14 September 2023 HLT Training Updates: New Transition Period for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Qualifications
In exceptional cases, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) can grant extended transition periods that bypass the norms established in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015.
Such is the case in the latest HLT training update, where ASQA granted a particular extension for these qualifications:
- HLT30113 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- HLT40213 – Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
The transition period for these training resources in Australia is now extended from 31 December 2024 to 31 July 2025. However, this leeway exclusively applies to students who began training on or before 31 December 2023. All students in this cohort must complete their certification or switch to the replacement version by the new deadline.
The latest HLT training updates benefits both students and training providers. For RTOs offering these qualifications, you’ll have more flexibility to adjust your programs towards the updated version — ensuring they’re up to code. They will also remain on your scope of registration until the end of the extended transition period.
On the other hand, students currently enrolled in the superseded qualifications have more time to finish their training and assessments or transfer to the new version.
ASQA has collaborated with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia regarding this extended transition period.
01 August 2023 HLT Training Updates: Health Support Services Qualifications Receive an Extended Transition Period
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has some great HLT training updates for RTOs offering health-related courses. ASQA has granted an extended transition period for the following qualifications:
- HLT23215 Certificate II in Health Support Services
- HLT37115 Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support
- HLT47115 Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support
- HLT47315 Certificate IV in Health Administration
In certain situations, ASQA has the authority to approve transition periods longer than the usual ones mentioned in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015.
According to the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, ASQA considers applications for extended transition periods only when it’s clear that a group of learners would face genuine disadvantages without the extension.
Thanks to the new HLT training update, RTOs will have more time to train, assess, and issue certificates for the mentioned qualifications until 31 July 2024. New enrolments are permitted during this period, but all students must either complete their studies or transfer to replacement qualifications by the end of the transition period.
To ensure this decision was well-informed, ASQA consulted with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and the Training Accreditation Council Western Australia (TAC WA).
And here’s more good news for RTOs! These qualifications will remain on their registration scope until the end of the extended transition period.
03 July 2023 Enhancement to the Health Training Package: Updates to Qualifications and Skill Sets
The HLT: Health Training Package on training.gov.au has undergone a minor release implemented by SkillsIQ. These updates bring valuable enhancements to many qualifications and skills sets within the Health sector.
Overview of Changes
In this minor release, our focus has been on refining and improving the content of several qualifications and skill sets, ensuring they remain current and aligned with the evolving needs of the industry. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in health education and training.
Updated Qualifications
The following qualifications have been updated, encompassing a range of healthcare specialties:
Qualification Code | Qualification Name |
HLT21020 | Certificate II in Medical Service First Response |
HLT31120 | Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport |
HLT31220 | Certificate III in Basic Health Care |
HLT33115 | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance |
HLT35021 | Certificate III in Dental Assisting |
HLT35115 | Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting |
HLT37015 | Certificate III in Sterilisation Services |
HLT37215 | Certificate III in Pathology Collection |
HLT37315 | Certificate III in Health Administration |
HLT37415 | Certificate III in Pathology Assistance |
HLT41020 | Certificate IV in Ambulance Communications (Dispatch) |
HLT41120 | Certificate IV in Health Care |
HLT47015 | Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services |
HLT47415 | Certificate IV in Audiometry |
HLT47515 | Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support |
HLT47715 | Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting |
HLT47815 | Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing |
HLT51020 | Diploma of Emergency Health Care |
HLT54121 | Diploma of Nursing |
HLT55118 | Diploma of Dental Technology |
HLT57415 | Diploma of Audiometry |
HLT57715 | Diploma of Practice Management |
HLT57821 | Diploma of Orthopaedic Technology |
HLT57921 | Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology and Practice |
HLT64121 | Advanced Diploma of Nursing |
Update Skill Set
The Venous Blood Collection Skill Set (HLTSS00059) has also been enhanced, giving learners with updated knowledge and skills in this critical area.
What This Means for You
As a training provider or healthcare professional, it’s essential to stay abreast of these updates to ensure the delivery of relevant and high-quality training. The revised qualifications and skill set align with industy standards, enabling learners to acquire the necessary competencies and excel in their respective roles.
To delve deeper into specific changes made to each qualification and skill set, you can check out training.gov.au so you can get a comprehensive understanding of the modifications and their impact.
By embracing these updates, you are actively contributing to the ongoing advancement of healthcare education and practice. Together, we can ensure that professionals in the Health sector receive training that meets industry standards, resulting in improved healthcare outcomes for individuals and communities.
Stay connected with the latest developments in the Health training package, and let us continue our collective journey towards excellence in healthcare education and service.
04 March 2023 HLT Training Package Updates
Recently, SkillsIQ, the Skills Service Organisation for the health industry, has made some minor updates to the HLT training package. These updates have been made available on training.gov.au without requiring re-endorsement, meaning that the changes made were minor and did not significantly affect the training package components.
The purpose of HLT is to provide a set of nationally recognised standards for healthcare training in Australia. It includes a range of qualifications and units of competency that cover a variety of healthcare fields, such as nursing, dental, allied health, and more. These standards ensure that healthcare workers across the country have the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver safe and effective healthcare services.
The recent HLT training package updates are minor and are aimed at improving the clarity and consistency of the training package. The complete list of changes made to the HLT training package is shown below.
25 Qualifications Were Updated
Qualifications | Action |
HLT21020 – Certificate II in Medical Service First Response | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT31220 – Certificate III in Basic Health Care | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT33115 – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | Updated from release 3 to release 4 |
HLT35021 – Certificate III in Dental Assisting | Updated from release 3 to release 4 |
HLT35115 – Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT37015 – Certificate III in Sterilisation Services | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT37215 – Certificate III in Pathology Collection | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT37315 – Certificate III in Health Administration | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT37415 – Certificate III in Pathology Assistance | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT41020 – Certificate IV in Ambulance Communications (Dispatch) | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT47015 – Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT47415 – Certificate IV in Audiometry | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT47515 – Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT47715 – Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT47815 – Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT54121 – Diploma of Nursing | Updated from release 3 to release 4 |
HLT55118 – Diploma of Dental Technology | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT57415 – Diploma of Audiometry | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
HLT57715 – Diploma of Practice Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT57821 – Diploma of Orthopaedic Technology | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT57921 – Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology and Practice | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
HLT64121 – Advanced Diploma of Nursing | Updated from release 3 to release 4 |
One Skill Set Was Updated
Skill Set | Action |
HLTSS00059 – Venous blood collection skill set | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
One Unit of Competency Was Added
Unit of Competency | Action |
HLTOHC004 – Provide or assist with oral hygiene | Added |
While the changes made to the HLT training package are minor, they are still important as they ensure that the training package remains relevant and up-to-date with current industry practices. The changes have been made to better reflect the current practices and terminology used in the healthcare industry.
24 February 2023 HLT Training Package Update
Change on Implementation Date for Infection Control HLTINF006 & HLTINF007
The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) decided to replace superseded units (HLTINF001 and HLTINF003) with new units in all current CHC and HLT qualifications through a ‘minor change’ to ensure timely updates of qualifications.
On 16 December 2022, stakeholders were informed on training.gov.au that this change would be effective from 1 March 2023. After considering stakeholder feedback, RTOs will now have the option to deliver either the superseded unit or the new unit from 1 March 2023 to 30 June 2023 for the 28 qualifications and 2 Skills Sets affected. The packaging rules for these qualifications and skill sets will be updated on 1 March 2023 to reflect this change and updated again on 1 July 2023, after which only the new unit will be allowed.
Starting 1 July 2023, RTOs will be required to deliver either the HLTINF006 or HLTINF007 units for the qualifications and skill sets listed below. Superseded qualifications will remain unchanged.
Qualifications with HLTINF001 (to be replaced with HLTINF006):
- HLT47415- Certificate IV in Audiometry
- HLT57921- Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology and Practice
- HLT41020- Certificate IV in Ambulance Communications (Dispatch)
- HLT35021- Certificate III in Dental Assisting
- CHC34015- Certificate III in Active Volunteering
- HLT21020- Certificate II in Medical Service First Response
- HLT37315- Certificate III in Health Administration
- HLT55118- Diploma of Dental Technology
- HLT47815- Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing
- HLT57415- Diploma of Audiometry
- CHC22015- Certificate II in Community Services
- HLT57821- Diploma of Orthopaedic Technology
- HLT35115- Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting
- HLT54121- Diploma of Nursing
- HLT51020- Diploma of Emergency Health Care
- HLT37015- Certificate III in Sterilisation Services
- HLT37215- Certificate III in Pathology Collection
- HLT41120- Certificate IV in Health Care
- HLT31220- Certificate III in Basic Health Care
- HLT47715- Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting
- HLT37415- Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
- HLT31120- Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport
- HLT33115- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Skills Sets with HLTINF001 (to be replaced with HLTINF006):
- CHCSS00114 – Entry into Care Roles Skill Set
- HLTSS00059 – Venous blood collection skill set
Qualifications with HLTINF003 (to be replaced with HLTINF007)
- HLT47515- Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support
- HLT47015- Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services
- HLT54121- Diploma of Nursing
- HLT64121- Advanced Diploma of Nursing
- HLT57715- Diploma of Practice Management
16 December 2022 HLT Training Package Update
The Skills Ministers in Australia have endorsed two new Infection Prevention and Control units to enhance healthcare services and HLT training. These two units will be included in the 29 current CHC and HLT qualifications that will be updated by 28 February 2023 without a transition period.
- HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control – supersedes and is not equivalent to HLTINF001 – Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
- HLTINF007 – Implement and monitor infection prevention and control standards, policies and procedures – supersedes and is not equivalent to HLTINF003 – Implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures
This change aims to address the need for updated skills and meet national standards in infection prevention and control. The impact of this HLT training update will be felt by RTOs, students, and employers in the healthcare industry and highlights the need for continuous education and training in healthcare. With this update, healthcare professionals can ensure they are equipped to provide quality care and stay ahead in preventing infections and illnesses.
HLT Training Updates Release 9.0
Qualifications
Updated Qualifications | Superseded Qualifications | Equivalency |
HLT20121 – Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | HLT20113 – Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | Non-equivalent |
HLT30121 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | HLT30113 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | Non-equivalent |
HLT40121 – Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | HLT40113 – Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | Non-equivalent |
HLT40221 – Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice | HLT40213 – Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice | Non-equivalent |
HLT42021 – Certificate IV in Massage Therapy | HLT42015 – Certificate IV in Massage Therapy | Non-equivalent |
HLT50121 – Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice | HLT50213 – Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care | Non-equivalent |
HLT50221 – Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Management | HLT50113 – Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice | Non-equivalent |
HLT52021 – Diploma of Remedial Massage | HLT52015 – Diploma of Remedial Massage | Non-equivalent |
HLT60121 – Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Management | HLT60113 – Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Care | Non-equivalent |
Units of Competency
Added Units | Deleted Units | Equivalency |
HLTAADV001 – Support clients to access health services | HLTAHW002 – Support clients to obtain access to health services | Non-equivalent |
HLTAADV002 – Support the rights and needs of clients | HLTAHW006 – Facilitate and advocate for the rights and needs of clients and community members | Non-equivalent |
HLTAADV003 – Support the rights and needs of clients in the justice system | HLTAHW052 – Deliver primary health care to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients in confinement | Non-equivalent |
HLTAADV004 – Advocate on behalf of groups or the community | HLTAHW044 – Advocate on behalf of the community | Non-equivalent |
HLTAEDR001 – Respond to community disasters | ||
HLTAEDR002 – Assess and respond to medical emergencies | HLTAHW013 – Respond to emergencies | Non-equivalent |
HLTAEDR003 – Develop medical emergency plan | HLTAHW060 – Plan for medical emergencies | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS001 – Provide basic health service information to clients | HLTAHW003 – Provide basic health information to clients | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS002 – Assist with health assessments | ||
HLTAHCS003 – Complete routine physical health assessments | HLTAHW007 – Undertake basic health assessments | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS004 – Complete comprehensive physical health assessments | HLTAHW016 – Assess client’s physical wellbeing
HLTAHW046 – Apply advanced skills in primary health care |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS005 – Implement basic health care plans | HLTAHW008 – Assist in planning and implementation of basic health care
HLTAHW018 – Plan, implement and monitor health care in a primary health care context |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS006 – Implement complex health care plans | HLTAHW046 – Apply advanced skills in primary health care | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS007 – Provide support to men with cancer | HLTAHW035 – Provide information and support around cancer | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS008 – Provide support to women with cancer | HLTAHW036 – Provide information and support to women with breast cancer | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS009 – Provide support to clients with diabetes | ||
HLTAHCS010 – Provide support to clients with chronic disease | HLTAHW028 – Provide information and strategies in chronic condition care | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS011 – Provide support to clients experiencing alcohol and other drugs problems | HLTAHW012 – Assist with prevention and minimisation of substance misuse | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS012 – Provide support to older clients | HLTAHW014 – Work with Elders in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS013 – Provide eye health care | HLTAHW030 – Provide information and strategies in eye health | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS014 – Provide ear health care | ||
HLTAHCS015 – Facilitate access to tertiary health services | HLTAHW043 – Facilitate access to tertiary health services | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHCS016 – Develop primary health care programs | HLTAHW045 – Plan, develop and evaluate primary health care programs for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander comm.
HLTAHW066 – Manage the delivery of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAHPR001 – Develop health promotion programs | HLTAHW023 – Plan, develop and evaluate health promotion and community development programs
HLTAHW067 – Manage health education and promotion |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAHPR002 – Promote awareness and early detection of cancer to men | HLTAHW035 – Provide information and support around cancer | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHPR003 – Promote awareness and early detection of cancer to women | HLTAHW036 – Provide information and support to women with breast cancer | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHPR004 – Promote awareness and early detection of diabetes | ||
HLTAHPR005 – Promote awareness and prevention of chronic disease | HLTAHW028 – Provide information and strategies in chronic condition care | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHPR006 – Provide healthy lifestyle information | HLTAHW021 – Provide nutrition guidance for specific health care | Non-equivalent |
HLTAHPR007 – Promote lifestyle change | HLTAHW034 – Provide healthy lifestyle programs and advice | Non-equivalent |
HLTAMAT001 – Provide antenatal health care | HLTAHW029 – Provide information and strategies in maternal and infant health
HLTAHW057 – Provide antenatal health care |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAMAT002 – Assist with childbirth | HLTAHW058 – Prepare for and support childbirth | Non-equivalent |
HLTAMAT003 – Provide postnatal health care for mothers and babies | HLTAHW029 – Provide information and strategies in maternal and infant health
HLTahw059 – Provide postnatal and infant health care |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAMAT004 – Assess children’s health | HLTAHW038 – Assess and promote physical and emotional wellbeing of children
HLTAHW039 – Monitor early childhood growth and development |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAMAT005 – Provide health care for children | HLTAHW038 – Assess and promote physical and emotional wellbeing of children
HLTAHW039 – Monitor early childhood growth and development |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAMED001 – Work under instructions to support the safe use of medications | HLTAHW015 – Work under instructions to support the safe use of medication | Non-equivalent |
HLTAMED002 – Support the safe use of medications | HLTAHW037 – Support the safe use of medications | Non-equivalent |
HLTAMED003 – Administer medications | HLTAHW020 – Administer medications | Non-equivalent |
HLTAMED004 – Manage medications in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care | HLTAHW071 – Manage medicines in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care | Non-equivalent |
HLTARES001 – Gather information and report on community health | HLTAHW010 – Identify community health issues, needs and strategies | Non-equivalent |
HLTARES002 – Prepare and maintain community health profile | HLTAHW033 – Maintain community health profile | Non-equivalent |
HLTARES003 – Research community health | HLTAHW061 – Engage in community health research | Non-equivalent |
HLTASEW001 – Work according to the principles of social and emotional wellbeing care | HLTAHW024 – Work in alcohol, other drugs & mental health care w/ Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander Comm
HLTAHW049 – Work effectively in social and emotional wellbeing |
Non-equivalent |
HLTASEW002 – Assess and support the social and emotional wellbeing of clients | HLTAHW009 – Provide information about social and emotional support
HLTAHW017 – Assess and support client’s social and emotional wellbeing HLTAHW047 – Support and promote social and emotional wellbeing of staff and clients |
Non-equivalent |
HLTASEW003 – Provide support to clients affected by loss, grief or trauma | HLTAHW051 – Respond to loss, grief and trauma | Non-equivalent |
HLTASEW004 – Contribute to the care of clients living with mental illness | HLTahw073 – Practise social and emotional wellbeing in a clinical setting | Non-equivalent |
HLTASEW005 – Provide supervision for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers | HLTahw077 – Provide supervision for social and emotional wellbeing workers | Non-equivalent |
HLTASXH001 – Promote men’s sexual health | HLTAHW026 – Provide information and strategies in sexual health for men | Non-equivalent |
HLTASXH002 – Promote women’s sexual health | HLTAHW027 – Provide information and strategies in sexual health for women | Non-equivalent |
HLTASXH003 – Provide sexual health care | HLTAHW056 – Provide sexual and reproductive health care | Non-equivalent |
HLTAWOR001 – Work in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health support role | HLTAHW001 – Work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
HLTAHW004 – Perform work role in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care context |
Non-equivalent |
HLTAWOR002 – Work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care | HLTAHW005 – Work in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care context | Non-equivalent |
HLTAWOR003 – Use and promote reflective practice in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care | HLTAHW065 – Apply reflective practice in an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander primary health care setting | Non-equivalent |
HLTAWOR004 – Provide support to address social and cultural determinants of client and community health | HLTAHW022 – Address social determinants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health | Non-equivalent |
HLTAWOR005 – Contribute to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health strategies | HLTAHW048 – Apply a strategic approach to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG009 – Develop massage practice | HLTMSG001 – Develop massage practice | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG010 – Assess client massage needs | HLTMSG002 – Assess client massage needs | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG011 – Provide massage treatments | HLTMSG004 – Provide massage treatments | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG012 – Apply relaxation massage clinical practice | HLTMSG005 – Provide remedial massage treatments | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG013 – Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments | HLTMSG003 – Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG014 – Provide remedial massage treatments | HLTMSG005 – Provide remedial massage treatments | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG015 – Adapt massage treatments to meet specific needs | HLTMSG006 – Adapt remedial massage treatments to meet specific needs | Non-equivalent |
HLTMSG016 – Apply principles of pain neuroscience | ||
HLTMSG017 – Apply remedial massage clinical practice | ||
HLTMSG018 – Adapt massage practice for athletes | HLTMSG007 – Adapt remedial massage practice for athletes | Non-equivalent |
What RTOs Need to Do?
Now that the HLT – Health Training Package (Release 9.0 has already been released, it is crucial for RTOs to incorporate the latest version into their scope of registration. Keeping up-to-date training materials is important to attract students. To meet this requirement, RTOs should:
- Include the updated version in their scope of registration
- Ensure all learners switch to the new version within the designated time frame
- Make sure students in discontinued products complete their studies within 1 year for deleted units and skill sets and 2 years for deleted qualifications
- Apply to include new, non-equivalent qualifications and competency units in their scope
We are in the process of creating new training materials for select qualifications and units. If you’re interested, fill in the form for more information.