Personal Care Assistant

A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides essential support to individuals who need help with daily living activities due to age, disability, or illness. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, mobility, and medication management.

PCAs often work in residential aged care facilities, private homes, or community care settings. They also offer emotional support and companionship, helping to enhance the quality of life for those they care for. The role requires empathy, patience, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to caring for others.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $66,144
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a personal care assistant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
CHC43121

Certificate IV in Disability Support

Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$2,320 - $4,000
  • Completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Completed CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • Completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Completed CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
  • Completed CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00137

Palliative Approach Skill Set

Online
4 weeks
$750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00130

Individual Support - Disability

Online
4 weeks
$750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00133

Induction to Disability Support

Online
5 weeks
$850
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCSS00123

Dementia Support

Online
2 weeks
$350
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLTAID010

Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
1 - 4 days
$60 - $160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLTINFCOV001

Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures

Blended, On Campus, Online
3 - 6 months
$120 - $380
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLTSS00083

Infection Prevention and Control Skill Set

Blended, On Campus, Online
2 - 3 days
$250 - $788
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHCCCS032

Provide Basic Foot Care

On Campus, Traineeship
1 - 2 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLTWHS003

Maintain Work Health and Safety

Online
3 months
$195
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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