Diploma in Aged Care and Disability Practice Level 5

Intakes:

16 January 2023, 20 February 2023, 27 March 2023, 1 May 2023, 5 June 2023, 10 July 2023, 14 August 2023, 18 September 2023, 23 October 2023

Earn more while doing what you love. Supercharge your health career with Ignite Colleges’ Healthcare Level 5 Diploma programme. With a great blend of practical work and theory, plus a 200-hour clinical placement, you’ll be in hot demand with employers once you graduate.

Who can enrol?

This is an ideal programme if you are 17 years or older and want to provide high quality health and wellbeing services for people requiring aged care and disability support.

What will I learn?

This programme is ideal for those with experience in the sector, those wishing to enter the sector and professionals who are seeking development opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills base within the aged care and disability support settings.

You will cover:

• Apply person-centred approaches to support people with complex needs
• Dementia support and care
• Cultural competencies
• Leadership and teamwork
• Self-reflection and peer mentoring
• Medical conditions and their impact
• Managing health and safety in the workplace
• Health models and approaches for patient support
• Work experience

What qualifications will I gain?

• Diploma in Aged Care and Disability Practice (Level 5)

Where will this take me?

This industry-respected qualification will lead you into a management role in the aged care and disability sector, which is a very fast growing sector in New Zealand and in developed countries.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about this course

What do I need to enrol?

It’s easy! All you need to bring along is proof of citizenship or PR. We will help you do the rest. If you are an international student, please contact us first.

If I already have industry experience can I go straight to level 5?

Level 4 is a pre-requisite for Level 5, however exemption from Level 4 is possible if we have evidence that you have sufficient skills and knowledge. To find out more talk to our friendly Student Support Team.

How much does this course cost?

You might be eligible to do this course for free! Talk with our Student Support Team to find out. If not, you may be eligible for loans and allowances, and we can help you with that.

What time does my course start and finish?

Your course runs from 1pm until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

What resources will I need?

Nothing! We will even provide you with a uniform when you go on work experience.

Does the course include work experience?

Yes, you will spend a large amount of time out in the workplace on this course. You will gain 200 hours of practical training on placement at an aged care or disability facility, organised by Ignite Colleges.

Will you help me get a job?

Yes! As part of your course we spend time working on interview and CV skills to make sure you leave us work ready. We also bring in speakers from industry to talk to you about what today’s employers expect. As well as this, our tutors have great industry connections and can introduce you to potential employers.

What jobs can I apply for after completing this course?

This is a high-demand sector with lots of rewarding job opportunities. With this qualification you will be able to work as a health care assistant, senior caregiver, senior health care assistant or senior support worker in hospices or specialised dementia units, aged residential care or home and community support settings.

Healthcare workers provide assistance, support and care to people in need (such as the aged or disabled) in a wide range of health, welfare, residential and community settings. The work they do fills a crucial role in society and is becoming even more critical as New Zealand’s population becomes increasingly older.

By 2021, 34,547 people are estimated to be working as personal carers and assistants in New Zealand – that’s up 0.9 percent from 2013. Employment in the sector is expected to remain stable out to 2026. According to a 2015 Ministry of Health survey, healthcare support workers are predominantly female (91 percent) and have an older age profile than other New Zealand workforces, with 54 percent of workers aged between 45 and 64. In addition, the survey found most support workers were employed part-time, working an average of 21 hours a week. Late nights, early mornings, weekend and shift work is common.

What makes a great healthcare worker?

Most people enter the healthcare sector because they are passionate about helping others and dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Having empathy and a kind and caring nature is a must. But there are several other skills and traits that help to make an exceptional healthcare worker. These include:

• good customer service skills
• first-aid knowledge
• knowledge of health and safety standards
• patient, tolerant and compassionate
• practical
• organised and responsible
• skilled at listening and communicating
• able to relate well to people from a range of cultures
• able to follow instructions
• fit, healthy, strong and free of back problems

Employment opportunities

Employment opportunities for healthcare support workers are good, thanks primarily to New Zealand’s aging population, and the increasing demand this is putting on our healthcare services. And while many care workers are employed in hospitals and nursing homes, there are also excellent opportunities in private home care companies, specialist care providers, church and welfare-based trusts, and home support services run by District Health Boards (DHBs).

In 2017, pay equity in the sector took a giant leap forward, with the passing of the Care and Support Worker (Pay Equity) Settlement Act, which removed wage discrimination based on gender for 55,000 care and support workers – and led to pay rises of 15-50 percent. Linking pay rates to qualifications, the Act encourages workers to increase their qualifications, and helps New Zealand build a more highly training workforce.

The new wage rates are being rolled out over five years and as of July 2018, healthcare support workers with a Level 2 qualification earn $21/hour (the same as an unqualified person who has been working in the sector for three years); those with a Level 3 qualification start on $22.50/hour (the equivalent of someone who’s been working for eight years); and a Level 4 qualification starts you on $24.50/hour, the same as an unqualified worker who has been in the sector for 12 years.

Entry-level roles in the health sector include:

• caregiver
• healthcare assistant
• home care support worker
• hospital orderly
• nurse aide
• nursing support and care worker
• personal care assistant

Once in the industry, there are plenty of opportunities for progression and specialisation. Go onto degree-level studies and become a registered nurse, become a health promoter in the local community or within a government agency, or move into an administrative or managerial role in a hospital or private healthcare organisation.

Sources: www.careers.govt.nz, http://occupationoutlook.mbie.govt.nz, www.health.govt.nz