Health Workforce
Last updated June 13, 2023
SHARE
First Nations Health Workers and Health Practitioners make a vital contribution to health care in Australia in both specialised service delivery and in a wide range of mainstream health care roles. Their roles may include enhancing the amount and quality of clinical services provided to First Nations clients, facilitating communication with First Nations people and communities, and practice administration and management.
Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP)
AHP’s provide clinical services to local First Nations communities. Aboriginal Health Practitioners are required to hold a Certificate IV Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice and be registered with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (ATSIHPBA) supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Aboriginal Health Practitioners perform a range of clinical practice and primary healthcare duties. Aboriginal Health Practitioners have a different pay scale to Aboriginal Health Workers. AHP’s can apply to have their own provider number which allows them to claim under the allied health item numbers following a 715 health assessment - 81300. (NSW Health)
AHP Education & Training
The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) offers the AHP course which can be funded (conditions apply) through Abstudy/Smart & Skilled for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander applicants.
The students do have to attend some face-to-face sessions in Sydney during the 24 months course duration, with learning modules conducted online.
The student also needs a clinical placement to complete workplace hours and observations.
- AH&MRC Aboriginal Health Practitioner Course
- Other AH&MRC Education & Training
- Ph. 02 9019 0730
- Email: education@ahmrc.org.au
AHP Resources
Aboriginal Health Worker
The Aboriginal Health Worker category includes the roles of Aboriginal Community Health Workers, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer and Aboriginal Liaison Officer. These roles are non-clinical and provide a variety of services in a community and/or hospital setting. These services include advocacy, support, liaison and health promotion.