course gives you unique advantages:
Keep your job while studying during your free time – Online courses have flexible study times. This means you can study whenever you are free and pass submissions any time within the course duration.
Study and pass submissions from anywhere – You can pass your submissions and take your classes from anywhere. Study at the comfort of your own home, instead of traveling to school campuses every weekday.
Lower enrolment fees – Online courses are often cheaper than face-to-face courses because they cost less to deliver. Additionally, you will also save on venue fees, transportation, and printed out materials.
IV. How long will it take to complete the latest training course?
You will have up to 12 months to finish the online Cert III Individual Support (Ageing) course. However, online course are often self-paced so you can finish the course faster if you want to.
The expected study hours for this course are 1396 hours. If you already have industry related experience, you may find that it takes much less time to finish this course.
V. What should you look for in your online course?
You should make sure of the following before enrolling in an online course:
Australia-wide Accreditation – Make sure that the course you are enrolling in is current and nationally accredited. The latest aged care course is the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing).
Helpful Learning Resources – A high quality aged care course should have a variety of learning resources. The combination of quizzes, webinars, tutorial documents, and the vocational placement makes a course more engaging and enjoyable.
Easy to Use Workbooks and Learners Guides – Workbooks and learner guides should be free of any errors and easy to read.
Full Trainer Support – Premium online courses give you access to a trainer when you need extra help. They will guide you through the course and help you with any concerns regarding the course. This may be through 1 on 1 phone calls, 24/7 messaging, etc.
VI. Summary
If you want to work in aged care, but don’t have time or cannot afford to study full time, then an online course is ideal for you.
Through online courses, you will:
- Gain the same skills and knowledge as you would in face to face courses
- Learn how to carry out tasks in an aged care centre
- Have a more flexible and convenient study experience
- Have a more affordable education
- Be able to finish in 12 months or less
- Have access to helpful course resources
If you are currently working or if you want a more flexible learning experience, then online courses may be more suitable for you.
If you have any questions about aged care courses or want complete information about the latest Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing), please feel free to send us a message.
