Course Summary

Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice reflects the role of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners working to provide a range of clinical primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. These services include,

• assessment and screening of health and social emotional well being
• advice and assistance with medication and administration of medication
• providing health care in line with care plans and/or treatment protocols
• advocating for clients, including interpreting and translating language providing advice, support and training on providing culturally safe health services to other health professionals

This qualification addresses the specific legislative responsibilities of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners and is required for national registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia.

Entry Requirements

Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher-level course. The minimum age to apply is 17 years

Provide evidence of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identity documentation. This course is an Indigenous-specific program that allows Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply for identified positions within the Health sector like Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker or Practitioner. You will need to apply for proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage through an Indigenous organisation. A ‘letter of confirmation’ is usually obtained from an incorporated Indigenous organisation and must be stamped with their common seal.

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

Mandatory requirements -

To complete this course, you will be required to complete an approved work placement of 500 hours.  Students who are currently working in a relevant role may be eligible to undertake placement with their existing employer, subject to approval from the relevant Educational Team Leader and agreement from the employer. 

You will be required to complete a Placement Application Form. This form allows you to apply for approval to complete your placement within your workplace or alternatively, request to attend a CQUniversity-sourced placement. If your workplace does not meet the required criteria for the training package to undertake your placement hours then, CQUniversity will arrange a work placement for you.

CQUniversity’s Workforce Integrated Learning (WIL) team will aim to source a placement located within your community; however, circumstances may require you to relocate to complete the placement.

Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course and it is important that students ensure they can meet the requirements for these checks. Mandatory Check inquiries can be directed to WILCompliance@cqu.edu.au and further detailed information can be sourced by clicking on the following link:  IMMUNISATIONS AND VACCINATIONS WIL DOCUMENT.

You may also be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with the host organisation and placement may be subject to you meeting the organisation's requirements.

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

On completion of this course students will be eligible to apply for registration as an Aboriginal health practitioner with the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice board.

Aboriginal Health Practitioners form part of a team providing clinical and primary health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, families and community groups. They work with patients, clients and visitors to hospitals and health clinics and assist in arranging, coordinating and providing health care in community health clinics.

Roles could include Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Health Worker (Generalist), Outreach Worker, Mental Health Worker, Family Health Worker, Sexual Health Worker, Education Officer, Hospital Liaison Officer, Drug and Alcohol Worker, Environmental Health Worker, Community Worker, Healthy Living Worker, Vascular Health Worker, Pharmacy Health Worker, Maternal and Perinatal Health Worker, Otitis Media Health Worker, Nutrition Health Worker, Eye Care Coordinator or Primary Health Care Practice Manager.