A career in caring for people

A group of 18 students celebrated being the first Mater Education cohort to graduate with a HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

Student Myra Lorenzini addressed the graduands, sharing her excitement to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare.

“My favourite part of the program was the patient interaction and the repport I was able to build with patients through their everyday care. It was so rewarding when people came to say thank you and good bye when they were going home or onto rehab.”

Originally an assistant accountant, Myra enrolled in the Mater Education course as a pathway to a new career in caring for people.

“I would tell anyone looking at the program to go for it! You won’t be disappointed,” said Myra.

Mater Education Programs Manager Melanie Barlow congratulated students and thanked them for establishing a new chapter in Mater’s history― as the first graduating cohort of the Health Services Assistance program.

“In a single touch, in a simple smile or in a nod of understanding, you have the ability to change someone’s day and be present in a time of need. The greatest impact can come from the smallest of gestures.”

The new Mater Education course gives students the knowledge and skills to work in a dynamic health environment, helping health professionals take care of clients in roles including assistant in nursing, patient care attendant, personal carer, orderly and wards person.

Students had the invaluable benefit of training onsite at Mater’s world-class clinical simulation facility, where expert clinicians assisted learning through a practical approach, prior to vocational placement at Mater.