Aged Care Career Pathways
Explore aged care career pathways available to study in Australia, ranging from Certificate III to Diploma level. You can study online, blended or on-campus through RTOs and TAFEs, with course durations from around 3 months up to 26 months depending on the qualification. Graduates can move into roles across aged care, community services and community development. Government-funded or subsidised places may be available in some states, though eligibility depends on the provider and where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into aged care as a career?
Most people start an aged care career pathway with a Certificate III in Individual Support, which covers skills for supporting older people and people with disability. From there, you can progress to a Certificate IV or Diploma of Community Services for supervisory or coordination roles. Courses are studied on-campus, blended or online through RTOs and TAFEs, and many include practical workplace components.
What are the different levels in an aged care career pathway?
An aged care career pathway typically starts at Certificate III, which is the entry qualification for direct support roles. Certificate IV builds on this with more responsibility, such as coordination or specialist support work, while a Diploma of Community Services prepares graduates for supervisory or team leadership positions. Each level builds on the skills learned in the one before it.
How long does it take to complete an aged care qualification?
Course length depends on the qualification and study mode you choose. Some Certificate III courses in aged care take as little as 3 months, while Diploma-level study can take closer to 26 months, especially if studied part-time or blended. Self-paced online options let you move faster or slower depending on your circumstances.
Are aged care courses free in Australia?
Government funding depends on the provider and the state you're in. Some aged care courses are government-funded or subsidised, while others aren't. You can see this listed against each course on this page, or enquire to check your eligibility directly with the provider.
What jobs can you get after completing an aged care course?
Aged care qualifications lead to roles across aged care, community services and community development, such as personal care worker, community support worker or aged care supervisor once you reach Diploma level. Pay varies by state, experience and setting, though PayScale Australia lists a typical hourly rate for support workers at PayScale.
