Ready for a meaningful, people-focused career? This NZQA-accredited Level 3 certificate is your ideal first step. In just 19 weeks, you’ll gain practical skills, cultural awareness, and confidence to support individuals and whānau in aged care, disability, and community health. Whether you're starting out, re-entering the workforce, or seeking change, this programme is designed for you.
Full-time | Online | Level 3 | 19 weeks | 70 Credits
On completion of this qualification, you’ll graduate equipped to step confidently into a healthcare role as a capable, ethical, and responsive Healthcare Assistant. With the skills to care for and support people from diverse backgrounds, you’ll be prepared to make a real difference in a growing, fast-paced industry.
So if you're ready to care, support and lead with heart, join us and begin your journey in healthcare today.
What you’ll learn
Over the course of the studies you can expect to:
Develop foundational knowledge of health and wellbeing support
Learn how to care for people with empathy, cultural safety, and professionalism
Understand the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a health care setting
Receive a minimum of 100 hours of work-integrated learning in a real healthcare setting.
Build effective communication skills for working in team-based environments
Learn the application of tikanga Māori and Pasifika principles to deliver culturally safe care in real-world settings.
This programme sets you up for entry-level roles such as:
Healthcare Assistant
(Aged Care, Disability Support, Community Care)
Support Worker
In residential or home-based settings
From here, you can step into further study, including:
NZ Certificate in Health & Wellbeing (Advanced Support – Level 4)
NZ Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5), our flagship nursing qualification
School leavers who want to get straight into healthcare
Career changers or returners to the workforce
Those already working in care, ready to formalise their skills
Anyone passionate about improving the lives of others in their community
We’re Aotearoa’s only dedicated private healthcare academy — and our approach is guided by care, culture, and connection. Our learners are supported every step of the way by expert tutors, culturally grounded teaching, and a network of real-world industry placements.
You’ll graduate work-ready, with the confidence and capabilities to make a real impact.
Qualification: NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3 ) Healthcare Assistance
Duration: 19 weeks
Location: Online
Includes: 100 hours of work-integrated learning
Code | Course |
---|---|
HW301 | The Ethical and Professional Healthcare Assistant |
HW302 | Change in Healthcare |
HW303 | Person-Centred Care 1 |
HW304 | Health Conditions 1 |
HW305 | Vulnerable Clients |
HW306 | Client Independence in Healthcare |
HW307 | The Role of Whānau in Positive Health Outcomes |
HW308 | Health and Safety in a Healthcare Setting |
HW406 | Culturally Appropriate and Safe Care |
HW300 | Health and Wellbeing in Practice |
Hold a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) or;
An equivalent qualification, or significant experience and/or capability in a relevant role.
Be at least 16 years of age prior to starting the course.
Be employed in a health and wellbeing setting and have completed all vetting requirements for their employment.
International applicants studying in Aotearoa New Zealand must have turned 18 years of age prior to starting the course. The English Language proficiency is required for entry. Academic score of 5.0 with no band score lower than 5 as stipulated or equivalent from a recognised test.
2025 Fees NZD
Domestic students - $295
International students - $10,000
Please note: These fees are approximate and based upon a full-time course load for each program of study. After you have applied and been accepted we will send you an invoice with the final cost of your tuition fees.The following fees are also required:
Student Fee Insurance $29: Covers the insurance to protect student fees. The fee is based upon one stage of study.
Student ID card $30: One off payment at beginning of study. Students must submit a photo for a student card to be produced. Replacement cards for lost or stolen cards are $30.
NZQA Reporting Fee $10: Covers the cost of reporting qualification to NZQA.
To enrol at The Healthcare Academy of New Zealand, fill out a few details below. From there, you can either go straight to our full application form or wait for one of our team to get in contact with you in the next few days.