Human Services
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
(HLT32512)
Effective from
2013
Date published
January 2013
Date updated
February 2014
Training Package
HLT07 version 5.1
Original published version updated:
February 2014 – Training Package reference updated to HLT07v5.1 (no changes to document content)
November 2012 – updated to HLT07 version 5
December 2011 – updated to HLT07v4
© 2014 Copyright Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW for and on behalf of the Crown in
right of the State of New South Wales.
This document contains Material prepared by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW for and on
behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales. The Material is protected by Crown copyright.
All rights reserved. No part of the Material may be reproduced in Australia or in any other country by any process, electronic
or otherwise, in any material form, or transmitted to any other person or stored electronically in any form without the prior
written permission of the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW, except as permitted by the Copyright
Act 1968.
When you access the Material you agree:
 to use the Material for information purposes only
 to reproduce a single copy for personal bona fide study use only and not to reproduce any major extract or the entire
Material without the prior permission of the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
 to acknowledge that the Material is provided by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
 to include this copyright notice in any copy made
 not to modify the Material or any part of the Material without the express prior written permission of the Board of
Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW.
The Material may contain third-party copyright materials such as photos, diagrams, quotations, cartoons and artworks. These
materials are protected by Australian and international copyright laws and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any
format without the copyright owner’s specific permission. Unauthorised reproduction, transmission or commercial use of
such copyright materials may result in prosecution.
The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW has made all reasonable attempts to locate owners of thirdparty copyright material and invites anyone from whom permission has not been sought to contact the Copyright Officer.
Phone (02) 9367 8289
Fax on (02) 9279 1482
Email: mila.buraga@bostes.nsw.edu.au
Acknowledgements
Units of competency from the HLT07 Health Training Package in this syllabus are © Commonwealth of Australia.
Reproduced with permission.
The following copyright warning applies to the material from the Training Package:
All rights reserved. This work has been produced initially with the assistance of funding provided by the Commonwealth
Government through DIICCSRTE. This work is copyright, but permission is given to trainers and teachers to make
copies by photocopying or other duplicating processes for use with their own training organisations or in a workplace
where the training is being conducted. This permission does not extend to the making of copies for use outside the
immediate training environment for which they are made, nor the making of copies for hire or resale to third parties. The
views expressed in this version of the work do not necessarily represent the views of DIICCSRTE. DIICCSRTE does not
give warranty nor accept any liability.
Published by
Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
GPO Box 5300
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia
www.bostes.nsw.edu.au
2010504
20120034
2012 1566
20140052
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Contents
Introduction to the Human Services Curriculum Framework
The Human Services Curriculum Framework and Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance
Status of units of competency for the Human Services HSC course and Certificate III in
Health Services Assistance (assisting in nursing work in acute care)
Status of units of competency for the Human Services HSC course and Certificate III in
Health Services Assistance (generic)
Status of units of competency for the Human Services HSC course and Certificate III in
Health Services Assistance (operating theatre technician work)
Minimum requirements for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT32512)
Human Services – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
(HLT32512)
The Human Services Curriculum Framework includes the following documentation:
 the syllabus
 associated documents
 support materials.
All of the Framework documentation is available on the Board’s website at
www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/human-services.html.
This document, Human Services – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT32512),
should be read in conjunction with the Human Services Curriculum Framework Stage 6
Syllabus.
Introduction to the Human Services Curriculum Framework
The Human Services Curriculum Framework is based on the national Community Services
Training Package (CHC08) and Health Training Package (HLT07) and includes pathways to:
 Certificate III in Aged Care (CHC30212)
 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT32412)
 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT32512).
The Framework defines how units of competency are arranged in HSC VET courses to gain
HSC credit units.
HSC VET courses can only be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The Human Services Curriculum Framework contains the following courses (detailed in
Section 2 of the Syllabus):
 Human Services (360 indicative hours)
 Human Services (240 indicative hours)
 Aged Care Specialisation Study (60 indicative hours).
3
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
HSC VET courses are dually accredited. Students can gain credit towards:
 the NSW HSC
 an AQF VET qualification, for example Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
As a result of the dual accreditation, HSC VET courses are governed by two sets of rules:
 HSC unit credit requirements determined by:
− HSC course requirements (detailed in Section 2 of the Syllabus)
− the requirements for satisfactory course completion – outlined in the Board of Studies
Assessment Certification Examination (ACE) website
 AQF VET qualification requirements specified in:
− the qualification packaging rules for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance –
defined in the Health Training Package (detailed on pp 17–23 of this document)
− RTO policies.
It is important to note that the rules and structure of HSC VET courses are not identical
to the qualification packaging rules.
The Human Services Curriculum Framework and Certificate III in Health
Services Assistance
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as a part of the HSC students will
generally complete the Human Services (360 indicative hours) HSC VET course from the
Human Services Curriculum Framework.
To be eligible for the award of the HSC students must satisfactorily complete a pattern of
study that includes 22 HSC credit units (refer to the Assessment Certification Examination
(ACE) website for further detail).
Students undertaking Certificate III in Health Services Assistance through the Human
Services (360 indicative hours) course will be eligible for 6 HSC credit units towards the 22
HSC credit units required for the award of their HSC.
Human Services course requirements
Refer to pp 8–16 of this document (and Section 2 of the Syllabus).
Mandatory units of competency are those that all students must attempt in their study of the
HSC VET course.
Core units of competency are those required by the Community Services and/or Health
Training Packages for a student to be eligible for an AQF VET qualification.
For the Human Services (360 indicative hours) course students must undertake:
 7 mandatory units of competency for the HSC totalling 180 HSC indicative hours
(these are made up of 4 core and 3 electives for the Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance)
 plus 180 HSC indicative hours worth of units of competency from the HSC elective pool.
4
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
For students to be able to achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, the units of
competency selected from the HSC elective pool need to include:
 for the assisting in nursing work in acute care work role
− the remaining 2 core units of competency and 6 recommended elective units of
competency
 for the generic work role
− the remaining 2 core units of competency, 4 mandatory elective units of competency
and 2 elective units of competency
 for the operating theatre technician work role
− the remaining 2 core units of competency, 4 mandatory elective units of competency
and 2 elective units of competency.
Work placement
Work placement is a mandatory HSC VET course requirement with minimum hours assigned
to each course according to the qualification being undertaken. Non-completion of work
placement means the student has not met the HSC VET course requirements and cannot count
the HSC credit units for the course towards the award of their HSC. They would still be
credentialled for the AQF VET qualification outcome.
The minimum work placement requirement for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is
105 hours. For students undertaking the qualification for an assisting in nursing work in acute
care or operating theatre technician work role, this must include at least 20 hours in an acute
care setting.
Students should be at least 16 years old to undertake the work placement for this Framework
as they will be in a work environment with vulnerable people and duty of care requires a
substantial level of maturity. Any variation of this requirement must be with the explicit
approval of the school or college, RTO and host employer.
Work placement is to be undertaken in an appropriate community services/health work
environment. It is permissible for up to 35 hours of work placement to be undertaken in a
simulated work environment.
This provision for simulation does not include the minimum work placement requirement in
an acute care setting for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance assisting in nursing work
in acute care or operating theatre technician work.
Refer to Section 4 of the Syllabus and the Work Placement in Human Services document for
further information, including industry-specific information regarding work placement in
community services/health industries and guidelines for work placement in a simulated
environment.
HSC Content
The HSC Content for this Industry Curriculum Framework is organised into focus areas. Each
focus area prescribes the scope of learning for the HSC. This is drawn from the common
aspects of the associated units of competency (outlined in Table 1 on the following page).
5
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
The Human Services Curriculum Framework focus areas are:
 Health and wellbeing
 Industry context
 Safety
 Work.
These must be addressed by all students undertaking courses from the Human Services
Curriculum Framework.
The HSC Content is detailed in Section 3 of the Syllabus.
The HSC examination in Human Services is based on the HSC Content and employability
skills for the Certificate III qualifications in this Framework (refer to Section 5 of the
Syllabus).
Table 1 Focus areas and associated units of competency
Associated units of competency
Focus area
Unit code
Unit title
Health and wellbeing
CHCICS303A
HLTAP301B
Support individual health and emotional well being
Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context
Industry context
CHCCS411C
or
HLTHIR301C
Work effectively in the community sector
HLTFA311A
HLTIN301C
and
CHCWHS312A
or
HLTWHS200A
Apply first aid
Comply with infection control policies and procedures
HLTHIR403C
and
CHCCS411C
or
HLTHIR301C
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
Safety
Work
Communicate and work effectively in health
Follow WHS safety procedures for direct care work
Participate in WHS processes
Work effectively in the community sector
Communicate and work effectively in health
HSC examination
The HSC examination in Human Services is optional. Students who have completed the
Human Services (360 indicative hours) course are eligible to sit for the HSC examination.
Students who choose to sit the examination can have the marks from their exam contribute to
their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
The HSC examination in Human Services is based on the HSC Content (refer to Section 3 of
the Syllabus) and employability skills for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (refer
to pp 22–23 of this document and the Employability Skills in Human Services document).
6
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
The HSC examination is a written exam independent of the competency-based
assessment undertaken during the course and has no impact on student eligibility for the
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
HSC examination specifications
The HSC examination specifications contained in the Assessment and Reporting in Human
Services Stage 6 document describe the format of the external HSC examination.
7
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Status of units of competency for the Human Services HSC course and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
(assisting in nursing work in acute care)
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (assisting in nursing work in acute care) (HLT32512) the Health Training Package requires students to
achieve 15 units of competency including:
 6 core units of competency
 6 recommended Group B electives for assisting in nursing work in acute care
 3 elective units of competency.
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as a part of the HSC students will generally do the Human Services (360 indicative hours) HSC VET
course.
For the HSC students must undertake the following 7 mandatory units of competency (4 core and 3 electives for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance –
assisting in nursing work in acute care):
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (assisting in nursing work
in acute care)
6 core,
6 recommended Group B electives &
3 electives
mandatory
35
CHCICS303A
Support individual health and emotional well
being
nil
elective
mandatory
30
HLTAP301B
Recognise healthy body systems in a health care
context
nil
core
mandatory
20
HLTFA311A
Apply first aid
nil
elective
mandatory
20
HLTHIR403C
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients
and co-workers
nil
elective
mandatory
25
HLTIN301C
Comply with infection control policies and
procedures
nil
core
mandatory
20
HLTWHS200A
Participate in WHS processes
nil
core
mandatory
30
HLTHIR301C
Communicate and work effectively in health
nil
core
Sub-total HSC indicative hours
mandatory units of competency
180
8
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
For the HSC students must undertake a total of 180 HSC indicative hours worth of units of competency from the HSC elective pool to meet the requirements of
the Human Services (360 indicative hours) course.
(To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance – assisting in nursing work in acute care, the units of competency from the HSC elective pool need to
include the remaining 2 core units of competency and 6 recommended Group B elective units of competency for the qualification.)
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
6 core,
6 recommended Group B electives &
3 electives
elective
25
BSBFLM303C
Contribute to effective workplace relationships
nil
core
elective
25
BSBMED301B
Interpret and apply medical terminology
appropriately
nil
core
elective
40
HLTAIN301C
Assist nursing team in an acute care
environment §
HLTAP301B
HLTFA311A
recommended Group B elective
elective
20
HLTAIN302C
Provide support in an acute care environment §
nil
recommended Group B elective
elective
20
HLTCSD201D
Maintain high standard of client service
nil
recommended Group B elective
elective
10
HLTCSD208D
Transport clients
nil
recommended Group B elective
elective
15
HLTCSD305D
Assist with client movement
nil
recommended Group B elective
elective
15
HLTCSD306D
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
nil
recommended Group B elective
Total HSC indicative hours –
mandatory + remaining core and
recommended Group B electives
§
HSC
indicative
hours
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (assisting in nursing work
in acute care)
350
Assessment of this unit of competency includes observation of workplace performance (see the Evidence Guide for this unit of competency). In their planning, schools or colleges and RTOs
should ensure that sufficient work placement time is scheduled for the development of competence and collection of evidence.
9
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Status of units of competency for the Human Services HSC course and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (generic)
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (generic) (HLT32507) the Health Training Package requires students to achieve 15 units of competency
including:
 6 core units of competency
 4 required Group C electives for other work functions
 5 elective units of competency.
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as a part of the HSC students will generally do the Human Services (360 indicative hours) HSC VET
course.
For the HSC students must undertake the following 7 mandatory units of competency (4 core and 3 electives for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance –
generic):
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (generic)
6 core,
4 required Group C electives &
5 electives
mandatory
35
CHCICS303A
Support individual health and emotional well
being
nil
elective
mandatory
30
HLTAP301B
Recognise healthy body systems in a health care
context
nil
core
mandatory
20
HLTFA311A
Apply first aid
nil
elective
mandatory
20
HLTHIR403C
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients
and co-workers
nil
elective
mandatory
25
HLTIN301C
Comply with infection control policies and
procedures
nil
core
mandatory
20
HLTWHS200A
Participate in WHS processes
nil
core
mandatory
30
HLTHIR301C
Communicate and work effectively in health
nil
core
Sub-total HSC indicative hours
mandatory units of competency
180
10
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
For the HSC students must undertake a total of 180 HSC indicative hours worth of units of competency from the HSC elective pool to meet the requirements of
the Human Services (360 indicative hours) course.
(To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance – generic, the units of competency from the HSC elective pool need to include the remaining 2 core units
of competency, 4 required Group C elective units of competency and 2 elective units of competency for this qualification.)
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (generic)
6 core,
4 required Group C electives &
5 electives
elective
25
BSBFLM303C
Contribute to effective workplace relationships
nil
core
elective
25
BSBMED301B
Interpret and apply medical terminology
appropriately
nil
core
elective
20
HLTCSD201D
Maintain high standard of client service
nil
required Group C elective
elective
10
HLTCSD208D
Transport clients
nil
required Group C elective
elective
15
HLTCSD304D
Support the care of clients
nil
required Group C elective
elective
15
HLTCSD305D
Assist with client movement
nil
required Group C elective
Sub-total HSC indicative hours –
mandatory + remaining core and
required Group C electives
290
To achieve Certificate III in Health
Services Assistance (generic), students
need to include 2 more elective units of
competency
To meet the remaining HSC indicative hour course
requirements students need to undertake 70 HSC indicative
hours worth of units of competency from the list below
elective
20
BSBINM201A
Process and maintain workplace information
nil
elective
elective
20
BSBINM301A
Organise workplace information
nil
elective
elective
15
BSBWOR204A
Use business technology
nil
elective
elective
20
CHCAD401D
Advocate for clients
nil
elective
elective
15
CHCADMIN302D
Provide administrative support
nil
elective
elective
20
CHCCOM302D
Communicate appropriately with clients and
colleagues
nil
elective
11
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
§
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
elective
45
CHCCS305C
Assist clients with medication §
elective
30
CHCCS400C
Work within a relevant legal and ethical
framework
elective
40
CHCDIS301C
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (generic)
6 core,
4 required Group C electives &
5 electives
HLTAP301B
elective
nil
elective
Work effectively with people with a disability
nil
elective
§
nil
elective
elective
35
CHCICS301B
Provide support to meet personal care needs
elective
20
CHCICS302B
Participate in the implementation of
individualised plans
nil
elective
elective
15
CHCICS306B
Provide basic foot skin and nail care
nil
elective
elective
10
CHCORG322B
Contribute to implementation of service
delivery strategy
nil
elective
elective
25
CHCPA301B
Deliver care services using a palliative approach
nil
elective
nil
elective
§
elective
30
HLTAH301C
Assist with an allied health program
elective
20
HLTAH402C
Assist with physiotherapy treatments and
interventions §
HLTAP301B
HLTCSD305D
HLTAH301C
elective
elective
20
HLTAH407C
Assist with the rehabilitation of clients §
nil
elective
elective
40
HLTAIN301C
Assist nursing team in an acute care
environment §
HLTAP301B
HLTFA311A
elective
elective
20
HLTAIN302C
Provide support in an acute care environment §
nil
elective
co-assessment
required relevant to
service delivery
elective
elective
40
HLTAP401B
Confirm physical health status
elective
15
HLTCSD306D
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTCSD203D
Prepare and maintain beds
nil
elective
elective
15
HLTFA412A
Apply advanced first aid
HLTFA311A
elective
Assessment of this unit of competency includes observation of workplace performance (see the Evidence Guide for this unit of competency). In their planning, schools or colleges and RTOs should
ensure that sufficient work placement time is scheduled for the development of competence and collection of evidence.
12
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (generic)
6 core,
4 required Group C electives &
5 electives
elective
25
HLTHIR404D
Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander people
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTMS206D
Perform general cleaning tasks in a clinical
setting
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTMS208D
Handle waste in a health care environment
nil
elective
elective
25
HLTTH301D
Provide theatre support services
nil
elective
elective
25
HLTTH302D
Provide equipment support in an acute care
environment
nil
elective
elective
25
HLTTH303D
Identify and move to maintain a sterile field
HLTIN301C
elective
elective
25
HLTTH405D
Assist with preparation of clients for operative
procedures
HLTAP401B
elective
13
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Status of units of competency for the Human Services HSC course and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
(operating theatre technician work)
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (operating theatre technician work) (HLT32512) the Health Training Package requires students to achieve
15 units of competency including:
 6 core units of competency
 4 required Group A electives for operating theatre technician work
 5 elective units of competency.
To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as a part of the HSC students will generally do the Human Services (360 indicative hours) HSC VET
course.
For the HSC students must undertake the following 7 mandatory units of competency (4 core and 3 electives for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance –
operating theatre technician work):
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (operating theatre
technician work)
6 core,
4 required Group A electives &
5 electives
mandatory
35
CHCICS303A
Support individual health and emotional well
being
nil
elective
mandatory
30
HLTAP301B
Recognise healthy body systems in a health care
context
nil
core
mandatory
20
HLTFA311A
Apply first aid
nil
elective
mandatory
20
HLTHIR403C
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients
and co-workers
nil
elective
mandatory
25
HLTIN301C
Comply with infection control policies and
procedures
nil
core
mandatory
20
HLTWHS200A
Participate in WHS processes
nil
core
mandatory
30
HLTHIR301C
Communicate and work effectively in health
nil
core
Sub-total HSC indicative hours
mandatory units of competency
180
14
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
For the HSC students must undertake a total of 180 HSC indicative hours worth of units of competency from the HSC elective pool to meet the requirements of
the Human Services (360 indicative hours) course.
(To achieve Certificate III in Health Services Assistance – operating theatre technician work, the units of competency from the HSC elective pool need to include
the remaining 2 core units of competency, 4 required Group A elective units of competency and 2 elective units of competency for this qualification.)
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (operating theatre
technician work)
6 core,
4 required Group A electives &
5 electives
elective
25
BSBFLM303C
Contribute to effective workplace relationships
nil
core
elective
25
BSBMED301B
Interpret and apply medical terminology
appropriately
nil
core
elective
25
HLTTH301D
Provide theatre support services
nil
required Group A elective
elective
25
HLTTH302D
Provide equipment support in an acute care
environment
nil
required Group A elective
elective
25
HLTTH303D
Identify and move to maintain a sterile field
HLTIN301C
required Group A elective
elective
25
HLTTH405D
Assist with preparation of clients for operative
procedures
HLTAP401B
required Group A elective
Sub-total HSC indicative hours –
mandatory + remaining core and
required Group A electives
330
To achieve Certificate III in Health
Services Assistance (operating theatre
technician work), students need to
include 2 more elective units of
competency
To meet the remaining HSC indicative hour course
requirements students need to undertake 30 HSC indicative
hours worth of units of competency from the list below
elective
20
BSBINM201A
Process and maintain workplace information
nil
elective
elective
20
BSBINM301A
Organise workplace information
nil
elective
elective
15
BSBWOR204A
Use business technology
nil
elective
elective
20
CHCAD401D
Advocate for clients
nil
elective
elective
15
CHCADMIN302D
Provide administrative support
nil
elective
15
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Status in Human Services
(360 HSC indicative hours) course
7 mandatory
plus electives – to bring course total to a
minimum of 360 HSC indicative hours
§
HSC
indicative
hours
Unit code
Unit title
Unit-specific
prerequisite(s)
Certificate III in Health Services
Assistance (operating theatre
technician work)
6 core,
4 required Group A electives &
5 electives
elective
20
CHCCOM302D
Communicate appropriately with clients and
colleagues
nil
elective
elective
30
CHCCS400C
Work within a relevant legal and ethical
framework
nil
elective
elective
40
CHCDIS301C
Work effectively with people with a disability
nil
elective
elective
35
CHCICS301B
Provide support to meet personal care needs §
nil
elective
HLTAP301B
HLTFA311A
elective
nil
elective
co-assessment
required relevant to
service delivery
elective
elective
40
HLTAIN301C
Assist nursing team in an acute care
environment §
elective
20
HLTAIN302C
Provide support in an acute care environment §
elective
40
HLTAP401B
Confirm physical health status
elective
20
HLTCSD201D
Maintain high standard of client service
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTCSD203D
Prepare and maintain beds
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTCSD208D
Transport clients
nil
elective
elective
15
HLTCSD304D
Support the care of clients
nil
elective
elective
15
HLTCSD305D
Assist with client movement
nil
elective
elective
15
HLTCSD306D
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
nil
elective
elective
15
HLTFA412A
Apply advanced first aid
HLTFA311A
elective
elective
25
HLTHIR404D
Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander people
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTMS206D
Perform general cleaning tasks in a clinical
setting
nil
elective
elective
10
HLTMS208D
Handle waste in a health care environment
nil
elective
Assessment of this unit of competency includes observation of workplace performance (see the Evidence Guide for this unit of competency). In their planning, schools or colleges and RTOs
should ensure that sufficient work placement time is scheduled for the development of competence and collection of evidence.
16
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Minimum requirements for Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
(HLT32512)
The following pages outline the qualification packaging rules for the AQF VET qualification
HLT32512. This information is reproduced directly from the Health Training Package
(HLT07). It is included so that the minimum requirements for achieving the industry
qualification are clear. Students who meet these requirements will be eligible for the relevant
AQF VET Certificate, whether or not they have met the additional requirements of the HSC
course.
A Statement of Attainment will be issued for achievement of single or multiple units of
competency. At a later date, a person can undertake further skill development or training and
be assessed against additional competencies until they have achieved all the competencies
required for an AQF VET qualification. RTOs must recognise and give credit for the
competencies recorded on a Statement of Attainment.
Please note:
HLT32512
Only the shaded units of competency are available in the Human
Services Curriculum Framework. HSC course requirements are
outlined in Section 2 of the Syllabus.
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
This qualification covers workers in a range of work roles who provide assistance to health
professional staff with the care of clients. Health Services Assistance involves the worker in direct
client contact under supervision.
This qualification has been structured with elective groups for specific work functions in operating
theatre support and assisting in nursing work in acute care. In addition the qualification supports
multiskilling requirements of smaller and rural/remote work settings.
This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.
Occupational titles may include:






Assistant in nursing
Nursing assistant
Nursing support worker
Patient service attendant
Patient support assistant
Patient care assistant






Orderly
Operating theatre technician
Theatre support
Ward assistant
Wardsperson
Ward support
17
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
PACKAGING RULES
15 units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including:

6 core units

9 elective units
A wide range of electives is available and can be packaged to provide either:
 a generic qualification that covers a range of work functions, or
 a targeted qualification as required for specific work roles.
Elective units may be selected from:
 Group A electives which are required for operating theatre technician work
 Group B electives which are recommended for assisting in nursing work in acute care
 Group C electives which are required for a more ‘generic’ qualification to address all other
relevant work functions
 Group D electives which are recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
 other relevant electives listed below
 units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this
qualification or higher in Health and/or Community Services Training Packages
 where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to 3 units of competency packaged
at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited
courses where the details of those courses are available on the TGA or other public listing.
Core units
BSBFLM303C
Contribute to effective workplace relationships
BSBMED301B
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
HLTAP301B
Recognise healthy body systems in a health care context
HLTHIR301C
Communicate and work effectively in health
HLTIN301C
Comply with infection control policies and procedures
HLTWHS200A
Participate in WHS processes
Relevant electives
HLT32512 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance enables workplaces to select a range of
electives that reflect the functions of workers (occupational titles may vary from workplace to
workplace). In addition to the core units listed above, there are certain requirements and
recommendations applying to the selection of electives.
Group A electives – required for operating theatre technician work
The following four units of competency are required for operating theatre technician work:
HLTTH301D
Provide theatre support services
HLTTH302D
Provide equipment support in an acute care environment
HLTTH303D
Identify and move to maintain a sterile field
(Note prerequisite HLTIN301C)
HLTTH405D
Assist with preparation of clients for operative procedures
(Note prerequisite HLTAP401B)
18
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Group B electives – recommended for assisting in nursing work in acute care
The following six units of competency are recommended for assisting in nursing work in acute care:
HLTCSD305D
Assist with client movement
HLTCSD306D
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
HLTCSD208D
Transport clients
HLTAIN301C
Assist nursing team in an acute care environment
(Note prerequisites HLTAP301B, HLTFA311A)
HLTAIN302C
Provide support in an acute care environment
HLTCSD201D
Maintain high standard of client service
Where one of these specified elective groups is achieved, this is to be clearly articulated on the
transcript (certification) as:
‘This qualification includes Group A electives required for operating theatre technician work’
or
‘This qualification includes Group B electives recommended for assisting in nursing work in acute
care’.
Group C electives – required for a more ‘generic’ qualification to address other relevant work
functions
The following four units of competency are required for award of the qualification HLT32512
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as it applies to all other work functions:
HLTCSD201D
Maintain high standard of client service
HLTCSD304D
Support the care of clients
HLTCSD305D
Assist with client movement
HLTCSD208D
Transport clients
The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice
All workers undertaking work in health need foundation knowledge to inform their work with
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers
from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and
assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific
guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines
for the Health Training Package.
Group D electives – recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
Where work involves a specific focus on Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander and/or culturally
diverse clients or communities, one or both of the following electives is recommended:
HLTHIR403C
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
HLTHIR404D
Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Other relevant electives
In addition to the core units and elective groups listed above, other elective units of competency are
to be selected in line with the Packaging Rules.
Please note that:
19
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
 below is a small sample of units of competency that may be selected as electives
 the grouping of these sample electives is intended to facilitate selection. Electives may be
selected from one or more groups
 employers may specify that certain elective units of competency are essential to address
specific workplace needs.
Work relationships
BSBFLM312C
Contribute to team effectiveness
BSBINN301A
Promote innovation in a team environment
BSBWOR301B
Organise personal work priorities and development
CHCCS401C
Facilitate responsible behaviour
HLTAMBFC301D
Communicate with clients and colleagues to support health care
HLTCSD306D
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
Client care
CHCAOD402B
Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector
CHCAOD406D
Work with clients who are intoxicated
CHCMH301B
or
CHCMH411A
Work effectively in mental health
CHCOHC303A
Use basic oral health screening tools
HLTCOM406C
Make referrals to other health care professionals when appropriate
HLTCSD201D
Maintain high standard of client service
HLTCSD203D
Prepare and maintain beds
HLTCSD302D
Assist with lifestyle and social support needs
HLTCSD304D
Support the care of clients
HLTCSD305D
Assist with client movement
HLTCSD307D
Care for the home environment of clients
Work with people with mental health issues
Transport
HLTAMBT301B
Transport non-emergency clients under operational conditions
HLTCSD208D
Transport clients
Operating theatre support
HLTSTE301D
Clean reusable medical equipment
(Note prerequisite HLTIN301C)
HLTTH301D
Provide theatre support services
HLTTH302D
Provide equipment support in an acute care environment
HLTTH303D
Identify and move to maintain a sterile field
(Note prerequisite: HLTIN301C)
Medical imaging assistance
HLTMI301B
Contribute to client flow and client information management in medical
imaging
HLTM1302B
Support the medical imaging professional
20
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Mortuary practice
HLTMT303D
Maintain a mortuary service
HLTMT304D
Assist with autopsy
HLTMT305D
Maintain and record tissue sample collection
HLTMT310D
Collect, preserve and store post mortem samples
HLTSTE301D
Clean reusable medical equipment
(Note prerequisite HTLIN301C)
Miscellaneous support
HLTMS204D
Handle and move equipment, goods, mail and furniture
HLTMS207D
Handle medical gases safely
HLTMS208D
Handle waste in a health care environment
PRMCL22B
Organise and monitor cleaning operations
First aid
HLTCPR211A
Perform CPR
HLTFA211A
Provide basic emergency life support
HLTFA311A
Apply first aid
21
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Employability Skills summary
HLT32512 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
The Employability Skills Qualification Summary includes all facets listed in the Employability Skills
Framework, but has been customised to reflect specific qualification requirements:
 any facets not required for work to which that qualification may apply have been crossed out (text
appears with a line through it)
 where facets contain inappropriate words they have been crossed out
 additional or replacement words are added (in bold italics) to existing facets:
- where they are more appropriate
- in order to clarify how that facet applies for that qualification.
EMPLOYABILITY
SKILLS
FACETS ADDRESSED
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include the following facets:
Communication
1. Listening to and understanding work instructions, directions and feedback
2. Speaking clearly/directly to relay information
3. Reading and interpreting workplace related documentation, such as safety
requirements and work instructions
4. Writing to address audience identified needs, such as client records, work notes
and reports
5. Interpreting the needs of internal/external customers from clear information
6. Applying basic numeracy skills to workplace requirements involving measuring
and counting
7. Establishing and using networks
8. Sharing information (eg with other staff)
9. Negotiating responsively (eg re own work role and/or conditions, possibly with
clients)
10. Persuading effectively
11. Being appropriately assertive (eg in relation to safe or ethical work practices and
own work role)
12. Empathising (eg in relation to others)
Teamwork
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Problem solving
1. Developing practical and creative solutions to workplace problems (ie within scope
of own role)
2. Showing independence and initiative in identifying problems (ie within scope of
own role)
3. Solving problems individually or in teams (ie within scope of own role)
4. Applying a range of strategies in problem solving
5. Using numeracy skills to solve problems (eg time management, stock rotation,
shift handover)
6. Testing assumptions and taking context into account
7. Listening to and resolving concerns in relation to workplace issues
8. Resolving customer concerns relative to workplace responsibilities (ie if role has
direct customer contact)
Working as an individual and a team member
Working with diverse individuals and groups
Applying knowledge of own role as part of a team
Applying teamwork skills to a limited range of situations
Identifying and utilising the strengths of other team members
Giving feedback, coaching and mentoring
22
Human Services Curriculum Framework – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
EMPLOYABILITY
SKILLS
FACETS ADDRESSED
Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include the following facets:
Initiative and enterprise
1. Adapting to new situations (ie within scope of own role)
2. Being creative in response to workplace challenges (ie within relevant guidelines
and protocols)
3. Identifying opportunities that might not be obvious to others (ie within a team or
supervised work context)
4. Generating a range of options in response to workplace matters
5. Translating ideas into action (ie within own work role)
6. Developing innovative solutions (ie within a team or supervised work context and
within established guidelines)
7. Developing a strategic, creative, long-term vision
Planning and organising
1. Collecting, analysing and organising information (ie within scope of own role)
2. Using basic business systems for planning and organising (ie if applicable to own
role)
3. Being appropriately resourceful
4. Taking limited initiative and making decisions within workplace role (ie within
authorised limits)
5. Participating in continuous improvement and planning processes (ie within scope
of own role)
6. Working within or establishing clear work goals and deliverables
7. Determining or applying required resources (ie within scope of own role)
8. Allocating people and other resources to tasks and workplace requirements (only
for team leader or leading hand roles)
9. Managing time and priorities (ie in relation to tasks required for own role)
10. Adapting resource allocations to cope with contingencies (ie if relevant to own
role)
Self-management
1.
2.
3.
4.
Learning
1. Being open to learning new ideas and techniques
2. Learning in a range of settings including informal learning
3. Participating in ongoing learning
4. Learning in order to accommodate change
5. Learning new skills and techniques
6. Taking responsibility for own learning (ie within scope of own work role)
7. Contributing to the learning of others (eg by sharing information)
8. Applying a range of learning approaches (ie as provided)
9. Developing own learning pathways
10. Participating in developing own learning plans (eg as part of performance
management)
Technology
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Being self-motivated (ie in relation to requirements of own work role)
Articulating own ideas and vision (ie within a team or supervised work context)
Balancing own ideas and values and vision with workplace values and requirements
Monitoring and evaluating own performance (ie within a team or supervised work
context)
5. Taking responsibility at the appropriate level
Using technology and related workplace equipment (ie if within scope of own role)
Using basic technology skills to organise data
Adapting to new technology skill requirements (ie within scope of own role)
Applying WHS knowledge when using technology
Applying technology as a management tool
23