Diploma of Clinical and Allied Health

The Diploma of Clinical and Allied Health at Southern Cross University is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in health support roles or build a pathway into further study. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. You will study units that introduce you to clinical and allied health practice, covering areas like anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, communication in health settings, and the ethical and legal side of care work.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually delivered over one year full time, split into study periods. At Southern Cross University, the academic year is typically organised into sessions, and you will enrol in a set of units each session. Each unit carries a credit point value, and you need to pass all required units to complete the diploma. The course may include a work-integrated learning component, such as supervised placement in a health or community setting, which gives you direct experience with patients, clients and health teams. You should check the official course page for the exact unit list, placement hours and study mode.

What you will learn

You will learn how to communicate with patients and colleagues, gather and record health information, follow infection control and safety procedures, and work within a healthcare team. The course also covers the Australian health system, so you understand how hospitals, community services and allied health practices fit together. Skills like these are used every day by allied health assistants, community support workers and administrative staff in clinics.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a supported start in health, career changers looking for a practical qualification, and people already working in support roles who want formal recognition. It can also lead into further study, with credit towards a bachelor degree in a related field, depending on the university's rules. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after completing eligible study in Australia. English proficiency is required; IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for coursework at this level, though some health courses ask for higher. Confirm all details, including tuition, on the official CRICOS register and the university's page for this course.

• Allied health assistant
• Community health support worker
• Medical receptionist or administration officer
• Patient services assistant
• Health promotion assistant
• Aged care or disability support worker
• Pathology collector (with additional training)

These roles are found in public and private hospitals, community health centres, general practices, aged care providers, disability services and allied health clinics across Australia.