Certificate IV in Ageing Support

120 hours of unpaid practical placement must be completed in a recognised and approved facility. The College coordinates 15 days (120 hours) of placement, usually arranged as 2 days a week or a 3-week block of work experience in the final term. The College's work placement coordinator will assist students and has arrangements in place with different facilities within 20 km of the campus. Students already working in an appropriate facility may use their workplace for the required placement hours. Please note that any additional work placement arrangements will incur a $500 fee if the first offered option is rejected.

Prior to commencing work placement, students must obtain a valid Police Clearance Certificate, either an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check or NSW Police Check, which must be no more than three years old. A Working with Children Check and relevant immunisation requirements are also mandatory. These checks must be completed in a timely manner prior to work placement allocation.

The course runs for 52 weeks at 20 hours per week. Students attend College two days a week for classroom learning, practice and assessment (7.5 hours each day), and study a structured online learning program unit by unit for 5 hours per week. Delivery is a combination of workshops, supplementary online learning, demonstrations and practice in simulation areas, self-paced study, and work placements. Students are trained in the use of equipment including lifting hoists, electric beds, wheelchairs, blood pressure and blood sugar testing equipment, and medication trolleys.

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or an equivalent test result, or completion of General English / EAP at the Upper Intermediate level from an approved ELICOS provider. Any AQF qualification at Certificate IV or above delivered and assessed in English will also be deemed as meeting both the academic and English language entry requirements.

After achieving the Certificate IV in Ageing Support, students can pathway into the CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services, which is also offered at Mercury Colleges.