Qualification Overview: HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) is the foundational vocational standard required across Australian public and private hospitals, sub-acute healthcare networks, and surgical day centres. Workers holding this qualification provide direct assistance to registered nurses, maintain sterile environments, and transport patients safely throughout clinical facilities.
Whether you are seeking to formalise years of experience as an assistant in nursing (AIN), work in operating theatre technician pathways, or convert overseas medical and nursing qualifications to meet Australian healthcare standards, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) accelerates your career without retaking classroom modules.
Packaging Rules: 15 Units of Competency
To be awarded the HLT33115 qualification, a candidate must demonstrate competence in a total of 15 units (comprising 7 core units plus 8 elective units). Electives are generally packaged around either direct nursing support or operating theatre assistance.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | CORE |
| HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and workplace control policies | CORE |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | CORE |
| HLTCSD001 | Maintain store stocks and clinical inventory | CORE |
| HLTCSD002 | Clean clinical environment and patient equipment | CORE |
| HLTCSD003 | Prepare and maintain beds and ward utilities | CORE |
| HLTCSD004 | Assist nursing staff with personal care of patients | CORE |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | MANDATORY ELECTIVE |
| HLTHPS006 | Assist clients with medication administration routine | ELECTIVE |
| HLTCSD005 | Assist with movement and safe transport of patients | ELECTIVE |
| HLTCSD006 | Transport equipment, pathology, and clinical stores | ELECTIVE |
| HLTCSD007 | Assist with surgical theatre patient preparation | ELECTIVE (Theatre Support) |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain professional work practices in health | ELECTIVE |
| CHCDIS007 | Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability | ELECTIVE |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practice of infection control | ELECTIVE |
Clinical Workplace Evidence Criteria for HLT33115
Because patient safety and infection containment are subject to rigorous national standards, assessing RTOs require authenticated workplace documentation reflecting genuine hospital or clinical service.
Acceptable Healthcare Evidence:
- Position Descriptions & Rosters: Official employment contracts, duty statements, or verified ward rosters showing active service as an orderly, wards assistant, or AIN.
- Supervisor Reference Letters: Detailed third-party reports on institutional letterhead signed by a Registered Nurse (RN), Clinical Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), or Doctor.
- Clinical Handover & Shift Records: Redacted patient movement sheets, stock reorder receipts, or cleaning verification checklists.
- Overseas Qualifications: Certified transcripts, degrees, or nursing registration cards from foreign health ministries (ideal for fast-track mapping).
- First Aid Certificate: A Statement of Attainment for
HLTAID011 Provide First Aidissued within the last 3 years.