Program Overview

Certificate II in Health Support Services

The Certificate II in Health Support Services (HLT23221) is a nationally accredited qualification designed for senior secondary students (Years 10, 11, and 12) as part of UQ Skills' High School Program. This entry-level qualification provides foundational skills to work across the allied health sector.

Program Overview

• The program is delivered over 12 months (4 high school terms) through a combination of online and in-person activity.
• Students attend training at UQ Gatton or UQ St Lucia one day per week (UQ-based model) or on-site at their school (school-based model, with minimum student numbers required).

Assessment

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including case study assessments, projects, and practical demonstrations.

Start Date and Entry Requirements

• The program begins in January each year.
• There are no formal entry requirements, but students must be in Years 10, 11, or 12 and have the approval of their parent/guardian and school.
• All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.

Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) Testing

• Students are required to complete a language, literacy, and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process to identify and plan for any learning or support needs.

Recognition of Prior Learning

• Students with recent work experience may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

• Students must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before their enrolment can be accepted.

Resources

• The 2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 1.4 MB) includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal, and other policy information.

Fees

• The full fee for the program is $4,150.

Units of Competency

To achieve this qualification, students must complete 12 units of competency over 12 months, which are divided into four terms:

• Term 1: Foundations of allied health assistance
  • Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
  • Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control (HLTINF006)
  • Recognise healthy bodies (HLTAAP001)
• Term 2: Health and safety practices in medical settings
  • Interpret and apply medical terminology (BSBMED301)
  • Participate in workplace health & safety (HLTWHS001)
  • Conduct manual tasks safely (HLTWHS005)
  • Maintain stock inventory (HLTHSS011)
• Term 3: Food safety and working effectively in health
  • Communicate and work in health or community services (CHCCOM005)
  • Follow basic food safety practices (HLTFSE001)
  • Use hygiene practices for food safety (SITXFSA005)
• Term 4: Medical administration and resource management
  • Use business resources (BSBOPS101)
  • Use business software applications (BSBTEC201)

Pathways to Further Study

• The Certificate II in Health Support Services (HLT23221) qualification can be used as a pathway to further study into the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021).
• High school students who complete the Certificate II in Health Support Services may continue their studies and complete the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance during their next school year, with the opportunity to transfer credit from their Certificate II.

Fees and Funding for the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

• The fee for the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021) is $949.
• Units of competency for the Certificate III include:
  • Assist with an allied health program (HLTAHA027)
  • Recognise impact of health conditions (HLTAHA049)

Unlock Future Study Options

Completing a vocational qualification at school can open doors for further study, whether considering additional applied studies or heading to university. Relevant certificates may serve as prerequisites for higher-level qualifications and may even count as credit towards some university degrees.