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[course outline] [objectives] [dates] [prior learning] [course requirements] [field work] [abstudy/centrelink allowances]
[accommodation] [child minding] [costs] [employment graduation]

In July 1996 Bega Garnbirringu Health Services commenced the delivery of the pilot program of the Advanced Certificate – Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO). During this time Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, a registered trainer provider, supervised and supported Bega Garnbirringu Health Services in the delivery of the course.

In May 1988, Bega Garnbirringu Health service received accreditation as a trainer provider. The purpose of Bega Garnbirringu Health Services providing this course is to offer Aboriginal people within the Goldfields region greater opportunity for education and employment. Once the students have successfully completed the course, the students will be awarded the Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO).

Course Outline
This course is organised into 9 blocks, which are 5 – 10 days duration. The following is an outline of the topics within each block.

Objectives of the Course
The Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WACCHO) allows the graduate to apply the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a health worker. The course offers the opportunity for the students to study at an advanced level of skills, so that the health worker may be able to work independently within a health care team. This course will allow the graduate to practice primary health care skills confidently within a remote area setting.

Learning Centre
The Training Centre where the learning takes place is located at 14 MacDonald Street (the old clinic), Kalgoorlie.

Course Commencement Dates
The Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO) commences in January the year 2001 and continues to the following June 2002. The course is delivered in block release mode.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Any previous studies or work history can assist and support an application for enrolment.

For example, if you have completed a computer course, and supply a certificate of achievement, or, demonstrate the skill, the recognition of prior learning will be awarded. This means that the student does not have to complete this module within the course.

Evidence of courses completed or demonstration of skills is necessary for recognition of prior learning.

Course Requirements
To graduate with an Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO) there are some necessary requirements that need to be met. They are the following:

• Attendance at block is compulsory
• Senior First Aid Certificate
• Complete all learning contracts
• Complete 300 hours clinical practice

Field Work
While studying for the Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO) it is necessary to gain clinical experience and practical clinical skills.

Students will be able to negotiate for clinical practice at Bega Garnbirringu Health Services clinic, the Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison, Public and Community Health Services, Little Sisters of The Poor Nursing Home and the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.

Abstudy/Centrelink Allowances
The Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO) is a registered course, and students are able to apply for Abstudy while enrolled in the course. An Abstudy application form must be completed before commencment of the Course.

Students who live more than 200km from Kalgoorlie , will be eligible for living away allowance. Centrelink will pay the travel costs to and from Kalgoorlie, accommodation costs while at Block and meal allowance. This is subject to Centrelink approval.

Student Accommodation
Accommodation is only provided to students who are from out of town and travel to Kalgoorlie takes longer than 90 minutes.

Centrelink will pay the accommodation costs and this is subject to their approval.

Creche/Child Minding Facilities
Bega Garnbirringu Health Service has childminding facilities on site. Students will be able to arrange for their children’s placement with the Creche Co-ordinator. There will be a small daily fee involved.

Course Fees/Costs
All students enrolled in ABSTUDY will receive an incidentals allowance. When the students receive this allowance a fee of $200 is then payable by the individual student to Bega Garnbirringu Health Services.

This $200 fee assists with the cost of the following:-

• Photocopying
• Overheads
• Handouts
• Workbooks

Employment Graduation
The Advanced Certificate in Aboriginal health Work (WAACCHO) allows you to work as a qualified Health Worker. Within Western Australia, employment opportunities may include working for an Aboriginal Health Service or the Health Department of WA. According to the career structure a Health Worker who has graduated with an Advanced Health Worker Certificate in Aboriginal Health Work (WAACCHO) can work as a Grade 1 Level 2 Health Worker.

Having completed this course, Health Workers have the opportunity of doing other study for example, nursing students at Curtin University in Perth, or Maternal or Public Health at James Cook University, Townsville, North Queensland.

For further information contact Deanne Lewis at the Learning Centre on 08 9091 3199, fax 08 9091 1039.