Programme Outline
The NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Support Work) [Level 3] is a programme which offers stimulating studies and provides a pathway to a career in many aspects of health care and community support in roles such as care associate, rest home and/or residential community support staff.
Our teaching staff live and breathe compassion and kindness, and will introduce you to ideas and theories within supportive learning environments.
This programme is designed to:
- Enable you to pursue a professional career as support staff.
- Prepare community support workers who are safe, competent and accountable in assisting people of any age in a health and disability setting.
There are two entry dates per year and two study options:
Study options*:
- One day option (Mondays)
- Three days per week
*One day option is available in Hawke’s Bay. In Tairāwhiti and Central Hawke’s Bay this option may be agreed by the lecturer for students from the health industry or appropriate workplaces (offered subject to numbers). Three day option available at all locations (Central Hawke’s Bay by agreement).
Career and Study Opportunities
NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Support Work) [Level 3] introduces you to the health sector and provides an opportunity to work across a number of community providers and organisations. You can progress into other programmes including:
- NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation [Level 4] (Nursing/Health or Social Sciences Pathway)
- NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) [Level 4]
- NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) [Level 4] with a strand in Mental Health and Addiction Support
Graduate students have been successful in gaining employment in a variety of settings including:
- Rest homes
- Disability providers
- Schools
- Vocational settings
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
- This is an open entry programme which means no formal qualifications are required. You must be aged 16 or over and you are required to have a reasonable reading level in order to cope with the programme and to carry out written instruction.
Alternative Entry Assessment
- An alternative entry assessment will measure applicants’ literacy and numeracy ability to ensure that it is of a level to cope with the demands of the programme.
Professional Requirements
Applicants who are not currently working within industry are required to:
- Sign a declaration and a request for personal information held by the NZ Police.*
* This does not apply to the Monday only group.
This request is consistent with industry expectations and the type of work undertaken whilst on the programme or as a graduate of the programme.
If the declaration identifies any issue that may impact your ability to complete the programme, you can discuss this with the Programme Coordinator at an information session. EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s Police record be such that they would be considered unsuitable for the type of work undertaken whilst on this programme or by graduates of this programme. The guidelines on which this decision is based are the relevant professional association or industry requirements.
Other Requirements
Some workplaces/providers may still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under health and safety legislation. Please take this into consideration for practical work experience. For more information contact the Programme Administrator, Sue Jackson, on 06 830 1521.
Information Session
An information session is compulsory for those who do not meet the entry criteria and it is recommended for those who do meet the entry criteria. It will allow parties to exchange information about what the programme provides for students and requirements of students. Included will be discussion of possible career paths for the applicant, motivation and physical and emotional requirements, and applicant’s abilities, background, experiences and interests. Attendance of whānau members and/or other support people is encouraged.
English Language Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. Ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:
- Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to NZQA conditions)
- Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 3 with any endorsement)
- IELTS Academic score of 5.0, with no band score lower than 5.0, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment
- Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores
- Completion of an EIT assessment
Entry with Credit
First Aid
If you already have a valid First Aid Certificate (First Aid Certificates are valid for two years from issue date), which includes the NZQA unit standards 6401 and 6402, you will need to provide a witnessed copy of the certificate with your application. First Aid unit standards must be supplied at the time of applying or enrolling.
NZQA Unit Standards
If you already have NZQA unit standards that are listed in this qualification and they are registered on the NZQA Framework, the unit standard will be credited to you. Unit standards must be the same number. Verification must be provided in the form of a copy of your Record of Learning from NZQA before the credits are granted.
You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study while at high school, study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
- RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
You must apply prior to enrolment. CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are already enrolled in that course.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Administrator, Sue Jackson, on 06 830 1521 or email sjackson@eit.ac.nz.
How to Enrol
Step 1 – Check entry requirements
Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.
Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.
Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates
The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.
Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.
Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs
Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.
Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms
If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’
Step 5 – Submit your application
You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.
You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.
You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.
