Programme details

New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing

This Diploma in Palliative Care aims to enhance the skills of individuals working or volunteering in teams that support patients needing palliative care, particularly those in or aspiring to leadership roles.

Course description

This program is tailored for individuals currently employed or aspiring to work in palliative care, who are looking to enhance their careers or achieve professional development. The health and wellbeing sector in New Zealand will gain from the availability of graduates equipped with expertise in palliative care and planning, enabling them to support clients and their families in optimizing health and wellbeing outcomes. Palliative care organizations and aged care facilities will also 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 palliative care context.

Specialisations

Following this course may lead to residency pathways after working in New Zealand for 2 years as a caregiver.

Career Prospects

Career oppurtunities include working as:

-Team Leader or supervisor in aged residential care
-Team leader or supervisor in home/community care
-Team leader in Palliative Care facilities

Education Pathways:

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 (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) with palliative care 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 palliative care experience 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.