Advanced Certificate in Health Management

Study online and develop an insight into the scope and nature of the health industry. Acquire skills which can be applied in both mainstream and complimentary medicine. Understand management roles and responsibilities.

Course Code: VRE048
Fee Code: AC
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 900 hours
Qualification Advanced Certificate
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Discover how to Oversee a Range of Health-related Operations

As the nature of the health care industry changes it is difficult to predict the nature of job opportunities very far into the future. There is no doubt that there will be opportunities in health services; but it may be a mistake starting a 3 to 6 year qualification today and locking yourself into a study program that is setting what you will be studying 2, 3 or 4 years from now (when  everyone is predicting that most of the jobs 5 years from now have probably not even been conceived yet).

Study skills which can be applied to different areas of health as they evolve. 

Learn the skills to be successful in Health Management 

Health care services can be as diverse as the clientele they serve. 

  • Physical or psychological health
  • Preventative and responsive services
  • A foundation to work in any area of the health industry -care giving to administration.  
  • Increase your knowledge of the health, therapy, fitness and medical industries.

To be successful in establishing positive management practices will depend upon your attitude, ability to move with a changing field and quality background knowledge. 

Health care systems and services encompass a wide range of disciplines, therefore the paths towards your future career are endless.  You can direct your studies to your current area of expertise, or chose a new direction for yourself.  You can also make your learning bundle as focused or as broad as you need it to be. 

The Health Industry is changing faster than ever.  A high level of networking will provide the basis for ongoing success, this will allow you to become "connected" and remain "connected", so that you see and adapt to changes as your career moves forward.

Studying with ACS gives you, as a student, the basis of forming relationships and networks in the health care community, through the guidance and support of professional academics.  

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Advanced Certificate in Health Management.
 Health & Fitness I BRE101
 Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Biology 1A) BSC101
 Medical Terminology BSC109
 Disability Support BPS226
 Healthy Aging BPS225
 
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 4 of the following 39 modules.
 Business Operations VBS006
 Anatomy II (Human) BSC112
 Biochemistry I (Animal and Human) BSC103
 Biopsychology I BPS108
 Cell Biology BSC110
 Child Psychology BPS104
 Counselling Skills I BPS109
 Fitness Risk Management VRE104
 Human Nutrition 1 BRE102
 Personnel Management VBS107
 Stress Management VPS100
 Workplace Health & Safety VBS103
 Aged Care and Counselling BPS212
 Aquafitness BRE207
 Biochemistry II (Plant & Animal) BSC203
 Bioenergetics (Human Biology IB) BSC201
 Biopsychology II BPS204
 Child and Adolescent Mental Health BPS214
 Counselling Techniques BPS206
 Ethics BPS217
 Family Counselling BPS213
 Food Preparation - Foundations of Cooking BRE212
 Health & Fitness II BRE201
 Healthy Buildings I (Building Construction & Health) BSS200
 Human Nutrition II BRE202
 Managing Mental Health in Adults BPS216
 Medicinal Herbs BHT227
 Microbiology BSC209
 Resistance & Gym Supervision BRE206
 Therapeutic Nutrition BRE211
 Abnormal Psychology BPS307
 Business Coaching BBS304
 Children's Nutrition BRE304
 Health & Fitness III BRE301
 Healthy Buildings II (Building Environment & Health) BSS300
 Human Nutrition III BRE302
 Life Coaching BPS305
 Psychological Assessment BPS308
 Weight Loss Consultant BRE307
 

Note that each module in the Advanced Certificate in Health Management is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.


Staying Healthy is the Best Way to Address Health Issues

Physical and mental deterioration of the body may be something that is in the long term unavoidable, as a person ages. By staying healthy though, it is possible to greatly reduce the amount of time suffered, and the severity of health problems.

A health care worker can contribute significantly toward improving someone's quality off life, by helping them maintain an optimum level of health.

Some of the ways this can be done are:

By recognising stress we can avoid situations that bring it about and maximise situations that bring about the opposite response. We can unlearn behaviour that brings about a hostile response.

Also, for some disorders social isolation poses a greater risk than for those who are happily socially integrated. Defence against stress is also provided by a happy social environment. Where people have a sense of belonging, they tend to form part of a social network that is harmonious and gives them meaning in life and enables them to predict, control and cope. Goals become acceptable and attainable within a social network and the person values friendship above the acquisition of material resources (Friedman 1996).

Culture can also have a large impact. Japanese culture emphasises social interaction, inter-dependence, stability, cohesion, and group values far more than Western culture. Marmot and Syme (1976) carried out a study and found that Japanese people living a traditional lifestyle, but living in California, had a five times lower rate of coronary heart disease than Californians.

Meditation has been linked to a reduction in sympathetic nervous system domination and hyper-arousal (Bracke and Thoresen, 1996). The parasympathetic contribution is simultaneously strengthened.

Owning a pet also seems to have a positive correlation with mental health. Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower levels of fatty substances in the blood compared to non pet owners (Anderson et. al., 1992). There is no difference between types of pet so walking the dog cannot explain this phenomenon.

There is some, though rather weak, evidence that thinking positively can also help cancer patients. Sustained aerobic exercise can actually help in preventing heart disease and also alleviate depression and anxiety.

There are lot of alternative ways to alleviate stress.  eg: A massage once in a while is known to eliminate stress and make a person more relaxed.A float tank has been shown to be very effective at reducing stress. There are many other techniques equally as effective.

Where can this course lead?

All health industry employees need to understand health science to a degree; but many need more than that. They need to have knowledge and skills in management and business as well. We've all visited doctors surgeries and seen nurses, receptionists, office managers and behind the scene management. 

With the strong foundation gained through this course, you will have a great standing for any successful management career in private or public health care services – or to be used as a stepping stone for further study.  

The focus of this course is determined by you as a student, through the elective module choices you make.  Therefore, the outcome of this course will be different for each graduate.  This is ideal in a field that is highly varied and diverse. 

The following are just some of the opportunities that may be found:

  • Research and Development – within specific companies or as a self-employed consultant.
  • Health testing or assessment services – for example: medical laboratory testing, psychological assessments and development of medical testing equipment, both hardware or software.
  • Manufacturing health industry products – for example: Products sold in a Pharmacy, Health Food stores.
  • Preventative medicine
  • Community Health – aged care facilities, community based support groups/companies
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Psychological Health
  • Marketing - health services and products
  • Education -public education
  • Business Management and Development requires both management skills as well as a solid understanding of the health industry.

The sort of skills required by a good health practitioner are often not the same as what is needed to be a successful health services entrepreneur, innovator, educator or product developer.

ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding of the subject. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (8-9 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- an Advanced Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Jade Sciascia

Biologist, Business Coordinator, Government Environmental Dept, Secondary School teacher (Biology); Recruitment Consultant, Senior Supervisor in Youth Welfare, Horse Riding Instructor (part-completed) and Boarding Kennel Manager.
Jade has a B.Sc.Biol, Dip.Professional Education, Cert IV TESOL, Cert Food Hygiene.

Lyn Quirk

M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Over 30 years as Health Club Manager, Fitness Professional, Teacher, Coach and Business manager in health, fitness and leisure industries. As business owner and former department head for TAFE, she brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role as a tutor for ACS.

Tracey Jones (Psychologist)

B.Sc. (Psych), M.Soc.Sc., Dip.Social Work, P.G.Dip Learning Disability, Cert Editing, Cert Creative Writing, PGCE.
Member British Psychological Society, Member Assoc. for Coaching, Member British Learning Assoc.
25 years industry experience in writing, editing, education, psychology, and business. Tracey has several books and hundreds of articles published; in both fiction and non fiction.

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