This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of senior operating theatre workers who provide assistance to operating theatre personnel.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Assist with preparation of clients for operative procedures | Core |
| Communicate and work in health or community services | Core |
| Handle and care for operating theatre equipment | Core |
| Implement and monitor infection prevention and control standards, policies and procedures | Core |
| Implement continuous improvement | Core |
| Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately | Core |
| Maintain work health and safety | Core |
| Provide intra-operative equipment and technical support | Core |
| Work legally and ethically | Core |
| Work with diverse people | Core |
| Assess competence | Elective |
| Conduct manual tasks safely | Elective |
| Confirm physical health status | Elective |
| Develop teams and individuals | Elective |
| Handle medical gases safely | Elective |
| Implement operational plan | Elective |
| Implement workplace information system | Elective |
| Lead effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Lead team effectiveness | Elective |
| Lead the work team | Elective |
| Plan and monitor continuous improvement | Elective |
| Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace | Elective |
| Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | Elective |
| Promote innovation in a team environment | Elective |
| Reflect on and improve own professional practice | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Operating Theatre Technician
ANZSCO 311214
Operating Theatre Technicians prepare and maintain operating theatres and their equipment, assist the surgical team during operations and provide support to patients in the recovery room.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Hospital Orderly
ANZSCO 423311
Transport patients around a hospital, provide patient care and ensure wards are tidy.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Health Industry Training Queensland (RTO code 32145)
Contact this provider
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Mayfield Education Inc (RTO code 3938)
Contact this provider
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SWC Training (RTO code 4567)
Contact this provider
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TIME Education and Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 40058)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.