
Introduction to Aged care
With an ageing population, there’s never been a better time to study aged care courses.
You’ll learn about the experience of older adults, and how to make a positive contribution to their quality of life.
Earn an aged care degree to work with individuals who need support, or serve your community through public health.
If you already work in health, an online aged care course will narrow your focus. You could learn how to recognise and accommodate the needs of older adults with dementia, or discover the power of art in boosting wellbeing.
Compare your options, and get expert advice on your study path, with Open Universities Australia.
Explore aged care courses
Discover aged care courses
Online aged care subjects and short courses
Undergraduate
TAS-FXA101- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 21 Jul 2025, 3 Nov 2025
Next enrolment closes 13 Jul
Creative Arts, Play and Mental Wellbeing
Undergraduate
TAS-FXA303- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Innovation, Creativity and Social Roles in Healthy Ageing
Undergraduate
USA-WELF2026- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
Undergraduate
USA-WELF3024- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online aged care degrees
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Community Wellbeing (Visual Art)
Undergraduate
USQ-CAV-DEGYour creativity can improve the lives of others
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Advanced Practice (Dementia)
Postgraduate
TAS-APD-MASLead the way with an evidence-based approach in dementia
- Study method
- 100% online
Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Care of the Older Person
Postgraduate
ECU-CCO-GCESpecialise in caring for older adults in various settings
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing
Undergraduate
UNE-CWW-DIPNurture individuals and communities
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
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Aged care study FAQs
What will I learn in an aged care course?
Depending on the course that you choose, you could learn:
how to cater to the unique needs and challenges of aging adults
how to recognise the needs of people living with dementia, and identify changes in behaviour
how to help people navigate the aged care system and maintain high standards of care.
Some aged care courses will introduce you to specialised or emerging topics, like creative therapy. You might even learn how pets can improve wellbeing!
What qualifications do I need to work in aged care?
It depends where you want to work in the sector. If you’d like to become a support worker, you can do so with an Aged Care Certificate III or IV. These are vocational certificates that you can earn through a TAFE or registered training organisation.
If you already have a certificate and you’d like to upskill, or you want to work in another level of aged care, you’re in the right place. The aged care degrees available through us quality you to step into important areas such as community wellbeing, case management, dementia care and palliative care.
Start discovering the full list of aged care courses, and chat with our student advisors to make sure you’re working towards the qualification you need.
What career opportunities are available in aged care?
With an ageing population and a growing need for healthcare workers, you’ll find plenty of career opportunities in aged care.
After studying one of the aged care courses available through Open Universities Australia, you could go on to explore one of these roles:
Aged care supervisor
Aged care facility manager
Aged care case manager
Dementia specialist
Aged care facility auditor
Caregiver for in-home assistance
Care services coordinator
You could also pursue further study in one of these areas to move into a more specialised career:
Nursing courses will help you qualify to work on the frontlines of aged care, providing essential support to people in a range of settings.
Psychology and mental health courses will train you to understand the experience of living as an older adult.
If you like to think big, public health courses provide pathways into careers in policy and advocacy, which could benefit aged care workers and older adults alike.
Do aged care courses include practical placements?
While most aged care courses can be completed 100% online, you can use Open Universities Australia to search for opportunities that combine online and on-campus study.
Courses in complementary areas like psychology and mental health can expand your scope for practical placements. Book a consultation to learn more about these opportunities.
Can I study aged care online and still gain hands-on experience?
Online aged care courses are designed to share the practical tools you’ll need to work in healthcare settings. From writing proposals for aged care programs to learning how to save lives through first aid, you can prepare yourself for hands-on experience while you study online.
What skills are important for a career in aged care?
Some of the most valuable skills might come from within. Allowing yourself to listen and respond with empathy will be essential to your aged care career. You’ll also learn to use practical skills including first aid and CPR, or music and dance.
Are there government funding or financial aid options for aged care courses?
Yes, if you're eligible you will be able to apply for a HELP loan to cover the cost of your course. This means the government will pay your fees, and you will pay them back through the tax system only once you're earning a suitable income. Ask our student advisors if you’re unsure, and read more about HELP loans, and other support that may be an option for you.
Some universities will also offer scholarships and bursaries for aged care degrees.
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