Whether you’re looking to get started as an aged care worker or want to get involved in the community services industry, an aged care qualification is the perfect pathway to a well-paying, rewarding career.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about aged care courses. We’ll explain what you’ll learn, the benefits of enrolling in one, and what job outcomes you can expect when you complete your qualification. We’ll also reveal why you should complete your next aged care course with Sage Education.
What is aged care?
When we speak of ‘aged care’, we refer to care provided to older people, either in aged care facilities or at their homes.
Aged care is all about providing holistic support that encourages and empowers older people to live a comfortable, fulfilling life.
Common responsibilities may include helping with housework, shopping, cooking, bathing and dressing.
That said, aged care isn’t just about physical assistance. Aged care workers also arrange health programs, provide emotional support services, organise home modifications and help elderly patients to engage with their community. In short, it’s a little bit of everything.
Working in aged care requires compassion, dedication and patience. Ageing support workers must be adaptable, communicative and supportive in all situations.
If you’re interested in supporting and empowering older people and possess the personal qualities needed to succeed, aged care courses are the perfect pathway to a rewarding career opportunity.
What will I learn in an aged care course?
Aged care courses are designed to provide you with the job-ready skills and practical expertise you need to succeed in the aged care industry.
What you’ll learn will largely depend on the course you take. Some courses, such as Sage’s Certificate III in Individual Support Course (Ageing or Disability), provide the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to gain an entry-level position in the aged care industry.
Other courses, such as our Certificate IV in Ageing Support course, teach higher-level skills that allow existing aged care workers to progress into senior positions and leadership roles.
Both courses will teach you the broad range of skills needed to thrive in an aged care role. During your training program, you may learn how to:
- Meet personalised individual support requirements for individuals with complex needs.
- Support the independence and well-being of older people.
- Follow safe work practices in line with health and safety procedures.
- Provide first aid in emergency situations.
- Build relationships with colleagues, carers and families.
- Plan and deliver individual services.
- Promote and nurture community engagement.
Sage’s courses also include several elective modules you can take if you’d like to specialise in a particular area. Optional modules are an excellent way to gain the specialist knowledge required to enter niche roles in the aged care industry.
What job outcomes could I expect from an aged care course?
Aged care workers are in demand throughout Australia. This means there are hundreds of exciting career opportunities for individuals looking to enter the industry. The job outcomes available to you will depend on your qualification level.
After completing our Certificate III course, you could expect to secure employment in a role such as:
- Nursing Assistant
- Respite Care Worker
- Aged Care Worker
- Retirement Villages Care Worker
- Community-based Care Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
Our Certificate IV course teaches more complex content and is suited to those who want to move into senior roles and leadership positions within their field. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are already working in the aged care industry.
Once you complete your Certificate IV course with Sage, you can expect to secure a role in a position such as:
- Residential Care Worker
- Care Supervisor
- Community Program Coordinator
- Personal Care Worker
- Personal Care Giver
- Residential Care Officer
- Day Activity Worker
- Care Service Team Leader
What are the entry requirements for online aged care courses?
The entry requirements for your aged care course depend on the course you’d like to take. Many training programs, such as our Certificate III in Individual Support course, only require that you can obtain a federal police check, are over 15 years old, and have basic literacy skills.
Other courses, such as our Certificate IV in Ageing Support course, also require that you must be working in a regulated aged, disability, or community centre.
Want to check whether you’re eligible for a course with Sage? Get in touch today to find out more.
Why should I study an aged care course?
There are many benefits to studying an aged care course. Here are just a few of the key reasons you should consider enrolling today.
- Demand: Aged care courses are in high demand. Employers across Australia are searching for enthusiastic course graduates to fill vacancies, meaning there are many job opportunities available.
- Job-ready skills: A vocational aged care course teaches practical expertise that you can immediately apply to your chosen career path.
- Grow your confidence: Formal aged care training is an excellent way to build your confidence in preparation for joining the workforce.
- Positive impact: An aged care qualification empowers you to positively impact older people’s lives.
- Online study: You can complete many aged care courses online or in a blended learning setting, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere.
- Flexibility: Many aged care courses will allow you to study part-time, enabling you to work your studies around your schedule.
- Affordability: Aged care courses are a more affordable way to secure employment than traditional higher education pathways.
Why should I enrol with Sage?
Sage Education is a customer-first registered training organisation based in Australia.
Since launching in 1998, we’ve helped 4000+ graduates build practical skills, secure new roles and start rewarding careers in relevant industries.
We offer a range of aged care qualifications at various levels of complexity, including:
- CHC33015 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability)
- CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- CHC52015– Diploma of community services
Our aged care courses are accessible, effective, and practical. Each will provide you with the hands-on skills and job-ready expertise you need to succeed in care-based roles. Enrolling with us will teach you everything you need to know to build a long-term, rewarding career in the aged care industry.
We teach our aged care courses in a blended learning setting, meaning you can study in person at one of our campuses or online from the comfort of your own home.
What makes us different? At Sage, we are committed to helping you find employment once you finish your training. That’s why we partner with employers across Australia to help our graduates find work. In fact, we’re proud to say that we help over 80% of our graduates secure employment within three weeks of finishing their training.
Want to learn more about our first-class aged care courses? Click the links above to learn more, or reach out today. Our passionate team members are always open for a chat. Whether you need to discuss your options, aren’t sure of where to go next, or need some help with the Sage enrolment process, we’re committed to helping you take your next steps with confidence.
