Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop foundational knowledge and practical skills for working as a healthcare assistant in New Zealand’s health and wellbeing sector.

• Learn to provide person-centred care under the direction of a qualified health professional.

• Build awareness of professional conduct, client rights, safety, cultural inclusion and ethical responsibilities.

• Learn how to support clients with common health conditions, promote independence and respond appropriately to changes in health or wellbeing.

• Gain practical experience through a compulsory 100-hour work placement.

• Study through a blended model that combines online learning resources with practical experience and face-to-face engagement.

• Create a potential pathway to further study, including NZTC’s New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support), Level 4, subject to that programme’s entry requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The official programme page lists the following courses:

• HW301 – The Ethical and Professional Healthcare Assistant: role and professional identity, professional boundaries, working within scope of practice, client safety, ethical care and the rights of health and disability service consumers.

• HW302 – Change in Healthcare: recognising and responding to change, environmental factors and ways to support clients through changes affecting their health and wellbeing.

• HW303 – Person-Centred Care 1: principles of person-centred care, practical personal-care skills and applying these principles when supporting clients.

• HW304 – Health Conditions 1: common health conditions that healthcare assistants may encounter and relevant care strategies.

• HW305 – Vulnerable Clients: recognising, monitoring and responding to vulnerability, potential or actual abuse, and appropriate reporting procedures.

• HW306 – Client Independence in Healthcare: promoting independence, adapting tasks, coaching and educating clients, collaboration and use of assistive devices.

• HW307 – The Role of Wh?nau in Positive Health Outcomes: how family and wh?nau involvement can support positive outcomes and how to foster that involvement.

• HW308 – Health and Safety in a Healthcare Setting: identifying and preventing risks, falls prevention, infection control and responding to potential infection outbreaks.

• HW309 – Culturally Inclusive and Safe Care: cultural diversity, cultural competence, M?ori and Pasifika operating principles, and culturally appropriate care.

• HW300 – Health and Wellbeing in Practice 1 – Field Experience: applying theoretical knowledge of person-centred care to practical care scenarios and reflecting on healthcare practice.

Disciplines/Specialisations

This qualification focuses on entry-level healthcare assistance rather than a choice of separate academic majors.

Key subject areas include:

• Healthcare assistance and professional practice.

• Person-centred care and personal care.

• Common health conditions and client wellbeing.

• Supporting vulnerable clients.

• Promoting client independence.

• Family and wh?nau involvement in care.

• Health, safety and infection prevention.

• Culturally inclusive and safe care.

• Practical healthcare experience.

Programme Highlights

• A Level 3 certificate focused on practical healthcare-assistant skills.

• A 22-week full-time programme with 70 credits.

• Blended learning combining online study and practical experience.

• A mandatory 100-hour work placement.

• Training in person-centred care, professional conduct and client safety.

• Coverage of cultural inclusion, vulnerable clients and promoting independence.

• Potential progression to NZTC’s Level 4 Advanced Care and Support qualification, subject to entry requirements.

• NZTC states that its Health and Wellbeing qualifications are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Career Outcomes

The qualification is intended to prepare students for entry-level work supporting people with health and wellbeing needs under the leadership of a qualified health professional.

Potential career directions may include:

• Healthcare assistant in a hospital or healthcare facility.

• Healthcare assistant in a residential care setting.

• Support worker in a community care environment, where the employer recognises the qualification.

• Assistance with daily personal care and wellbeing needs.

• Support for clients’ independence, dignity and participation in everyday activities.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The key published updates and requirements are:

• 2026 enrolments are closed because of high demand; NZTC says 2027 intakes are open.

• Since January 2026, the qualification has been delivered in blended mode, including 100 hours of work placement.

• Applicants must complete the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool.

• A completed Workplace Support Form is required at application.

• Applicants must declare physical or learning disabilities and diverse needs that may affect their study.

• International applicants must meet NZQA English-language requirements and be at least 18 before the programme starts.

• NZTC offers a possible progression route to the Level 4 Advanced Care and Support qualification, but separate entry criteria apply.

Points international applicants should confirm before applying

• Whether NZTC is currently accepting international students living outside New Zealand into this specific Level 3 programme.

• The exact 2027 start date and whether a place is available.

• Whether the programme and its delivery arrangements are suitable for a Fee Paying Student Visa.

• Where the compulsory 100-hour placement will take place and how it is arranged.

• Any additional checks, clearances, insurance or placement-related costs.

• The full international tuition fee and any promotional terms applicable to international applicants.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who need a visa to study in New Zealand may need a Fee Paying Student Visa. However, eligibility depends on the course and provider meeting Immigration New Zealand’s requirements. Students should not assume that enrolment in this specific short certificate automatically qualifies them for a student visa.

Fee Paying Student Visa

Immigration New Zealand’s published information states:

• Visa cost: from NZD 850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks, according to the published service estimate; actual processing times can vary.

• Maximum stay: up to 4 years, depending on the visa granted and study arrangements.

• Applicants generally need an offer of place from an approved education provider, evidence of sufficient tuition and living funds, acceptable medical and travel insurance, and evidence that they meet health, character and genuine-student requirements.

• Applicants must show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before intended travel.

Living-funds requirement

For tertiary-level study, Immigration New Zealand currently specifies:

• NZD 20,000 for each year of study if the course lasts one year or longer.

• NZD 1,667 for each month if the course lasts less than one year.

Work rights

• A Fee Paying Student Visa may allow part-time work for up to 25 hours a week and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions written on the visa.

• Work rights are not automatic for every student or course.

• Students must follow their individual visa conditions. They should not rely on prospective part-time employment to meet the financial evidence required for a visa application.

• Any paid work associated with the programme or its placement must comply with applicable visa and employment rules. Confirm with NZTC and Immigration New Zealand whether the required 100-hour placement is treated as a formal component of study and what documentation is needed.

  
  

Insurance and supporting documents

Applicants should be prepared to provide, as applicable:

• A valid passport and acceptable photograph.

• An offer of place from an approved provider.

• Evidence of tuition payment or the ability to pay.

• Evidence of sufficient living funds and their genuine source.

• Evidence of onward travel or funds to purchase a ticket.

• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period.

• Any health, character or additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.