Overview
Study the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance to become a health services assistant, specialising as an operating theatre technician.
Career opportunities, include:
- Operating theatre technician
Pathways to further study:
- HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing
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Studying the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at Holmesglen
The course is delivered at Holmesglen's Moorabbin campus and provides comprehensive training in assisting health professionals in an operating theatre. This involves:
- preparing and maintaining an operating theatre and its equipment
- assisting surgical team during operations
- providing support to patients in the recovery room.
All our clinical specialist units are taught by practising health professionals.
Your learning will be supported through a range of classes, online activities and tutorials. Practical sessions are conducted in our state-of-the-art allied health facility, with simulated hospital and community environments.
Please note that while Holmesglen makes every effort to arrange a two-week work placement for each student, this is not mandatory according to the training package for the course. Placements aim to give students industry-specific work experience which can be used to both solidify training undertaken at Holmesglen as well as improve students' chances of finding employment upon completion of the course. In order to be eligible to attend placement, students must also have completed the three units comprising the theatre technician specialisation.
Course structure
Timetable: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 8am - 4.30pm.
Operating Theatre Technician Skill Set units
HLTTHE001 Handle and care for operating theatre equipment
HLTTHE002 Assist with preparation of clients for operative procedures
HLTTHE003 Provide intra-operative equipment and technical support.
Units
View units
| Unit code |
Name |
| BSBMED301 |
Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development |
| CHCCOM005 |
Communicate and work in health or community services |
| CHCDIV001 |
Work with diverse people |
| HLTAAP001 |
Recognise healthy body systems |
| HLTINF001 |
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures |
| HLTWHS001 |
Participate in workplace health and safety |
| CHCCCS002 |
Assist with movement |
| HLTHSS003 |
Perform general cleaning tasks in a clinical setting |
| CHCCCS010 |
Maintain a high standard of service |
| CHCCCS015 |
Provide individualised support |
| HLTHSS007 |
Handle medical gases safely |
| Code | Name |
|---|
| BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
| BSBWOR301 | Organise personal work priorities and development |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| HLTAAP001 | Recognise healthy body systems |
| HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
| CHCCCS002 | Assist with movement |
| HLTHSS003 | Perform general cleaning tasks in a clinical setting |
| CHCCCS010 | Maintain a high standard of service |
| CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support |
| HLTHSS007 | Handle medical gases safely |
Assessment
Assessments are conducted through observation and through written/oral submissions and presentations as detailed in the course structure. There is an expectation that learners will engage in some individual study. The delivery allows for this as the learners are only on campus two days a week, leaving time for course material to be accessed and reviewed outside of scheduled class time.
Entry requirements
In order to register in this 12-unit implementation, you must also be enrolled in the three-unit skill set HSSHLT0006, comprising the Operating Theatre Technician electives. Completion of all 15 units will enable the Operating Theatre Technician specialisation to be awarded.
Prior to enrolment or commencement of training, you will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment and a pre-training interview.
These will assist with determining your suitability to the course, verify your training plan, and identify any learning support needs.
Prior to underaking any clinical placement, you will need to provide your health and immunisation status, complete a National Police Records Check and hold a valid Working With Children Check.
Recognition of prior learning
You may be able to shorten the length of your chosen course by measuring skills acquired through work, life experiences or qualifications obtained from formal studies or training. AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by another registered training organisation will be recognised by Holmesglen. Read more about Recognition of Prior Learning, Credits and Advanced Standing.
Outcomes
Qualification and recognition
Upon completion of the 12-unit implementation and three-unit Operating Theatre Technician skill set, you will be awarded the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Operating Theatre Technician).
Connections with industry
Our Department of Allied Health Services and Science has strong partnerships with a number of health services in Victoria, providing quality clinical placement experiences for our students that are hands-on and meaningful.
Placements provide you with the opportunity to practice your newly gained skills in a range of settings.
All placements are well supported by fully qualified clinical staff to produce graduates who are work ready for a career as an health services assistant.
How to apply
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Visit How to Apply for more information on the application process.
Recruitment
Holmesglen may engage third parties to recruit students on behalf of the institute. Third party recruiters receive a commission and this will not impact on your fees.
Find out more about your rights and obligations as a student and the services we provide at Holmesglen.
Fees
Tuition fees (GST exempt)
Full fee $6,500
Government subsidised $5,060*
Concession $4,132*
*Please note that Free TAFE does not apply to the three Theatre Technician Skillset units delivered as part of this course. Students accessing Free TAFE will need to pay the full $3,900 (GST exempt) for those three skillsets.
Additional costs may apply to students who may require a Working With Children Check, National Police Check, consumables such as learning resources, personal protective equipment/clothing and immunisation costs as relevant to the course requirements.
All fees are indicative only. Your fees will be calculated on your individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. Find out more about paying for your course.