Programme details

Diploma in Dementia Care (Work-Integrated)

This Diploma covers Dementia Care, Healthcare Models, Evidence-based Approaches, Person-centred Theory, and Values-based Leadership. The Work-Integrated Pathway is for those in aged and dementia care seeking career advancement.

Course description

This NZQA accredited Diploma in Dementia Care (Work-integrated) (Level 5) program is tailored for individuals currently employed or aspiring to work in dementia care, who are looking to enhance their careers or achieve professional development. The health and wellbeing sector in New Zealand will gain from the expertise of graduates equipped with knowledge and skills in dementia care and care planning, aimed at supporting clients and their families to optimize health and wellbeing outcomes. Organizations specializing in dementia care will benefit from graduates who have engaged in studies that incorporate practical experience within workplace environments.

Graduates of this program will possess the ability to work autonomously, developing and adjusting dementia care strategies while delivering culturally sensitive and responsive care in a dementia care context.

Career Prospects

Employment Pathways include:

-Team Leader or supervisor in aged residential care
-Team leader or supervisor in home/community care
-Team leader in Department of Corrections health facilities
-Team leader in acute care settings, including GP Practices

Education Pathways:

-Graduates may progress into the New Zealand Diploma in Addiction Studies (Applied) (Level 6)

-This programme may lead to higher-level programmes including bachelor’s degrees in related subjects, including nursing, physiotherapy, occupational health and allied health professions. Graduates may also be able to apply for cross-credit or advanced standing into Healthcare related bachelor programmes.

Entry requirements

-A minimum of 18 years of age.
-Academic Criteria: NCEA Level 2 or,
Level 4 or above on the NZQF with dementia unit standards/papers or equivalent.
Applicants over the age of 20 years who do not have the minimum entry requirements may be admitted.
-All applicants must show experience as a healthcare assistant level 4 or equivalent, and be employed as a healthcare assistant level 4 with with dementia experience and current clients, and current clients.
-All applicants must supply a copy of their signed employment contract with dates coinciding with the programme duration and clear evidence that the 250 hours of work-integrated experience s likely and that the position description can facilitate the learning.
-Clean criminal record (an initial check will be completed through the New Zealand Police to ensure the learner is a fit and proper person to be working with vulnerable people, should the learner not have one)
-Physically able to do the job
-Willingness to work with older person
– Attend interview
-English Language Competency-Academic IELTS overall 5.5 gained (with no band less than 5.0) or equivalent international test as per NZQA’s Table of Internationally Recognised English Language Proficiency Outcomes for International Students. The test results must be no more than two years old.
-A signed letter of support from the Employer stating that the student will be supported in undertaking a minimum of 250 hours employment for the workplace experience.
-Police Check: Clear Criminal Check – An initial check is to be provided from the country of last abode.