Individual Support

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Individual Support at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is a comprehensive qualification designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in delivering high-quality personal and domestic care to individuals across diverse settings. This program equips students with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding required to support people with a range of needs, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or injury.

Throughout the course, students will engage in rigorous theoretical learning combined with practical experiences that enable them to confidently assist clients with daily living activities, manage medication, and implement care plans in accordance with industry standards and legal requirements. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics such as communication techniques, cultural safety, person-centered care, health promotion, and workplace safety. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and interpersonal skills necessary for effective support roles.

The program is aligned with national health care standards and is accredited by relevant industry bodies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment in various settings including residential aged care facilities, community health services, and private care practices. RMIT's strong industry links facilitate work placements, giving students practical experience and industry insights that enhance their employability upon graduation.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Individual Support will be qualified to work as Personal Care Assistants, Support Workers, or Care Coordinators, contributing positively to the wellbeing and independence of individuals requiring assistance. The program also offers pathways into further study, such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in community services or health-related fields. With a focus on compassionate care and professional development, this program aims to empower students to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while advancing their careers in the dynamic health and community services sector.

Program Overview

The Diploma of Individual Support at RMIT University is designed to prepare students for a meaningful career in the aged care and disability sectors. This comprehensive program provides learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals with diverse needs in various community and residential settings. Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of person-centered care principles, ethical considerations, and effective communication strategies to enhance the quality of life for those they support.

Course Content

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential to delivering high-quality support services. Students will explore the fundamentals of health and social care, including anatomy and physiology, mental health awareness, and infection control. They will also learn about the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin their work, ensuring their practice is safe, respectful, and compliant with industry standards.

Practical Skills Development

A significant component of the program involves practical training, where students engage in simulated learning environments and supervised work placements. This hands-on experience enables learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, including residential aged care facilities, community services, and disability support organizations. Key skills developed include assisting with personal care, supporting independence, managing medication, and responding to emergency situations.

Work Placement

RMIT's Industry Collaboration

The program is closely linked with industry partners, providing opportunities for work placement that foster real-world experience and professional networking. During these placements, students gain insights into daily operations within support services, learn to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and individualized care.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diploma of Individual Support are well-equipped to pursue careers as personal care assistants, support workers, or community care providers. The qualification also serves as a pathway for further study in health, nursing, or social work, expanding career prospects within the health and community services sector.

Program Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to demonstrate their ability to deliver respectful, ethical, and effective support to individuals with diverse needs. They will possess a solid foundation for developing a career dedicated to improving the wellbeing and independence of those they serve, contributing positively to their communities.

Additional Information

The program is delivered through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, and industry placements, ensuring a balanced approach that prepares students for the realities of working in the supportive care sector. RMIT's commitment to high-quality education and strong industry links provides graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, making this program an excellent choice for aspiring support workers.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Individual Support at RMIT University typically include the completion of core coursework in aged care, disability support, and community services, emphasizing practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Applicants are generally expected to have completed Year 12 or equivalent, with some programs requiring English language proficiency demonstrated through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Practical placements or clinical components are integral to the program, necessitating students to fulfill requirements related to health and safety checks, immunizations, and background screening. Prospective students may need to provide a relevant resume or statement of interest demonstrating their motivation to work in supportive roles within health and community settings. The program underscores the development of essential skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving aligned with current industry standards and practices. Coursework often includes modules on working with diverse populations, ethical considerations, and person-centered care approaches. Students may also be required to undertake online assessments, participate in workshops, and complete reflective journals as part of their learning process. Certain prerequisites or foundational knowledge in health sciences or community work can be advantageous, although comprehensive support and preparatory resources are provided for those new to the sector. Continuous assessment through assignments, practical evaluations, and collaborative projects ensures that students meet the competency standards demanded by industry regulators. Overall, the program prepares graduates for employment in aged care facilities, disability services, and community support agencies, aligning academic learning with real-world applications.

The individual support program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) offers various financing options to assist students in funding their studies. Tuition fees for the program are structured based on the domestic or international student status, with domestic students potentially eligible for government assistance schemes such as the Australian Government’s subsidies and a commonwealth supported place, which significantly reduces the cost of education. International students are required to pay full tuition fees, which vary depending on the specific course and semester. In addition to tuition fees, students should consider other expenses such as student service and amenities fees, textbooks, learning resources, and personal costs.

RMIT provides a range of scholarship opportunities for eligible students, including academic excellence scholarships, equity scholarships, and industry-linked scholarships, which can substantially offset the costs associated with the program. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options, such as government loans, private bursaries, and sponsorships from industry partners. The Australian government offers income support and education loan programs, such as HELP (Higher Education Loan Program), which allows eligible students to defer the cost of their tuition until after graduation.

Payment plans are available to international students, allowing them to spread the cost of tuition over several payments, easing the financial burden. RMIT also provides financial counseling services to help students budget and plan their finances effectively throughout their studies. For students applying for the individual support program, it is important to review all available financing options early in the application process to ensure adequate financial planning. Overall, the university's aim is to make education accessible by providing multiple pathways for students to secure funding, thereby enabling them to focus on their academic and practical learning experiences without undue financial stress.

The Individual Support program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality support to individuals who require assistance due to various needs, including aged care, disability, and community support. This program aims to prepare graduates for a meaningful career in the health and community services sector by focusing on person-centered care, communication skills, and practical assistance techniques. Students enrolled in this course will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through industry placements. The coursework covers essential topics such as understanding diverse client needs, promoting independence and well-being, adhering to ethical standards, and working within legal and organizational frameworks. The program emphasizes the development of compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive support practices, ensuring that graduates can effectively assist clients across different environments and backgrounds. RMIT's curriculum incorporates current industry standards and guidelines to ensure that students are well-prepared for employment upon graduation. Graduates of the program are qualified to work in various settings including residential aged care facilities, disability support services, community health organizations, and private support roles. Additionally, the program offers pathways to further education, such as advanced diplomas or university qualifications, allowing students to expand their expertise and career opportunities. RMIT provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty members, and a strong industry network, all of which contribute to a practical and comprehensive learning experience. The program also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and lifelong learning within the health and community support sectors. Overall, the Individual Support program at RMIT is dedicated to fostering a skilled workforce capable of making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, supporting them to live independently and with dignity.