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National code: HLT47715

Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting

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Overview About this course

Change peoples’ lives as a medical practice assistant and gain a unique mix of administrative and clinical skills sought after among general and specialist practices. Work directly with patients, assist nurses and move into advanced practice management or nursing study.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Perform electrocardiography

  • Take clinical measurements

  • Handle medical specimens

  • Set up clinical observations for registered nurses

  • Prepare medical accounts and manage front desks

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate IV level

  • The skills to perform administrative and clinical work in a real doctor’s surgery or specialist practice

  • The ability to use medical terminology and discuss medical themes with registered nurses and doctors

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • A signed letter from your employer in a health care practice or medical setting, or

  • A signed letter from the organisation you are volunteering at to complete clinical tasks. You will need a letter from either a employer or volunteer supervisor to show you can demonstrate the required skills and knowledge for this course.

  • Attendance at a clinical workshop in Sydney is also compulsory if you are not working in a healthcare or medical setting. The workshop is free for enrolled students, though travel costs may apply subject to your location.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to follow verbal and written instructions

  • The ability to understand basic medical terms

  • An interest in community health and wellbeing

  • Excellent customer and workplace communication

  • An awareness of and respect for consumer confidentiality

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: medical practice assistant, medical secretary and medical receptionist.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 23 Units of competency, including 19 core and 4 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Organise schedules BSBADM307

  • Implement workplace information system BSBINM401

  • Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately BSBMED301

  • Prepare and process medical accounts BSBMED302

  • ... 5

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.