Health and Wellbeing Level 2 | Foundational Healthcare Course

NZ CertificateLevel 214 weeks40 credits

Intakes: 18 August, 22 September, 27 October

NZ CertificateLevel 240 credits20 weeksZero Fees*

Intakes: 18 August, 22 September, 27 October

Build the foundation for a meaningful healthcare career

Ready to start your journey in healthcare? This foundational health and wellbeing course introduces you to essential care skills that healthcare employers are actively seeking. You'll develop patient-centred capabilities that unlock entry-level positions while creating pathways to broader career opportunities in New Zealand's vital healthcare sector.

This Level 2 health and wellbeing qualification provides the perfect introduction to healthcare careers, giving you transferable expertise that's recognised across health and wellbeing sectors, making it easier to level up your career whenever you're ready.

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 healthcare course is ideal for newcomers to the healthcare sector or those looking to formnalise their existing care experience with a recognised qualification. No prior healthcare experience is required.

What makes this healthcare course effective?

Industry-designed curriculum: Course content developed directly with leading healthcare providers, so you're learning exactly what employers need for entry-level healthcare positions in today's environment.

Real-world practice opportunities: You will get hands-on experience in actual healthcare settings with professional equipment and expert supervision, because we believe nothing beats learning by doing.

Comprehensive support: Complete your training on campus with dedicated tutor support and peer learning opportunities that help build your confidence in healthcare environments.

Expert tuition that counts: Our industry-experienced tutors bring current workplace knowledge straight to your learning experience, preparing you for success in health care assistant courses and healthcare roles.

What does this healthcare course cover?

Person-centred care
Health and safety, and wellbeing
Infection control
Supporting people with daily living activities
Communication skills
Understanding care plans
Basic Tikanga and cultural practices
Professional boundaries and workplace conduct
Recognising changes in client wellbeing
Relevant legislation and codes, policies and procedures

What qualifications will you gain?

By passing this course you'll gain a recognised and valued qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2), one of the most sought-after foundational aged care qualifications in the country. This qualification provides the foundation for further healthcare study and opens doors to entry-level positions across the healthcare sector.

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 (Level 2) course FAQs

Common questions about our Health & Wellbeing (Level 2) course, answered.

Will you help me get a job?

Yes! As part of your course we spend time working on interview and CV 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! 80 hours of the course is spent on a clinical placement at an aged care or disability facility, organised by Skills Institute.

How much does this course cost?

This programme is free. Please speak to our Student Services Team (0800 200 345) to find out how to enrol.

What time does my course start and finish?

Your course runs Monday to Thursday – 9am until 2pm.

How long will it take me to complete?

This online course takes 20 weeks to complete.

How many credits will I receive?

The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 2 is NZQA-approved and worth 40 credits.

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

Yes, it is.

Do I need to be employed in the Health and Wellbeing sector to do this distance programme?

Not if you enrol on the face-to-face programme. You need to be employed only if you want to do this through distance study

Will I be able to manage my time?

Please speak to the Student Services Team on 0800 200 345 to discuss how to manage your time and balance study with your other commitments.

Do I need to have computer skills?

Not if you study on campus at Skills Institute. You need the below only if you choose online distance study:

Basic computer and internet skills to participate effectively in this course
Be able to undertake basic searches using Google, YouTube or others
Know how to use Microsoft Word to complete assignments

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