Thinking of studying aged care and age-related health conditions? Here’s what you need to know

As Australia’s population continues to age, the demand for skilled aged care professionals is rapidly increasing.

If you’re considering a career supporting older individuals, now is the perfect time to pursue training in aged care and age-related health conditions.

Whether you’re looking to switch careers, re-enter the workforce or deepen your understanding of health services for older Australians, an aged care course near me can be the stepping stone to a rewarding future in this essential industry.

Why aged care matters more than ever

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people aged 65 and over currently make up about 17 per cent of the population.

With improved healthcare and living standards, more Australians are living longer. However, this also brings a rise in chronic conditions, dementia, mobility issues and the need for tailored care plans.

Aged care workers play a critical role in helping older individuals maintain their dignity, independence and quality of life. By undertaking specialised training, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day.

What you’ll learn in an aged care course

Courses in aged care cover a broad spectrum of knowledge and practical training to prepare you for the responsibilities of working in both residential facilities and community settings. While course content may vary by provider, here are some key areas typically covered:

• Understanding ageing: Learn about the ageing process, including the physical, emotional and social changes older adults experience.
• Chronic and age-related conditions: Study common conditions such as dementia, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and heart disease.
• Personal care support: Gain hands-on training in assisting with bathing, dressing, mobility, eating and toileting in a respectful and safe manner.
• Communication skills: Develop the ability to communicate effectively with older clients, their families and healthcare professionals.
• Workplace health and safety: Understand safe practices in aged care environments to protect both workers and clients.
• Cultural competency: Learn to provide inclusive, respectful care to clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Palliative and end-of-life care: Receive training on how to provide compassionate support to clients and families during sensitive time.

Career outcomes and opportunities

Completing a nationally recognised aged care qualification can open the door to various roles within the health and community care sectors. Some common positions include:

• Personal care assistant (PCA)
• Aged care worker
• Home care support worker
• Community care worker
• Residential support worker.

As you gain experience, there may also be opportunities to move into leadership, care coordination or specialised health services.

Skills that set you apart

While technical training is essential, successful aged care professionals also bring a set of personal attributes to the role. These include:

• Empathy and compassion: Understanding the emotional needs of clients is crucial in building trust and rapport.
• Patience: Supporting people with mobility challenges or cognitive decline requires calm, consistent care.
• Problem-solving: Each client’s needs are different. Being able to think on your feet helps in delivering tailored support.
• Teamwork: Aged care is collaborative. You’ll often work with nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and other carers.
• Resilience: The role can be emotionally challenging, but also deeply rewarding.

Practical experience and work placement

Most aged care courses include a structured work placement component, which gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world environment. This not only builds confidence and competence but also improves job readiness upon graduation.

During your placement, you’ll be supervised by experienced professionals and exposed to various aged care settings, including residential aged care facilities, respite centres or home-based care services.

Pathways after completing an aged care course

Completing a recognised aged care qualification opens up a range of career opportunities in both residential and community care settings. You might work in an aged care facility, a respite centre, or provide in-home care.

Roles include personal care assistant, community support worker or residential care worker. Many people who begin in these entry-level roles go on to further study in nursing or health services management.

One of the key benefits of this field is the flexibility it offers. Aged care professionals can often choose from full-time, part-time or casual roles, which is ideal for those balancing work with other commitments. The sector is also known for its strong employment outlook, with job opportunities expected to grow significantly over the coming decade.

Choosing the right training provider

When researching aged care courses, consider:

• National recognition and accreditation of the qualification
• Delivery options (in-person, online or blended learning)
• Duration and flexibility of the course
• Availability of work placements
• Student support services
• Location and accessibility.

Preparing for a fulfilling career

Studying aged care and age-related health conditions is more than a career move; it’s a chance to be part of a compassionate workforce that empowers older Australians to live with dignity and comfort. With the right training, you’ll be equipped to provide essential care and support during some of the most vulnerable stages of life.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shift into a more meaningful role, enrolling in an aged care course is a powerful step forward. The future of aged care is in your hands. Are you ready to make a difference?

This article was written by Joshua Cook. Holding dual degrees in Business Marketing and Commerce Accounting, Josh brings more than half a decade of experience to his role as National Marketing Manager at Breakthru, based in Brisbane, Queensland. His life’s journey has uniquely equipped him to serve in this vital position.

Raised alongside his younger sister Katey, who has Down Syndrome, Josh has gained an intimate understanding of the challenges and societal stigmas associated with disabilities. This personal connection fuels his commitment to the mission of Breakthru — to empower individuals like Katey to access the resources and support they require to live fulfilling lives. Through his role at Breakthru, Josh aims to break down the barriers and dismantle the misconceptions that often surround people with disabilities.