Disability Support Courses

Future-proof your career with disability courses through Breakthru College.

Contact Breakthru College

Courses For Disability Care
Through Breakthru College

At Breakthru College, we’re dedicated to helping people with disability live the life they choose. This rewarding role means that you’ll be making a positive difference each and every day, and you’ll know that you’re fulfilling a role that only those with great compassion and understanding are capable of.

Breakthru College is proud to offer disability courses so that you can broaden your inherent skills and put them to use in an environment where they’re well-needed. Courses for disability care are personalised, self-paced, and nationally recognised qualifications that can fast-track your career while you make a difference to those who need it most.

At Breakthru College, our fully accredited disability courses are wholly responsive to industry needs and are available both online and face-to-face to meet today’s changing landscape.

courses for disability care and support

Study Disability Support with Breakthru College

In studying courses for disability care, you’ll be rewarded with a qualification that gives you a broad range of career paths you may be able to pursue. Whether you choose to study in-person or online, your qualification will open doors that perhaps you never knew existed, and could lead you to the most fulfilling role you’ve ever stepped into. You’ll receive career advice and study tips, and your dedicated trainer will provide tailored support through your learning journey.

Qualified, compassionate workers within the disability sector are highly regarded by potential employers and are well-respected within the general community for the caring work they do.

Regardless of whether you study in person or take online courses for disability support, you’ll learn the skills you’ll need to support somebody with a disability. Depending on the qualification you choose, you may also learn advanced care and support skills, and how you can best assist clients living with a disability. Career paths your qualification may lead to include:

  • Disability team leader
  • Support assistant
  • Behaviour support worker
  • Day support disability
  • Senior disability worker
  • Disability service officer
  • Residential care assistant
  • NDIS worker
  • NDIS disability support worker
  • Behavioural support officer
  • Support officer
  • Disability team leader
  • Support assistant
  • Behaviour support worker
  • Day support disability
  • Senior disability worker
  • Disability service officer
  • Residential care assistant
  • NDIS worker
  • NDIS disability support worker
  • Behavioural support officer
  • Support officer

Our Disability Courses

CHC33021:
Certificate III in Individual Support
 

A Certificate III in Individual Support enables you to start a fulfilling career in the community services, disability, or aged care industry.

This nationally recognised qualification takes six to 12 months depending on the mode of delivery, which can be through classroom or online learning. There are 15 total units and there is a mandatory work placement requirement of 120 hours. 

Entry requirements include a National Police Certificate, a Working With Children Check, a vaccination record check, and a Code of Conduct check.

CHC43121:
Certificate IV in Disability Support

A Certificate IV in Disability Support aims to give you the skills to take a person-centred approach to empower people with disabilities and help them to achieve greater levels of independence.

The Certificate IV in Disability Support takes six to 12 months to complete depending on the mode of delivery, either via classroom or online, and contains 10 units in total. 

To participate in this course there is a pre-requisite of a completed CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).

Short Courses 

If 6 to 12 months isn’t feasible for you, one of our short courses may be what you’re looking for. These give you the opportunity to upskill and get a taste of a full qualification before you commit to it, which makes them a great option for school leavers or those considering a career change.

We offer a broad range of accredited short courses such as those in Individual Support – Disability Support and Mental Health.

Our Disability Course Locations

Breakthru College offer disability courses at various locations across New South Wales and Queensland. Discover our current locations where we periodically offer disability courses in person. Contact us to find out when specific courses will be available at a location near you.

Available course locations include: Sydney, Dubbo, Brisbane and Townsville.

Disability in Australia

As understanding and recognition of disability grows, and as our population grows, disability support workers are needed now more than ever. Around 4.4 million Australians have a disability and the likelihood of a person having a disability increases with age. If the number of support workers stays the same or falls, this means that many people who need assistance in their everyday lives will not be able to access the support they need.

While some people with a disability receive help from family or friends, in many cases these people are not qualified and often perform their duties for free and are subject to burnout. About 10.8% of Australians are carers, which equates to approximately 2.65 million people. This work is admirable but often unsustainable in the long term, and may not always be the specific help a person needs.

As such, the need for support workers is growing and ongoing skills development is crucial. Job trends show that training centres for disability support workers are more important than ever, and can provide excellent career outcomes for those with a genuine interest.

disability support worker courses to assist in the community

Your Disability Courses Questions Answered

How long is a disability course in Australia?

The length of time it takes to complete a disability course is generally between 6 and 12 months. This varies depending on the method of delivery (in person or online) and the amount of training hours per week.

How much does it cost to study disability in Australia?

Funding options vary depending on your location and personal situation. We have access to subsidised training in both New South Wales and Queensland for eligible learners through the State Government funding bodies.
To find out more about the costs of courses for disability care, contact breakthru College for course fees.

What is the difference between Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability?

In general, higher qualifications allow you to work in your field with greater autonomy. A Certificate III in Individual Support is what’s known as an entry-level qualification in Individual Support and is generally relevant to direct support workers. A Certificate IV in Disability is a more advanced qualification within the disability sector, and is more relevant to Disability Support Team Leaders and Support Coordinators.
When it comes to course content, a Certificate III in Individual Support reflects the role of workers in the community or in a residential setting and is concerned with established person centred behaviour, and a Certificate IV in Disability is focused more around empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence.

Do the courses include practical experience in disability support?

Both Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate IV in Disability require students to complete 120 hours of mandatory work placement, which is a form of practical experience.

What education pathways can these courses be included in?

Students who complete Certificate III in Individual Support may choose to go on to study Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Certificate IV in Disability, or any other Certificate IV level qualification.
Students who complete Certificate IV in Disability may choose to continue their education with a Diploma of Community Services.
Completing one of these courses allows you to further study for a diploma or bachelor-level qualification.

Can I get recognition of prior learning (RPL)?

Yes, if you have completed studies in the past or have relevant work experience you may get recognition of prior learning (RPL) when enrolling in Breakthru College. To find out more about your individual circumstances and if you may qualify for RPL, contact us at Breakthru College.

Is disability support a good career path?

Disability support is an excellent career path for those who are motivated and compassionate. The need for support workers is increasing, so job security is high, and those who love their role find that it brings them a lot of job satisfaction.

What career opportunities can arise from completing the disability support courses at Breakthru College?

Upon completion of our disability support courses, you can find employment in a variety of roles within the disability sector. This can range from disability support worker positions in community settings to case management roles in disability services. Our course prepares you to provide individualised support and promote social inclusion, offering numerous job opportunities in this rewarding field. 

Does Breakthru College offer online disability courses?

Yes, we offer online disability courses at Breakthru College. The online study format allows you to learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with your other responsibilities. Whether you’re considering a certificate III or an advanced diploma, we have online courses to meet your needs. 

How will I benefit from the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?

Our Certificate III course is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide person-centred services to people with disabilities. You’ll learn to assist individuals in achieving greater levels of independence and self-reliance, promoting their community participation and understanding their complex needs. 

What career outcomes can I expect after completing a course in disability support at Breakthru College?

After successfully completing our disability support courses, you’ll be well-equipped to enter the disability industry. Career outcomes could include working as a support worker, coordinating person-centred service responses in a small team, or even progressing into more specialized roles dealing with individualised support for people with disabilities. 

How do disability support courses at Breakthru College help in understanding legal and ethical compliance in the disability sector?

At Breakthru College, our disability support courses incorporate a strong emphasis on understanding legal and ethical compliance. We provide you with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other key regulations that guide safe work practices in the disability sector. 

Can I transition from aged care to disability support after completing a disability course at Breakthru College?

Yes, the skills and knowledge you acquire in our disability support courses are highly transferrable. Our courses equip you with a broad understanding of person-centred care, be it in aged care or disability care. As both sectors value the ability to provide individualised support, you’ll find numerous job opportunities in either field. 

What kind of practical experience can I gain from the disability support courses at Breakthru College?

As part of our disability support courses, you’ll gain hands-on experience through work placements in disability services. These placements allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, enhancing your skills and ensuring you are job-ready upon course completion. 

What kind of additional support is available to online disability course students at Breakthru College?

We offer a range of support services to our online students. From navigating our online learning platform to understanding assessment requirements, our team is here to help. We also provide career advice to guide you in the right direction, ensuring your studies lead you towards your desired career outcomes. 

What are the average salary expectations for a disability support worker in Australia?

The average salary for a disability support worker varies depending on the level of experience, location, and specific role. However, more than the financial aspect, working as a disability support worker offers a rewarding career filled with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of diverse people. For more specific salary information, we recommend consulting our free course guide or using our navigator tool. 

News & Events

How to become an NDIS Disability support worker

How to become an NDIS Disability support worker

Across the many occupations available today, becoming a NDIS Disability Support Worker is one of the most rewarding roles Australia has to offer. With its fast-paced environments, ever-changing client needs, and diverse working arrangements, this role is something...

read more
How to become an Aged Care Worker

How to become an Aged Care Worker

Are you looking to secure a meaningful and rewarding job in the aged care sector? Have you been thinking about becoming an Aged Care Worker and working with some of Australia's most vulnerable citizens? Today, working as an Aged Care Worker, or an Aged Care Social...

read more
Rising Star: Equity Student of the Year

Rising Star: Equity Student of the Year

On 29 July 2023, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) hosted the North Queensland Training Awards at Quayside Terminal, Townsville. Recognising achievements since 1962, the Queensland Training Awards highlights outstanding organisations...

read more

Pin It on Pinterest