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 specific health care programs, advice and assistance with medication and administration of medication. These workers can be expected to flexibly assume a variety of job roles and undertake a broad range of tasks either individually or as a member of a multidisciplinary team. 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

CQU has applied for this course to be an approved program of study and for accreditation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board

Entry Requirements

Completion of the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online literacy and numeracy assessment is required prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.

It is a requirement for entry into the course that students are currently working in industry.  It is strongly advised that students contact Teaching Staff (see More Details for contacts) to discuss this course prior to enrolment.  

On entry to the Cert IV Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary health Care Practice students must supply evidence of the following mandatory checks:

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Criminal History Check.
  Students are to apply directly to the Australian Federal Police, in Canberra ACT, for a national criminal history check.
• Working With Children Check
  Students are required to apply to their state or territory’s relevant body for the Working With Children Check. Either the card or letter which includes the reference number and expiry date can be submitted as evidence
• Hepatitis B serology test indicating immunity status
  Students are required to consult their General Practitioner (GP) and arrange a blood test indicating evidence of their titre level (level of immunity status).
• Hepatitis B vaccination schedule
  This is not a current requirement for Queensland placements however this is a requirement for all other states and territories.
• Tuberculosis screening
• Mantoux Test
  Students are required to consult their GP for a private referral, attend a Chest Clinic of their relevant State Health Authority, or an annual on-campus clinic (subject to availability and not provided at all campuses) in order to undertake Tuberculosis screening. The pathology report or a GP’s letter should be provided as evidence of the test.
• Pertussis Vaccination
  Students are required to consult their GP or provide appropriate vaccination records in order to provide evidence of Pertussis vaccination. Previous exposure to Pertussis or serology evidence is NOT acceptable as suitable evidence because the student needs to ensure their continued immunity by way of vaccination.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Vaccinations
  Please note that the MMR and Varicella vaccinations are NOT a requirement for Queensland placements, but mandatory for all other states and territories. However CQUniversity do recommend that students are adequately vaccinated to undertake clinical placement within a health care setting and should discuss this with their GP.
• Influenza Vaccination
  Please note that the Influenza vaccination is only mandatory for Victorian and South Australian students. However CQUniversity do recommend that students are adequately vaccinated to undertake clinical placement within a health care setting and should discuss this with their GP. Students are required to consult their GP or provide appropriate vaccination records in order to provide evidence of Influenza vaccination. The vaccination should be undertaken in March or April of each calendar year.

Full details are available via the following link Pre-WIL Compulsory Conditions (Mandatory Checks).  

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

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

Additional information

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.