Steps to Become an Orderly
Step 1: Meet Pre-Employment Requirements
Before applying, you need to meet standard health sector checks. These include a National Police Check, a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) check, and vaccine proof. Key vaccines include hepatitis B and influenza. Processing times vary by state but take around 2-4 weeks. Contact your local hospital or health service to confirm their full list of requirements.
Step 2: Complete the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115)
Enrol in the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 6-12 months full-time or longer part-time. It covers patient care, infection control, manual handling, and safe work practices. The course requires a minimum of 80 hours of practical placement in a hospital setting. While some employers hire without it, most prefer or now require this cert for full-time roles.
Step 3: Get a First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011)
Complete the Provide First Aid course (HLTAID011) through a registered first aid provider. The course takes about 6-8 hours and covers CPR, wound care, and emergency response. You must renew it every 3 years. Many hospitals also ask for HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) as a short add-on course.
Step 4: Apply for Entry-Level Orderly Positions
Once your training and checks are in place, apply for orderly roles at public or private hospitals. Many hospitals offer traineeships linked to HLT33115, so you can study and earn at the same time. Start with casual or part-time shifts to build skills in patient transport, personal care, and ward support. This on-the-job time is key for your long-term career.
Step 5: Progress Your Career
With experience as an orderly, you are well placed to move into enrolled nursing or allied health roles. Enrol in the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at a TAFE to become a qualified enrolled nurse. This takes 18 months full-time and is offered at TAFE institutes across Australia. Your orderly experience gives you a practical head start in clinical placement.
Each day as an orderly brings a different mix of tasks. You will move patients by wheelchair or bed to tests, procedures, and different wards. You will also help with personal care like bathing and dressing, and keep the ward tidy and stocked. Under the guidance of nurses and doctors, you may set up equipment and assist with procedures. You can also support patients who need help with mobility. Every task plays a direct role in patient safety and comfort.
Orderlies keep hospitals moving by supporting patients and clinical staff across every shift. From transporting patients to keeping wards safe and clean, every task makes a real difference. This is a role where no two days are the same.
- Transport Patients – Move patients safely between wards, theatres, and treatment rooms by wheelchair or mobile bed.
- Assist with Personal Care – Help patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
- Maintain Cleanliness – Keep wards and patient areas tidy, hygienic, and well stocked.
- Support Medical Staff – Help nurses and doctors prepare equipment and set up for procedures.
- Monitor Patients – Watch for changes in patient condition and report concerns to nursing staff.
- Provide Emotional Support – Offer reassurance and companionship to patients who feel anxious or unwell.
- Assist with Mobility – Help patients move safely, including lifting and turning as needed.
- Set Up Equipment – Prepare specialised devices such as traction equipment under clinical supervision.
To work as an orderly, you need both physical and people skills. Good talking and listening helps you connect with patients, families, and health staff every shift. You also need to be fit, since lifting and moving patients is a key part of the job.
Empathy matters just as much. Patients can be scared, in pain, or confused, and a calm and caring approach makes a big difference. You should be reliable, good at following steps, and at ease in a busy, fast-moving place. These skills grow on the job. The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) helps you build a solid technical base.
