Diploma of Health, Southern Cross University

Lismore, New South Wales - Aus

12 Months

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About this course

The Diploma of Health is designed to provide students with clarity about their future in health professions, offering pathways into various health-related careers. Graduates can pursue roles such as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, lab assistants, and case workers. The course also serves as an entry point into many Bachelor degrees, with the ability to earn credits for further study at Southern Cross University. Offered through SCU College, the program supports diverse learning experiences with carefully designed curriculum and online resources. Students choose a specialization like exercise science, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychology, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, nursing, naturopathic studies, or counselling, preparing them for further study or working in health support roles.

Why this course is highly recommended

The Diploma of Health is highly valued because it offers a clear pathway into various health careers and further qualifications. With a high employment rate post-graduation — 81% of graduates are employed full-time within four months — the course prepares students for a broad range of roles in the health sector. Additionally, it provides credits towards numerous Bachelor degrees, giving students a head start in advancing their qualifications. The course’s flexible locations and durations, along with interactive teaching methods based on the Southern Cross Model, make it accessible, engaging, and geared toward student success.

Specialisation

Students select a specialization within the Diploma of Health to tailor their studies toward specific disciplines. These include exercise science and physiology, occupational therapy, community welfare, psychological science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, naturopathic studies, nursing, medical laboratory science, counselling, and more. Each specialization offers targeted units to develop relevant skills and knowledge, and some paths include placements and practicum experiences. Not all specializations are available at all locations, so students should check specific details for their chosen venue.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

17.80L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To complete the Diploma of Health, students must undertake 8 units totaling 96 credit points, selecting one specialization such as nursing, exercise science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, psychological science, community welfare, naturopathic studies, or counselling. Some specializations, particularly nursing, may offer pathways to direct entry into further degrees like the Bachelor of Nursing, with additional entry requirements such as IELTS scores. Many units involve assessments in Week 7 which may require on-campus attendance, and there are prerequisites for certain units related to anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and evidence-based health practices.

English language test

IELTS

5.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates of the Diploma of Health can find employment in a variety of supportive roles within the health sector, including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, disability support workers, case workers, and lab assistants. While the diploma does not qualify graduates to practice as fully registered health professionals, it opens doors to entry-level positions in healthcare environments. It also provides a pathway into numerous Bachelor degrees, which can lead to more advanced professional roles in areas like nursing, occupational therapy, sports science, community welfare, mental health, and medical science.

FAQs

Can I study this course online?

Yes, the course is offered online with a highly interactive delivery method. However, some online units, except for Psychological Science, require mandatory on-campus attendance for assessments or learning activities.

What are the entry requirements for international students?

International students need an IELTS overall score of 5.5, with specific subscore requirements depending on the specialization, matching the same criteria as domestic students. Academic qualifications from English-medium countries are also accepted.