Diploma of Community Services

Delivery Method

The Diploma of Community Services is delivered through a flexible blended learning experience designed to fit around your lifestyle.

You will receive high-quality learner resources in both digital and print formats, giving you the freedom to study anytime, anywhere. Theory assessments are completed online through our easy-to-use assessment portal, while practical skills are developed during hands-on work placement.

Because we know every student is different, your individual learning needs will be assessed before you start, ensuring you have the right level of support from day one.

Practical Placement

Health Industry Training recognises that an important part of undertaking a qualification in health or community services is the practical component of the course. Practical placement provides students with an avenue to apply practical skills in a ‘real life’ environment where you can practice the skills and knowledge you have learnt during the course. 

It is compulsory for students to undertake practical placement for the Diploma of Community Services.

Securing Practical Placement 

As a student it is important for you to discuss work placement opportunities with local organisations.  Practical placement must be sourced prior to enrolment in this qualification.

Once you have sourced a relevant host employer, Health Industry Training will contact them on your behalf to discuss practical placement requirements.

Insurance

Health Industry Training provides insurance to all students undertaking unpaid work placement as part of their qualification.

Pre-requirements

As a student you must ensure you have completed the necessary ‘Prior to practical work placement’ activities listed below before practical placement can commence.

• National Criminal History Clearance

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL considers previous formal study and work experience and then assesses this against the elements of competency to determine competency. Students seeking recognition can apply for RPL on enrolment or throughout the duration of their study.

Credit Transfer

If you have completed a unit of competency within your intended qualification with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO) you may be able to apply for a credit transfer or exemption. A copy of the original transcript must be provided when applying for credit transfer.

To begin your studies in the Diploma of Community Services, it is anticipated that you will have completed at least Year 10 or an equivalent level of schooling. This ensures you have the foundation skills needed to engage with the learning materials, participate in assessments, and successfully complete the qualification.

In addition, all students must supply a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) at the time of enrolment. This is a national requirement for all students undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia and ensures your qualifications are recorded and accessible for life.

Minimum Age

The minimum entry age for this qualification is 16 years old. Pathology collection involves direct interaction with patients and healthcare staff, and requires a level of maturity, professionalism, and responsibility that is best developed in adult learners.

Literacy, Language and Numeracy (LLN) Requirements

To be successful in this course, students will need to demonstrate an adequate level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills. Entry requires English proficiency equivalent to Year 10 level.

• LLN skills are particularly important when working in the health sector as the roles in health require workers to be able to:
• communicate clearly with patients and colleagues, including taking instructions and explaining procedures;
• record and interpret medical information accurately;
• follow written safety procedures and workplace protocols; and
• handle numerical data such as specimen volumes and timing requirements

SOUTH AUSTRALIA STUDENTS

Literacy, Language and Numeracy (LLN) Requirements

All South Australian student must undergo an Upfront Assessment of Needs (UAN). The UAN compromises of 3 distinct assessments that we must administer to assess your suitability and support needs prior to enrol. This allows free access to a range of support services in South Australia for the duration of your course.

As part of the UAN, students who have not previously completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification will undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. 

Students who do not have the required level of LLN will be mentored and given free access to an online foundation skills bridging unit to be completed prior to enrolment.

At Health Industry Training, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported from enrolment to graduation. We understand that balancing study with work and personal commitments can be challenging, which is why we offer a variety of support services tailored to your individual needs.

Trainer Support 

Our team of dedicated trainers are here to guide you every step of the way. You will have direct access to trainers by phone and email whenever you need help with assessments, clarification of course content, or encouragement to stay on track. Trainers will also make regular contact with you to provide feedback, check your progress, and ensure you are meeting your study goals within the required timeframe.

Administration Support 

Behind the scenes, our administration team provides essential support to keep your learning journey running smoothly. Whether it’s updating your training plan, providing progress reports, assisting with enrolment changes, or answering general course queries, our admin staff are here to help.

Additional Support Services 

Health Industry Training can also provide access to specialised support for students who may need extra assistance with LLN, technology, or time management

If you face challenges during your study, our team will work with you to provide reasonable adjustments so that you can continue progressing confidently.

South Australia Residents – WorkReady Funding 

Health Industry Training is a preferred supplier under South Australia’s WorkReady initiative.

You may be eligible for government-subsidised training if you:

• Live or work in South Australia, and
• Are an Australian/NZ citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder, and
• Are aged 16 years or over (and not enrolled at school), or
• Are 16 years or over and enrolled in school but undertaking training through the
• Training Guarantee for SACE Students (TGSS), or
• Are undertaking training through an apprenticeship or traineeship in an identified course.

Eligible students may access:

• One foundation skills course (if assessed as required)
• Up to five bridging units at each qualification level (if needed)
• Unlimited priority courses

👉 To check your eligibility, visit: skills.sa.gov.au/subsidised-eligibility

Traineeships – South Australia 

The Skilling South Australia program provides subsidies towards training and assessment costs for eligible trainees and apprentices. This initiative is designed to help students gain qualifications that support long-term career opportunities, while meeting workforce needs across the state.

For more information, visit skilling.sa.gov.au

Financial assistance for full fee-paying students

At Health Industry Training, we understand that not every student will be eligible for government funding. To ensure that cost is not a barrier to education, we offer flexible financial assistance through our affordable payment plan options.

By offering these flexible payment arrangements, we aim to make our qualifications more accessible and achievable for all students, supporting them to focus on their studies without unnecessary financial pressure.

Students can choose to spread their course fees across fortnightly or monthly instalments, making it easier to manage study expenses alongside other financial commitments.

To provide this service, Health Industry Training has partnered with EzyPay, a trusted payment management provider who securely manages the collection of fees for students who opt into a payment plan. Importantly, there is no interest charged on these plans, so students only pay for their course fees. A small transaction fee applies per payment, which is standard for this type of service and helps cover processing costs.

The Diploma of Community Services has been packaged to include:

20units are required to be awarded the qualification including:

• 12 core units
• 8 elective units

The course combines theoretical and practical work placement experience. The theoretical component of the course provides the student with the relevant knowledge required to work in the primary health care sector.

The practical placement experience provides students with the practical knowledge and skills for students to work in a practical setting on completion of the qualification.

To view the course outline, including the recommended order in which to complete your units, click on the ‘Download Course Outline’ button on the left hand side of this page.