Aged care qualifications for a rewarding career
Providing care for our ageing population is meaningful and fulfilling work, with aged care professionals supporting elderly individuals in maintaining good quality of life well into old age.
This rewarding and admirable career path ensures that elderly people have access to high-quality healthcare and support as they need to live a happy life.
A booming sector with career prospects
The aged care sector continues to grow in Australia, meaning that committed aged care workers are in high demand. This career path can provide its workforce with the opportunity to enhance the lives of those in need while also offering great employment prospects and a competitive salary.
With further growth forecasted well into the future, now is the time to gain aged care qualifications and make your move into the sector. The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures indicate that the number of Australians aged 85 years or over will double to over 1 million by 2042, which will see the demand for trained professionals to care for our ageing population continuously increase.
In addition, as the upcoming Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety report is planned to be released next year, the aged care sector is set to experience a significant reform in regards to education and training as well as with the standards of care delivered.
Therefore, the need for skilled, caring and compassionate workers has never been more essential in ensuring the highest quality of care can be provided to the most vulnerable members within our communities.
Aged care qualifications — where to begin
As with most meaningful careers, the first step towards a thriving aged care career is to enrol into the right course to gain the necessary aged care qualifications. The standard entry level qualification is a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015). There are many roles available to those qualified to work in the aged care sector, such as Personal care worker, Community care worker, Residential care worker or Home care assistant. The Certificate III in Individual Support covers everything you need to commence your aged care career. From course units in how to work legally and ethically, providing first aid, facilitating the empowerment of older people and supporting those with dementia, this qualification provides a solid foundation from which you can launch a thriving career in aged care.
Getting on the job experience is crucial to becoming confident in a career caring for others, which is why the Certificate III in Individual Support incorporates a minimum 120 hours practical placement. This hands-on experience is incredibly valuable to put your theoretical learning into practice and gain a working understanding of an aged care role. If you are studying as a workplace student with an aged care facility, you can have your working hours counted as your placement hours, creating the opportunity to learn and earn at same time.
Progressing your aged care career
For those who want to develop their skills and take their career further, aged care is a sector with room to move. There are a number of courses to choose from to gain aged care qualifications that will advance your career and diversify your employment opportunities. Upskilling can help you to get the most from your aged care career, and gives you the chance to move in a direction that is best suited to your interests and passions within the sector.
If you begin your career in aged care as a Residential care worker, you might begin to develop a specific interest in the connection between elderly residents’ mental health and wellbeing and their leisure activities. Undertaking a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (CHC43415) can see you take up working in a role such as Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Leisure and therapy assistant or Leisure Officer. These roles are centred around assessing the elderly people in your care and tailoring leisure programs that feature activities to best support the ongoing health, wellbeing and happiness in these individuals’ lives.
Alternatively, from your starting point as a Personal care worker, you may wish to explore a leadership position. A position as an Aged Care Team Leader is a possible career development and can be achieved with experience but also through continuing your training. A Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) can support students in gaining the skills needed to lead teams, manage legal compliance, deliver palliative care and assist with clients’ medications.
High quality aged care training
Whether you’re just starting out or exploring your upskill options, the quality of your aged care training really counts. This sector requires skilled aged care professionals who are capable of delivering care and compassion of the highest possible standard.
At Royal College, you can complete your aged care qualifications with the support from sector experts. Your trainer will support and guide you every step of the way in your learning journey to achieve your study goals.
High quality experience and learning begins with high quality training, and at Royal College we are dedicated to ensuring our learners achieve the knowledge, skills and expertise that are required to thrive within a rewarding career in aged care.
If it’s time to get started or further your skills, contact us today.
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