Health Services Courses

Health Service Assistant and Management course FAQs

What does a Health Services Assistant do?

Health services assistants provide essential support in healthcare settings, working alongside medical professionals to deliver patient care. The role combines hands-on patient support with crucial healthcare duties — and can lead to various specialised careers.

Here are some popular roles:

• Assistant in Nursing: Help patients with daily activities like showering, dressing, and mobility under the guidance of Registered Nurses. You'll also track patient progress and contribute to care planning.

• Patient Care Attendants: Support patients both in healthcare facilities and their homes. You'll help with basic needs, monitor wellbeing and keep healthcare teams updated on physical and emotional changes.

• Patient Services Assistants: Coordinate everything from patient transport to meals and general care in a hospital. 

These are just some examples — visit our course pages to explore more career paths in health services, including Administration positions. 

What qualifications do I need to be a Healthcare Assistant in Australia?

Your entry point to becoming a healthcare assistant is a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. You'll learn to work with diverse people, understand body systems, maintain infection control and communicate effectively in healthcare settings. 

What is the role of Health Service Management?

Health Service Managers lead both the operational and people management sides of healthcare facilities. You'll oversee daily operations — from staff scheduling and budgets to quality standards and compliance. But you'll also focus on team leadership, staff development and creating a good workplace culture.

In this role, you might oversee an aged care home or coordinate hospital departments. You'll guide teams to deliver excellent patient care while meeting business goals. You'll make key decisions about service delivery and healthcare initiatives and develop strategies for improving patient outcomes.

How do I become a Health Service Manager in Australia?

Many Health Service Managers build their careers from the ground up, starting with a Certificate IV in Health Administration. This qualification prepares you for a leadership role in healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, community health centres and private practices.

If you want to take your career further, you can progress to a Diploma of Practice Management. This advanced qualification builds on your skills in team leadership and business strategy.