Coast Colleges

What you'll study

This diploma combines clinical skills, professional practice and workplace experience to build capability in health and community settings. Core topics typically include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection prevention and control, basic clinical procedures, medication awareness, and health and safety.

Students also study interpersonal and professional skills such as effective communication, documentation and ethics, cultural competency (including working respectfully with diverse communities), person-centred care, mental health awareness and principles of rehabilitation and aged care. The programme emphasises applied learning through simulated practice and supervised workplace placements or clinical practicums.

• Anatomy & physiology for care workers
• Clinical and nursing support skills (vital signs, basic wound care, mobility assistance)
• Infection control and health & safety
• Professional communication and documentation
• Medication fundamentals and safe handling
• Cultural competence and ethical practice
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Workplace placement / practicum

Entry requirements

Typical entry to the diploma requires a secondary school qualification (or equivalent) and demonstrated literacy and numeracy; mature applicants with relevant work or life experience may be accepted through a recognised alternative pathway. All applicants will normally need to meet the programme's English language requirements.

Successful applicants are usually required to provide a recent police check and evidence of relevant immunisations as a condition of placement in clinical settings. A willingness to undertake practical, supervised clinical work and to travel to placement locations is also expected.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across health and community services. Typical positions include healthcare assistant, support worker, residential aged-care worker, community support worker, and primary care assistant. The practical focus and placement experience make graduates attractive to employers in hospitals, GP practices, rest homes, home-based support services and NGOs.

The diploma also provides a recognised foundation for further study in nursing, allied health or specialised care certificates, allowing graduates to progress into registered professions or supervisory roles with additional education and experience.

Why study at Coast Colleges

Coast Colleges is known for a practical, employer-focused approach with small class sizes and tutors who have current clinical and industry experience. The curriculum is designed to align with workplace expectations and includes supervised placements that build real-world competence.

Students benefit from strong local industry links, flexible delivery options where available, and support services such as academic assistance and career guidance. The college focuses on preparing graduates to step directly into care roles while providing clear pathways for further professional development.