Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Course Code HLT33115

Operating Theatre Technician

Enquire online

Local Students International Students

Duration

Full Time
5 months

Delivery

Mixed Delivery
On Campus

Intakes

Campus

Moorabbin

This course is not available for International Students

Free TAFE Course

You may be eligible to study this course for FREE.

Find out more

Overview

The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance provides practical training to become a skilled operating theatre technician, supporting surgical teams and ensuring patient safety. Delivered at Holmesglen’s Moorabbin campus, the course includes hands-on practical classes, blended theory, and tutorials in simulated hospital and operating theatre environments. Learn essential skills such as patient positioning, surgical assistance, sterile field management, and waste control. This course equips students with industry-relevant skills for a rewarding career in healthcare and surgical support.

Career Opportunities

Operating theatre technician

Pathway to further studies

Studying the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at Holmesglen

At Holmesglen, learners in the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance – Operating Theatre Technician Specialisation will gain hands-on, practical skills to work as an operating theatre technician. You’ll learn how to position patients, prepare and maintain operating rooms, assist surgical teams, support patients in recovery, manage waste, maintain cleanliness, and follow sterile field procedures.Learning is delivered by experienced and supportive teachers through practical classes, workshops, and tutorials in simulated hospital and operating theatre environments. This approach ensures you gain confidence and real-world experience, preparing you for a career in healthcare and surgical support.

Entry Requirements

• Be 18 years or older at course commencement (required for hospital placement) • Complete an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment • Participate in a Pre-Training Review (PTR) interview • Demonstrate clear English communication skills without a translator or translation device During the PTR interview, applicants discuss their motivation for entering healthcare, respond to course-related questions, and review LLN results to confirm suitability.Minimum LLN Requirement Applicants must demonstrate ACSF Level 3 competence in both English literacy and numeracy to engage successfully with course content and assessments.Pre-Placement Requirements Before starting mandatory clinical placement, learners must submit documentation to the Clinical Placement Office (via InPlace) by Week 4: • Completed Immunisation Record, including: Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Pertussis, Tuberculosis (if required), Influenza, COVID-19 (including booster) • Valid Employee Working with Children Check (WWCC) • Current Employee National Police Check (issued within 3 months of placement start)Note: Failure to provide documentation on time may result in placement delays or ineligibility.Holmesglen arranges mandatory practical placement at the end of the course for two weeks, giving learners hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting and completing workplace assessments.

Recognition of prior learning

You may be able to reduce the number of units to be studied in your chosen course by measuring skills acquired through work, life experiences or qualifications obtained from formal studies or training. AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by another registered training organisation will be recognised by Holmesglen. Read more about Recognition of Prior Learning, Credits and Advanced Standing.

Course Structure

Timetable

The HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance - operating theatre technician specialisation is delivered as a 12-unit implementation, with learners also required to complete the HSSHLT0006 Operating Theatre Technician Specialisation Skill Set to meet the full qualification requirements.To be eligible for the qualification, learners must successfully complete 15 units of competency, comprising: 12 units delivered through the main program: 7 core units 5 elective units3 additional elective units delivered as part of the HSSHLT0006 Operating Theatre Technician Specialisation Skill Set: HLTTHE001 – Handle and care for operating theatre equipment HLTTHE002 – Assist with preparation of clients for operative procedures HLTTHE003 – Provide intra-operative equipment and technical supportClasses are delivered at Holmesglen’s Moorabbin Campus, combining teacher-led instruction, simulated practical training, and online learning via Brightspace. The course runs for 17 weeks, followed by a compulsory 2-week industry placement in a perioperative or operating theatre environment.Simulated learning is conducted in purpose-built training spaces using theatre-specific equipment and scenarios to prepare learners for the demands of clinical placement and real-world surgical support roles. Learners engage in hands-on activities that reflect the workflows, safety protocols, and teamwork required in operating theatre environments.

Core units

Unit code	Unit name
HLTINF006	Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
HLTAAP001	Recognise healthy body systems
BSBMED301	Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
HLTWHS001	Participate in workplace health and safety
CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people
CHCCOM005	Communicate and work in health or community services
BSBWOR301	Organise personal work priorities and development

Elective units

Unit code	Unit name
HLTHSS003	Perform general cleaning tasks in a clinical setting
CHCCCS002	Assist with movement
CHCCCS020	Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
HLTHSS007	Handle medical gases safely
CHCCCS010	Maintain a high standard of service

Assessment

Assessments are designed to provide learners with opportunities to demonstrate they have attained the required skills and knowledge using a range of practically based activities and tasks, as required by recognised standards.

How to apply

We are no longer accepting new applications for this course. Please contact the Holmesglen Connect team at 1300 639 888 if you need further information.

Visit How to Apply for more information on the application process.

Recruitment

Holmesglen may engage third parties to recruit students on behalf of the institute. Third party recruiters receive a commission and this will not impact on your fees.

Find out more about your rights and obligations as a student and the services we provide at Holmesglen.

Outcomes

Qualification and Recognition

On completion of the 12 unit partial qualification and the 3 unit operating theatre technician skill set, students will qualify for the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Operating theatre technician)

Industry Connections

Fees

Tuition fees GST exempt	Cost
Full Fee	$7,185
Government subsidised	$1,721
Concession	$345
Free TAFE eligible student	FREE

Mandatory Non-Tuition Fees	Cost
General Services Fee	$80 Per Semester
General Services Fee (Concession)	$40 Per Semester

The General Services Fee (GSF) at Holmesglen is a mandatory annual fee applicable to all students enrolled in Certificate I through Advanced Diploma courses. This fee supports various student services such as counselling, welfare support, and learning assistance provided by our dedicated student support and wellbeing teams. For more details on the GSF and its specific allocations, please visit the <a title=" General Services Fee page" href="/current-students/course-resources/fees-and-payments/General-Services-Fee.html">General Services Fee (GSF) page</a>.

Additional Course Cost

Immunisation confirmation: $0-$500* (price will vary according to individuals) National Police Records Employee Check: $56 -$80* Employee Working With Children Check: $136* Uniform – Navy or Black medical scrubs top and pants - $70* Slip-resistant shoes (if required): $145* *Please note prices are an estimate only and subject to change

All fees are indicative only. Your fees will be calculated on your individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. <a href="/study-with-us/tafe-study/tafe-fees-and-funding">Find out now if you are eligible for Government-subsidised fees or Concession. </a>

Overview

Entry Requirements

Course Structure

How to Apply

Outcomes

Fees

FAQs

Enquire online

Upcoming open day

Upcoming open days description text

In the spirit of reconciliation, Holmesglen recognises and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and beyond on which we educate and train. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge our emerging leaders.

Explore Courses

Study Areas

Discover More

Career Resources

Popular Career Paths

Get Career Advice

Discover Career Stories

Why Holmesglen?

Popular Topics

Discover

Our Institute

Partners and Projects

Come and Visit Us

I'm looking for...