Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support (Z2H)

The Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support aims to draw upon the established principles and values of primary health care, human rights frameworks and community advancement. Using strength-based approaches such as reablement, recovery, community engagement and codesign, applied through case management and care coordination models, graduates will be able to work with individuals, families and communities to optimise and advocate for supportive partnerships and quality, evidence-based outcomes. Furthermore, the course will bring together the vocational streams of health, community and social services, equipping graduates with the capacity to relate biological, sociological, cultural, environmental and lifestyle factors to health and wellbeing.

CLO1 Engage in strength- based collaborations with individuals, families, service providers and communities to plan and deliver consumer- centred services that promote positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

CLO2 Identify, evaluate and communicate evidence and data to inform quality practice and service delivery.

CLO 3 Apply knowledge of health and wellbeing principles and practices, cultural awareness and ethics when working with diverse groups, processes and organisations.

CLO4 Identify, analyse and apply knowledge of health and community service reforms, regulations, standards and governance for sustainability and continuous quality improvement.

CLO 5 Use reflective practice, effective communication and business skills to guide decision-making and lead and manage people and activities.

Experiential education and work integrated learning approaches are central to the Associate Degree in Applied Health and Community Support. Students will therefore learn through project and problem-based learning activities such as field work, case studies (local and international), action learning, design thinking, simulated environments, placements, data for decision making, wicked problems and more. These approaches ensure practical experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment and that students have the opportunity to develop work-related skills, knowledge and behaviours.

In the first year of an associate degree, students are introduced to learning through practice and exposed to authentic experiences that develop skills and understandings related to industry, community or global needs. Students engage with (i) a range of methods and approaches to practice, (ii) principles and perspectives such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership in real world scenarios, (iii) reflection and deliberative thinking as a means of developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations, and (iv) ways of understanding problems and developing solutions through active inquiry.

A key component of the course, which is established in the first year, is a Practice Manual. The Practice Manual contains all portfolio requirements for the course, including the Professional Development Plan (PDP) and is a collection of evidence that highlights personal, academic and professional development. Dedicated teachers are in coaching roles to support you to continuously develop your Practice Manual over the duration of the course. This involves working with you to determine what evidence best highlights your ability to apply theory in practice, and what activities and experiences showcase your achievement in terms of transferable skills, professional attributes, technical skills and knowledge, and so forth.

The second year of an associate degree builds on the concept of learning through practice by introducing students to more complex learning experiences. Students are therefore introduced to (i) discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations, (ii) concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others, (iii) the development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice, and (iv) the nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills, and creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice. In addition, students are expected to exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage themselves and professional relationships effectively. On completion of the two years, students are expected to have a fully developed Practice Manual that highlights all their achievements, including the development of transferable skills and professional attributes, so they leave with a tangible asset that showcases what industry are looking for.