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Certificate 3 in Aged Care vs Diploma of Nursing correspondance

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Author Certificate 3 in Aged Care vs Diploma of Nursing correspondance

MelanieK

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Sun Jan 18, 2009 12:01 pm

Hi all,

I am wanting to gain qualifications to work in the nursing industry. I have no previous experience in this field and was hoping I can get some advice on which career path would be the best option to take.
I have the option of completing a Certificate 3 in Aged Care through a college (starts end of January) and I also have an opportunity to complete a Diploma of Nursing through TAFE online (starting March/April).
I would love to do the Diploma straight up, but was wondering if it would be more advantageous to complete the Cert 3 in Aged Care first?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Melanie

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Jan 18, 2009, 06:28 pm

Hi,

One of the advantages of doing the cert 3 first is you can work a bit in the industry first and see if its right for you. The downside is the cert 3 limits you to aged care where as diploma increases the chance of working in hospital. I found it good getting some grounding in aged care first (worked as PCA while studying) Hope this helps

Schizo

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Jan 20, 2009, 10:20 am

Cert 3 in Aging is very limiting to just careers in Age Care as an AIN but an Enrolled Nurse would certainly provide you with more job opportunities in the nursing field. With EEN you will need to dedicate 2 years full time or 4 years (thereabouts) part time to complete the course as compared to Cert 3 which can be done at a leisurely rate over 4 months - 6 months. I have worked in Aged care, whilst is rewarding it was limiting my options. I woulde certainly encourage you to look at EEN but if you must work to help pay off bills, then Cert 3 would be the way to go, however bear in mind, exemptions or credits from Cert 3 to be "carried" over to when you decide to do your TAFE for EEN is also very limited - sort of, might as well start from the beginning. All the best for whatever you choose to do. :)

amy12345

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Jan 20, 2009, 05:31 pm

Hello Melanie

I just was wondering if you could advise where you can do your enrolled nurse online ?

As I would be very interested in this option.

As for cert 3, I think it can be good to do so you can work while studying, however I dont think I would

do a 6 month course for this. There is some private providers where you can do it in about 8 weeks.

Of course this will cost you $1500 - $2000.

MelanieK

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Jan 20, 2009, 06:53 pm

Hi Gill, Schizo and Amy,

Thank you all for your advice. I have enrolled in the Certificate 3 in Aged Care at Kings International College. This course will give me a good grounding and experience and prepare me for my new career in Nursing. I start next Tuesday and am really looking forward to it.

Amy, the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE is offering the Diploma online. There are limited places, so if you are interested, give them a call and you can put your name on a waiting list. They are looking at starting the course sometime in April. The cost is approx $9,000 and is Austudy approved.
As I don't qualify for Austudy, I am completing my Certificate 3 first, then will hopefully be able to study the Diploma online while working.

Melanie.

amy12345

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Jan 21, 2009, 09:57 am

Thanks for the info Melanie

Wow $9000 - I am in SA and Tafe here is capped at approximately $2000 a year, so think I will wait till mid year entry here

mechboy

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Jan 27, 2009, 03:58 pm

Amy 12345,

Could you tell me which TAFE in SA are offering EEN online and if you have their contact details. I'm an engineer wanting to do EEN and was encouraged by my RN wife.

amy12345

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Jan 29, 2009, 06:47 pm

Hi

You can do it external thru Whyalla campus.

If you contact www.tafe.sa.edu.au they should be able to give you details.

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