Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance: a curriculum review and discussion document

The curriculum for the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance was designed by the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council and administered by a number of registered training organisations (RTOs), notably the New South Wales (NSW) College of Technical and Further Education (TAFE). This vocational qualification is set at the Certificate IV level and is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework. The curriculum guides the teaching, learning and demonstration of competency of skills for health workers in or seeking the role of an allied health assistant. Allied health assistants are also known as therapy assistants or variously by the roles undertaken in specific departments (e.g. physiotherapy assistant or occupational therapy assistant).

This critical review examines the curriculum for the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance as delivered by the Riverina Institute of NSW TAFE. It addresses each of the following key points: What is the philosophy on which the curriculum is based? Which curriculum model has been chosen and why? How do the different parts of the curriculum fit together, e.g. theory and clinical practice? How is (learning) progression demonstrated throughout the curriculum? Does the curriculum allow for different learning styles? Does it allow for different teaching methods? How is the curriculum assessed? Does the model allow learners to take responsibility for their own learning? If so explain how. The potential for future curriculum development is discussed with reference to potential use of alternative philosophical frameworks.

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