Foundation Skills in Health & Wellbeing Level 2
Begin your journey to a career in healthcare with real experience and industry support.
The Health & Wellbeing (Primary Care Practice Assistance) programme gives you the skills and confidence to support clients in primary care settings, with a strong focus on working with Pasifika communities.
Learn on the job through a work placement in partnership with a primary care organisation, build your communication and teamwork skills, and get ready for a rewarding entry-level role in the health sector.
This programme helps students prepare for work in primary care settings like GP clinics and community health centres.
It teaches important skills for helping patients and healthcare teams, including clinical and admin tasks, communication, and caring for people from different cultures.
Students will do hands-on learning, real tasks, and get support to feel ready for work or more study in health.
The programme is made up of seven parts:
- Meaningful engagement and communication for primary care settings (15 credits): Students will learn how to talk to individuals, families, and whānau in a way that respects their identity and experiences.
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi in primary care practice (15 credits): Students will learn how to apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their work and understand how people and whānau are connected, especially when working with Māori as tangata whenua.
- Professional safety and quality primary care practice (15 credits): Students will learn how to work safely and professionally in a healthcare team, follow quality standards, and carry out basic clinical tasks under the supervision of a health professional.
- Pacific health and wellbeing in primary care practice (10 credits): Students will learn about health and wellbeing models and look at New Zealand’s health challenges from a primary care point of view. They’ll also understand the role of a primary care assistant and how they support people, whānau, and communities.
- Primary care assistance in the healthcare team (25 credits): Students will get supervised experience in a real primary care setting, working alongside healthcare professionals and supporting people using these services. They’ll apply the skills and knowledge learned in earlier parts of the course.
- Primary care practice assistance clinical tasks (20 credits): Students will put their learning into practice by carrying out basic clinical tasks in a supervised primary care environment, using the skills gained in earlier parts of the course.
- Administrative and quality systems in primary care practice (20 credits): Students will reflect on how their role fits into the wider health system, support people, whānau, and the healthcare team, carry out basic clinical tasks under supervision, and help with admin and quality systems to keep the practice running well.
To enrol in this course applicants must be at least 17 years old, a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and either meet the academic or experience requirements.
Academic Requirements
At least one of the following academic requirements:
- Level 1 NCEA credits in at least two subjects, or;
- A pass in at least 2 School Certificate subjects, or;
- A New Zealand Certificate in a relevant discipline at either Level 2 or Level 3, or equivalent
Experience
People who can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and experience gained through work experience may apply.
In addition to these requirements, in order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and child protection policies all applicants will be subjected to safety checks.
These include but are not limited to:
- Referee checks/Character reference checks
- Immunisation status as per NZ Government advice/mandate
- Police Vetting Check
- Checks against the Children’s Act 2014
- Checks against any other relevant legislation
- Drug and Alcohol tests
To find out more about whether you are eligible to study free, complete our Study For Free Quiz
After completing this course, graduates will have the skills needed for support roles within a primary care organisation.
They may find work as a Primary Care Practice Assistant, Medical Centre Assistant, Kaiāwhina, or in a Whānau Ora-focused role, assisting with both administrative and clinical tasks.
This qualification can also help them move on to further study in health and wellbeing or related fields including the New Zealand Certificate in Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 5), nursing studies, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing or other allied health subjects.
You will learn
In this Level 4 Health & Wellbeing course, you’ll learn how to work with people, families, and whānau in a caring and respectful way, while understanding how culture, values, and life experiences shape health needs.
You’ll learn about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how to apply it in your work, especially when supporting Māori as tangata whenua. You’ll also explore how people and whānau are connected, and how this shapes your role in a primary care setting.
As you study, you’ll build confidence in working safely and professionally as part of a health team. You’ll learn how to follow safe practices, support quality care, and reflect on how your role connects to the wider health and wellbeing sector in Aotearoa.
You’ll get hands-on experience performing basic clinical tasks under the direction of a health professional. You’ll also support your team and clients by helping with everyday admin and tasks in a health practice, building the practical skills you need to step into a job or further study.
Studying at OCA
At OCA, you’ll be supported every step of the way with our Whānau Ora support, including access to services at The Fono.
Our culturally inclusive and welcoming environment ensures you feel comfortable while learning and growing. You’ll also receive ongoing mentoring, even after you start working.
Learning at OCA is hands-on and designed to match your learning style.
This project-based approach includes workshop practice, theory sessions, and practical projects to help you build confidence. You’ll work in groups, get plenty of feedback, and receive one-on-one support from experienced tutors who know their industry inside out.
