The Health and Wellbeing – Introduction (Level 3) programme is designed for students who are passionate about helping others and want to begin a career in healthcare, mental health support, community services, addiction support, aged care, or nursing. The programme provides a strong foundation in healthcare practices while allowing students to explore different career pathways before progressing to higher-level health qualifications.

Key Benefits

• Open to international students
• Practical healthcare-focused training
• Three-week work experience placement
• First Aid certification opportunities
• Industry guest speakers and healthcare provider visits
• Exposure to mental health, addiction, nursing, and community health sectors
• Pathway to higher-level healthcare qualifications
• Strong focus on New Zealand healthcare practices and cultural awareness.

Programme Structure / Topics Covered

The programme introduces students to a broad range of healthcare and wellbeing concepts.

Health and Wellbeing Contexts

• Understanding healthcare systems
• Support worker responsibilities
• Community healthcare services

Mental Health and Addiction

• Introduction to mental health support
• Addiction awareness
• Support strategies

Community Health

• Community-based healthcare
• Supporting diverse populations
• Social wellbeing concepts

First Aid Training

• Emergency response skills
• Basic healthcare procedures
• Workplace health and safety

Holistic Wellbeing in New Zealand Healthcare

• Physical wellbeing
• Mental wellbeing
• Social and cultural wellbeing

Planning and Management in Healthcare

• Healthcare support planning
• Goal setting
• Client-centred support

Cultural Awareness

• M?ori health perspectives
• Cultural responsiveness
• Inclusive care practices

Professional Practice

• Professional behaviour
• Communication skills
• Ethical healthcare practices

Work Experience

• Three-week placement with a healthcare provider
• Practical application of classroom learning

Disciplines and Career Pathways Explored

Students gain exposure to:

• Mental Health Support
• Addiction Support Services
• Community Health
• Aged Care
• Healthcare Assistance
• Nursing Pathways
• Disability Support
• Social and Community Services

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue entry-level healthcare support roles such as:

• Healthcare Assistant
• Community Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Addiction Support Worker
• Aged Care Assistant
• Disability Support Worker
• Residential Care Worker
• Home-Based Support Worker

Latest Updates

• The programme remains open to international students.
• A three-week healthcare work experience placement remains a key component.
• Students participate in healthcare provider visits and industry engagement activities.
• First Aid certification opportunities continue to be included.
• The programme serves as a pathway into nursing, mental health, addiction, and community health studies.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from NZMA
• Valid passport
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency evidence
• Health and character documentation where required

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 3 Qualification
  
• 20 Weeks Full-Time Study
  
• Open to International Students
  
• Available Across Five NZMA Campuses
  
• Three-Week Healthcare Work Placement
  
• First Aid Training Opportunities
  
• Mental Health and Addiction Introduction
  
• Community Health and Aged Care Exposure
  
• Cultural Awareness and Professional Practice Training
  
• Pathway to Level 4 Healthcare Qualifications
  
• Preparation for Nursing and Health Career Pathways
  
• Strong Practical and Industry-Based Learning Experience.