Health and Wellbeing Level 4 Advanced | Care & Support

NZ CertificateLevel 436 weeks121 credits

Intakes: 22 September | 27 October

NZ CertificateLevel 450 weeks121 credits

Intakes: Monthly

Master advanced skills for complex healthcare environments

Ready to become a healthcare specialist? This advanced healthcare course transforms experienced healthcare professionals into confident leaders who can provide person-centred care for people with complex needs and their whānau. You'll develop sophisticated clinical skills and leadership capabilities that position you for senior roles in New Zealand's most challenging healthcare environments.

This level 4 health and wellbeing qualification builds on your existing healthcare foundation, advancing your expertise to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in aged care, disability support, and complex medical settings.

Who can enrol?

You can enrol in this course if you are a New Zealand resident aged 16 or older, or if you're an international student aged 18 or over. This Level 4 healthcare qualification is ideal for healthcare professionals with significant experience who want to gain the specialised knowledge and leadership skills required to excel in complex care environments.

What makes this course effective?

Industry-designed curriculum: Course content developed directly with leading healthcare providers, so you're learning exactly what employers need for advanced care and support courses in today's complex care environment.

Real-world practice opportunities: You will get hands-on experience in actual healthcare settings, working with complex cases and multidisciplinary teams, because we believe nothing beats learning by doing.

Leadership development: Build your mentoring and coaching skills by working with junior staff and students, preparing you for supervisory responsibilities in healthcare settings.

Expert tuition that counts: Our industry-experienced tutors bring current workplace knowledge straight to your learning experience, preparing you for leadership and specialist responsibilities in healthcare.

What does this course cover?

Advanced person-centred and relationship-centred care approaches
Collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams and whānau
Delegated clinical tasks from registered health professionals
Culturally appropriate care for people with complex conditions
Advanced communication including challenging conversations
Report writing and professional documentation
Leadership skills including mentoring and coaching colleagues
Organisational processes and healthcare system navigation
Specialised care techniques for hospice and dementia settings
Quality improvement and professional development practices

What qualifications will you gain?

By passing this course you'll gain a recognised and valued qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) Level 4, the premier qualification for healthcare professionals working with complex needs. This is one of the most sought-after aged care qualifications in the country.

This NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 4 opens doors to senior healthcare assistant roles, support worker positions, and leadership opportunities across the healthcare sector. You may be able to transfer credits towards this qualification, helping fast-track your studies by skipping certain modules. Get in touch to see if you're eligible!

Industry information

Healthcare workers are the backbone of our care system, supporting the elderly, disabled and vulnerable across hospitals, homes and community settings. Because people will always need care, healthcare represents one of the most recession-proof professions available.

A workforce in demand

With 34,547 personal carers and assistants working nationwide as of 2021, this sector offers stability and growth. The typical healthcare worker is a part-time female employee (91% are women) working 21 hours weekly, often including nights, weekends and shift work.

What makes someone excel in healthcare?

Outstanding healthcare workers possess strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity and practical knowledge of health and safety. They're organised, patient and physically capable of demanding work while maintaining excellent customer service standards.

Real opportunities, real progress

Due to New Zealand's ageing population, job prospects remain strong across the entire healthcare sector. The 2017 Pay Equity Settlement Act eliminated gender-based wage discrimination, delivering 15-50% pay increases for 55,000 workers.

Current pay scales reward qualifications: Level 2 qualified workers usually earn between $24 and $28 an hour, Level 3 and Level 4 starts at $26 an hour. Entry-level positions include caregiver, healthcare assistant and nurse aide roles.

Health & Wellbeing (Advanced Care & Support) course FAQs

Common questions about our Health & Wellbeing (Advanced Care & Support) course, answered.

What are the benefits of staying on for Level 4?

Level 4 will fast-track your career and significantly increase your earning ability.

What jobs can I apply for after completing this course?

This is a high-demand sector with lots of rewarding job opportunities. With this qualification you will be able to work as a health care assistant, senior caregiver, senior health care assistant or senior support worker in hospices or specialised dementia units, aged residential care or home and community support settings.

Will you help me get a job?

Yes! As part of your course we spend time working on interview and CV-writing skills to make sure you leave us work ready. We also bring in speakers from industry to talk to you about what today's employers expect. As well as this, our tutors have great industry connections and can introduce you to potential employers.

Does the course include work experience?

Yes, you will spend a large amount of time out in the workplace on this course. 200 hours of the 36 weeks will be spent on a clinical placement at an aged care or disability facility, organised by Skills Institute.

How much does this course cost?

You might be eligible to study for free! Talk with our Student Support Team to find out. If not, you may be eligible for loans and allowances, and we can help you with that.

How long will it take me to complete?

This course is 36 weeks.

How many credits will I receive?

The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4) is NZQA-approved and worth 121 credits.

Is this qualification recognised for pay equity in the health sector?

Yes, it is.

If I already have industry experience, can I go straight to level 4?

Level 3 is a pre-requisite for Level 4, however exemption from Level 3 is possible if we have evidence that you have sufficient skills and knowledge. To find out more talk to our friendly Student Support Team.

What does a typical day look like?

You will learn about first aid, leadership skills, and become a pro using a range of health-related equipment, like hoists and blood pressure monitors. Learn to work with people with dementia, build leadership skills and take part in peer mentoring. Classroom theory will develop your managerial skills and teach you all about risk management.

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Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care & Support)