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Population Health

Diploma of Population Health


As an auspiced campus of Health Industry Training (HIT), a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), GPQ provides nationally accredited qualifications from the Health and Community Services Training Packages.

GPQ offers the Diploma of Population Health tailored to reflect the current primary health care environment.

Overview

Delivery A blended teaching approach including:
  • face-to-face workshops 
  • online materials
  • teleconference
Suitable for: Health workers including program/project, manager/coordinator, health promotion, senior project staff
Fees The full qualification cost is $4,000 + GST (A payment plan is available for full fee paying students)

GPQ and HIT have access to a range of government subsidies to support students; for information on eligibility, please contact Training Services at training@gpqld.com.au or phone 07 3105 8300
Duration 18 months
Start date July 2012
Enrolments Click here to enrol

**Enrolment due Friday 25 May 2012**

A population health approach assesses health status and health status inequities of the population as a whole as characterised by geography, age, culture or other defining features over the lifespan. Key principles which underpin a population health approach include a preventative focus with a focus on building individual / community capacity to control health determinants for a better quality of life; sensitivity to access and equity issues / health inequalities; sensitivity to cultural differences; health as a resource for everyday living and not as an end in itself and the application of an evidence based approach to planning.

Study in this area adds value to those with existing specialist / health qualifications. For example, a person who possesses a health professional or other qualification could expand their expertise by undertaking one of these courses. It is also designed for workers who may contribute to the implementation of population health projects / programs by undertaking population health planning. These workers may also be responsible for managing the work of others or a team.

Outline

There are 22 competency units required for this qualification including 10 compulsory units and 12 elective units. 

For further information regarding the qualification, please refer to the official HLT51007 Diploma of Population Health Overview

Facilitators

The course facilitators have extensive experience in the health care sector including nursing, allied health, population health, public health, mental health, chronic disease and aged care.

Additionally, one facilitator is an Accredited Trainer: Flinders Certificate of Competency in Chronic Condition Self-Management and a number of the other facilitators are International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Accredited Trainers in Community Engagement.

Guest facilitators are invited to contribute to the course in accordance with their specialist experience and expertise.

Fees

The full qualification cost is $4,000 + GST (A payment plan is available for full fee paying students)

GPQ and HIT have access to a range of government subsidies to support students. For more information on eligibility, please contact Training Services at training@gpqld.com.au or phone 07 3105 8300GPQ and HIT have access to various learner subsidies. 

Fees include:
  • delivery by qualified facilitators
  • a student workbook and learning materials
  • access to a student listserve
  • a student-only webpage
  • ongoing learning and study support
  • certificate of attainment for units completed (partial completion)/or full qualification upon course completion (full completion)

Attendance

The 18 month course is self paced and delivered through online, teleconference and face-to-face sessions. 

All students are encouraged to attend the face-to-face workshops and teleconference sessions. (Please note: Costs incurred to attend the workshop are not included in the Fees)

Student support is offered by the course facilitators through a student website, listserve, workplace visits or meetings.

Enrolments

Click here to enrol.

**Enrolment due Friday 25 May 2012**

FAQ's

If the answer to your question is not included, please contact Training Services on 07 3105 8300, training@gpqld.com.au or submit an online Student Enquiry.


Is this course nationally recognised?

The course is a nationally recognised statement of attainment that provides recognition of prior learning (RPL) for future courses you may  wish to undertake.

It is important to note that articulation of diploma qualifications into university level study is a complex area that is constantly evolving. It is recommended that you contact tertiary institutes directly when seeking information about course recognition.

Are there any course prerequisites?

Students must have completed a Cert III or IV or have experience working in a relevant sector.  Experience in relevant sectors is assessed on a case by case basis and is usually satisfied by evidence of a position description signed by an immediate supervisor.

How are the courses delivered?

The course delivery methodology is deliberately flexible to accommodate a range of individual learning needs and styles.  Our facilitators use a blended teaching approach that includes a combination of face-to-face, online and teleconferences.

These delivery methods allow students to undertake study without requiring too much time away from work or home whilst allowing for interaction with the course facilitators and other students.

The course is completed in 18 months from the beginning of the intake with assessments spread throughout the course duration. 

This schedule allows the course facilitators to assess competency as the student progresses through the course with face-to-face sessions providing for interactive activities and group work, whereas the teleconference tend to be more didactic and content/information based.

Everything you need to complete your studies is included in your course pack including your learners guide and final assessment. GPQ does however recognise that students can sometimes feel isolated when studying via distance education and we are therefore committed to providing constant assistance from experienced course facilitators via phone, email, or online. 

Onsite meetings are available and students are welcome to advise their course facilitators if they are visiting Brisbane and would like a one-on-one meeting to discuss their progress.

What if I cannot attend one of the learning sessions?

It is preferable that students attend the face-to-face sessions, but we do appreciate that this is not always possible.

Students have access to all learning materials used in face-to-face sessions or /teleconferences following each delivery. These are available via the student area of the GPQ website.

A student support teleconference is scheduled after each session to provide a further opportunity for students to discuss material, assessments or the course in general.

How can I access study support?

GPQ is committed to providing the best possible assistance to students. Students are encouraged to phone or email for assistance.  All questions are handled confidentially.

How much time will I need to allow for course study?

The amount of time devoted to completing each unit is very dependent on individual study habits of each student.

As a guide, students should plan to spend an average of four hours of study per unit. This may vary depending on the assessment requirements and time needed to read relevant course materials, conduct research and complete assessment activities.

If students are unsure about your capacity to undertake this course, please Training Services at training@gpqld.com.au

Can I apply for a credit transfer?

Yes.  All students who have completed course units with other training organisations, and which directly articulate to the Diploma of Population Health are eligible for a credit transfer. 

To discuss further, or to obtain an application form, contact Training Services at training@gpqld.com.au

Can I apply for recognition of prior (RPL) learning?

Yes. All prospective students can apply for RPL.

Applications for RPL should be submitted prior to enrolment to ensure that students do not complete unnecessary units. Students will only be expected to participate in and complete units in which they have not received RPL for.

RPL is an assessment process which acknowledges your previous learning and experience towards a qualification.  RPL is a process to determine your skills and knowledge based on evidence of your past achievements or through demonstrating your skills and abilities.  The aim recognition is to reduce unnecessary repetition of previous learning and to achieve a qualification in less time (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011).

The RPL process requires the individual to gather comprehensive evidence to prove their learning and experience against the performance criteria of a particular ‘unit descriptor’.  To access the full range of Diploma of Population Health unit descriptors, click here .  This evidence will then need to be authentic, and in most cases, certified.  An assessor will then map evidence against the unit/s descriptor performance criteria (also known as competencies) that you wish to have recognised.  An assessor must feel confident that a student has provided sufficient evidence against the unit descriptor’s performance criteria before RPL can be granted. The types of evidence you will need to gather for RPL are likely to include:

Common types of supporting documents

Supporting documentation Examples and recommendations
Training qualifications and experience Examples include: Qualifications, statements of attainment, resume. Job experience, documentation of study completed through Registered Training Organisations in the area being assessed, documentation of in-house industry training completed, and details of mentoring in the workplace.
Some recommendations:
  • Sighting of originals of certificates or certified copies and descriptions of relevant content of courses or training
  • Copies of current and previous job descriptions which have been verified as authentic
  • Descriptions of current role, professional experiences or voluntary work
  • References from an appropriate person to verify learners work history
Samples of work Examples include: sample products of work, relevant reports or professional records, meeting attendance, diary entries, client records, event plans for contractors, project plans and evaluation. Records include any information that show what work has been done and when it was undertaken e.g. meeting minutes and actions.
Some recommendations:
  • Explanations of the context of the work behind the planning for an event or end result
  • How the work meets the desired outcome and followed any relevant policies, procedures or guidelines
  • Where possible, documentation should be signed and verified by a manager or line supervisor
Statements of support and supervisor's reports Examples include: statements by people who have seen the student demonstrate the required skills and can support their claim for competency. For example clients, contractors, suppliers, management committee members, co-workers at the same level, supervisors or someone from another organization with whom learners have worked on a particular project.
Some recommendations:
  • Provide professional details and contact details of the person supporting the claim
Case studies A case study can be based on real life situations from the student's work that demonstrate their skills, understanding and knowledge of many areas. It can demonstrate the student's problem solving and decision making skills in working with clients, venue staff, volunteers, performers, contractors, suppliers and or committees.
Some recommendations:
  • Student's must provide sufficient detail and discuss fully the points required in each competency or cluster to be deemed competent
Direct observation Student's may wish to arrange for the RPL assessor to observe them performing relevant tasks either in their workplace or other environments that demonstrate competency against the performance criteria of the appropriate unit descriptor.

Reference – ‘RPL Made Simple’, Commonwealth of Australia – licensed under AEShareNet S Licence

If you wish to discuss RPL requirements, or to proceed with the RPL process, please contact Training Services at training@gpqld.com.au or 07 3105 8300. 

Before getting in touch, please make sure that you are clear about:
  • Which units you believe you are able to have recognised.  Refer to the Diploma of Population Health unit descriptors to help you make this decision.
  • The sorts of evidence that are currently available to you (use the examples listed above as a guide).
  • A comprehensive history of relevant work experience.
  • The names of two people that can be contacted to verify the information that you provide the assessor with.
For further information about the application process, contact Training Services at training@gpqld.com.au or 07 3105 8300. 

What career pathways does completion of a qualification in Population Health offer?

The Diploma of Population Health is a nationally recognised qualification covering skills required for a range of population health programs.

This qualification provides an entry level for population health work or as an additional qualification to those with existing specialist/clinical health qualifications/health projects or programs by applying significant judgement in carrying out broad plans set by population health professionals. These workers may be responsible for managing the work of others. Occupational titles may include:
  • Community Development Worker
  • Project Manager
  • Community Health Worker
  • Senior Project Officer
  • Health Promotion Coordinator
Population health workers are employed by community services providers, local government and health services. Population health workers play a role in:
  • Working to improve the health status of communities
  • Monitoring sanitation to help keep community clean and safe from disease
  • Promoting health and wellbeing of people in communities through things like stop smoking campaigns
  • Working with different groups in local communities

What if I feel I am unable to complete the qualification?

GPQ is committed to providing a supportive and flexible learning environment with the expectation that all students are aware of work and personal commitments before enrolment.

If you are experiencing difficulties completing the study, please contact your course facilitators to discuss options for study support or guidance.

  • Deferment: Students undertaking the training using the Productivity Places Program are not able to defer their study.  Full-fee paying students should contact GPQ for further information.
  • Withdrawal: All students must complete a withdrawal form.  Please contact GPQ for further information
  • Requests for refunds (All students): Please click here to access a copy of the policy.


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