Student Support Program | Open Days | FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

These Frequently Asked Questions have been provided as a guide for prospective students. Victorian College of Health Care Education recommends that you ask these questions to staff at any other Institution in which you are interested in attending.

Victorian College of Health Care Education is happy to arrange private meetings with prospective students and their parents, and to answer any detailed questions about the College that you may have.


1) What is a Private Provider / Private Tertiary Institution?
A Private Tertiary Institution is a privately owned Registered Training Organisation (RTO). A RTO is registered by the State Government to run training and courses. All courses offered by Victorian College of Health Care Education are government recognised and approved State and National courses.

RTO’s are audited at regular intervals to ensure ongoing compliance with government legislation. VCHE is fully compliant with all government regulations.

 

2) What courses are offered by the College?
All courses offered by VCHE are government accredited, and include the following:

  • Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Training)
  • Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice, Diploma of Remedial Massage, Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy), Certificate III in Nutrition and Dietetic Assistance
  • Diploma of Practice Management

 

3) What is covered in my course fee?
All enrolment costs, any Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) costs, Orientation, Transition Programs, costs of all lectures, tutorials and practicals, copies of all lecture notes, course manuals, library access and borrowing rights, internet access at the College, advanced learning tutorials, practical sessions at community events, outside excursions, insurance, end of semester celebrations!

Unlike many other Colleges, there are no extra charges, hidden charges, administrative charges, enrolment charges or any other extra fees charged beyond the published course costs. The only exception to this is a small surcharge for Credit Card fees if you pay monthly.


4) What is not covered in my course fee?
Prescribed textbooks, massage tables, College T-shirt, private insurance costs (if charging clients for treatment services).

Note that the College receives a 15% discount from RRP for textbooks. This discount is given to the students. This means that the College does not profit from selling books (or any other purchase) to students. Note that a 1.5% credit charge will apply for students purchasing textbooks by credit card

 

5) Does the government pay any costs?
The College receives no government funding.

 

6) Are payment plans available?
Yes. Vic College offers payment up-front, or monthly. There are no extra “administration” charges for monthly payments. However, in line with new credit card charges, the College has a 2% credit charge on monthly payments only. Textbook charges and other purchases will also attract a 2% credit charge.

 

7) Am I eligible for Youth Study / AUSTUDY / ABSTUDY?
All Full Time students of government approved courses may be eligible for government assistance. Contact Centrelink for further information.


8) What government regulations does the College need to fulfil?
All RTO’s must comply with the Australian Qualification and Training Framework, which covers the following areas:

  • College procedures and accountability
  • Compliance with government regulations
  • Financial management
  • Administration and record keeping
  • Recognition of prior qualifications
  • Access and equity
  • Lecturer / Trainer qualifications and competence
  • Student assessment
  • Teaching strategies
  • Issuing qualifications and Student Statements of Results
  • Proper use of National and State logos
  • Ethical marketing and advertising

The College is proud to comply with all these standards.

 

9) I have completed some subjects at University / other tertiary education institutions. Can I have this learning (recognised)?
Yes – the College has a Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) procedure. This means that any tertiary learning completed elsewhere does not need to be repeated as part of your course. The costs of any modules for which you are not enrolled are deducted from your course fees. This procedure is free for any enrolled student at the College.


10) What subjects do I need to have to enter Victorian College of Health Care Education?
There are no pre-requisites for any Certificate IV courses at the College.

As of 2007, students wishing to enrol in the Diploma of Remedial Massage or Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy must have a completed the previous level course.

 

11) What ENTER do I need to enter Victorian College of Health Care Education?
There is no prescribed ENTER score for any course. Students with low ENTER scores tend to find academic success at Vic College, as our teaching style, extra remedial programs and small class sizes cater to individual learning needs. Please contact the College if you wish to inquire about our specialised learning programmes.


12) How many students are accepted into each course?
For most courses, the minimum class size is 8 fully enrolled students. The maximum for any course is 30 students. For practical subjects and tutorials there are no more than 12 students in a class. The College believes that this is the ideal size for “hands on” subjects such as Fitness, Massage or Myotherapy.


13) Can I defer my course?
Yes – students often defer for either six month or a year. A student may defer from a course at the time of enrolment: this means that the enrolment is confirmed for the next academic year. Students cannot usually defer for more than one year. Students can also defer during the year if they find themselves unable for any reason to continue. A student can return to the College the following year at the commencement of the semester at which they deferred.


14) Will the College help me get a job?
The College will be able to assist you with finding your outside practical components. The College can help with placements and letters of recommendation. Students often use their placement as a stepping stone for paid employment, either at the placement itself or through other contacts.


15) Can I use this course as a stepping stone to get into other courses (eg Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic)?
Many students have entered other tertiary institutions, and received prior learning credits for their completed modules at Victorian College of Health Care Education. Students are advised to contact these institutions directly.

 

16) Can I get WorkCover and Private Insurance Provider Numbers after graduation?
Yes. All students that graduate with a Diploma-level or Advanced Diploma-level qualification are eligible to join professional organisations. After becoming a member of a professional organisation, you can apply for Provider Numbers.