Can I work in aged care without a certificate?

First published: June 2024

Aged Care is a fruitful industry, and as leaders in the recruitment of aged care professionals in Australia, we often are posed with the question of if you can work in aged care without a relevant certificate.

Working in aged care can look different to each person. As it is a sector that provides a variety of pathways, job opportunities and lots of career development, the requirements and prerequisites for each role varies. You will face differing requests for qualifications and compliance documents depending on if you apply directly to an aged care provider or speak to a recruiter/aged care agency. In short, assessing what career path you wish to take will determine the knowledge and skills that will be required of you to thrive in your chosen role.

What does an aged care worker do?

When speaking about a typical aged care worker, we are often referring to an assistant in nursing. Often called a care giver or a personal care worker, they are responsible for assisting with activities of daily life (ADLs) to the elderly and providing emotional and pastoral support. A day in the life of an aged care worker will consist of:

• Assisting with showering, grooming, meal rounds and personal care
• Liaising with clinical staff to maintain records and care plans
• Supporting residents who have mobility issues
• Interacting with those in their care on an emotional level

Through increasing your clinical knowledge and obtaining healthcare certifications and registrations you can advance your career by becoming an enrolled nurse and registered nurse. They have more responsibility and will administer medications and carry out complex healthcare assessments and subsequent management.

Find out what working in aged care in Australia entails.

What certificates do I need to be an aged care worker?

Included in the 148 recommendations in the 2021 report by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was to establish a registration scheme for the personal care workforce that included a mandatory minimum qualification of a Certificate III. If you seek long term employment in the aged care industry and want to become an aged care worker you will need to have completed a course and received a relevant aged care certificate. Entry level qualifications include:

• Certificate III/IV in Individual Support (Ageing)
• Certificate IV in Ageing Support
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as TAFE NSW offer these to residents and international students in Australia. There is funding for citizens and permanent residents, meaning if you are eligible, you will be able to study this course fee free. These courses do not have any prerequisites, teaching you everything you need to know before you embark on a career in aged care. You can advance to a Diploma of Nursing to become an enrolled nurse after receiving one of these aged care certificates if you wish.

A registered nurse will need to be qualified and AHPRA registered, requiring a Bachelor of Nursing degree before commencing work.

Additional methods to get into the aged care industry

There are pathways you can take to enter the aged care industry without going down the educational route. Aged care providers are always looking for volunteers. This can be in any area, from:

• Offering companionship in a one on one or group format
• Lifestyle activities assistant
• Maintenance and administration tasks
• Pet therapy; bringing in your dog to an aged care home
• Shopping and day trip assistant

Through building connections and developing rapport with the residents and management, this can open doors for you to move into a paid role.

Traineeships and apprenticeships allow you to work and study at the same time. Often, the organisation will pay for your qualification whilst you work on a part or full-time basis. You do not need any educational requirements for this and can undertake a traineeship/apprenticeship at any time. Looking to transition into aged care? Our interview with Prem Kainikkara, Facility Manager of Bolton Clarke, discusses his journey into aged care from hotel and hospitality industry.

Aged care roles that do not require any qualifications

The aged care industry requires a lot of personnel to keep the homes running. Clinical staff are only one section of the employees needed. Indirect care workers (roles within an aged care home that do not require an aged care certificate) are:

• Administration assistants
• Receptionist
• Roster coordinators
• Laundry personnel
• Cleaners

There is always the opportunity to upskill within aged care, and if you wish to move into a clinical role there will be a pathway available.

What keeps an aged care home running

Your skills and educational background, even if it is not strictly within healthcare, can be required by the aged care industry. An aged care home provides round the clock support to its residents, so every aspect of their lifestyle must be attended too. If you are employed or thinking about taking any of the following careers, you could find your footing in aged care:

• Chefs/cooks
• Gardeners
• Leisure and lifestyle coordinators
• Management, both clinical and non-clinical. You can easily transition between another sector to aged care if you have the right experience.

The aged care industry never sleeps, with personnel needing be on site 24/7 365 days a year. At present, we are currently experiencing a shortage of around 110,000 aged care workers in Australia. If you are considering a career in aged care or to gain some experience in this field, now is the time.

Am I suitable for an aged care role?

We are always looking for experienced aged care professionals and those who are new to the industry to join our team. Our industry expert consultants are on hand to assess your resume and qualifications to see how we can help you on your aged care journey. Submit your details to us today.