CHC43015 requires 18 units total: 14 core units (mandatory) and 4 electives (your choice). Total nominal hours: ~1,200 hours including 120 hours work placement.
The 14 core units cover everything from dementia care to medication management. You can't skip any of them. The 4 electives let you specialize - most students choose dementia-focused units because they're in high demand. Your RTO will help you pick electives that match local job market needs.
Total Core Hours: ~785 hours (all 14 units are mandatory)
Don't assume all RTOs teach these units equally. Some rush through medication management in 2 days when it should take 2 weeks. Ask your RTO: "How many hours of face-to-face training for CHCAGE005?" If they say "self-paced online", that's a red flag. Medication administration requires supervised practice, not just reading PDFs.
Select 4 electives from the options below. Your RTO will guide you based on your career goals and local industry needs. Popular choices include dementia care, mental health, and communication.
Elective Selection Tips:
Case studies, short answer questions, and care plan development. Expect 2-4 written assessments per unit.
Supervised demonstrations of clinical skills (medication administration, wound care, manual handling). Must be observed by qualified assessor during work placement.
120 hours minimum in aged care setting. You'll compile evidence of tasks completed, supervisor feedback, and reflective journals.