CQU’s online delivery means distance is no barrier for Natasha

By Greg Chapman

Central Queensland and Tasmania may be miles apart, but CQUniversity’s online Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice course has helped Natasha Hutton continue her vital role supporting First Nations people with their health journeys.

Natasha, a proud Mellukerdee woman, and allied health practitioner for Rural Health Tasmania’s No 34. Aboriginal Health Service, has seen her knowledge and skills bloom since completing the course.

“In my role I work with clients, supporting them in their health journey and providing advocacy and support, transport, and clinical procedures,” she said.

“I was initially approached by my trainer who offered me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and qualifications. This has led to another role within my organisation which is exciting for our clients.”

Natasha said she relished the challenge of the course and was bolstered by the support she received from her employer.

“I am very fortunate that my employer was supportive in allowing me to study whilst at work. If I didn’t have this support, it would have been very difficult due to other family commitments I have outside work hours,” she said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the residential school, being a hands-on experience and able to explore freely with the advice of my lecturers who were full of great support and knowledge.

“I did study at home when time permitted, but family life is also important and sacrificing that time was something my family also understood when needed." 

Natasha said she also enjoyed visiting CQU’s Rockhampton campus for the residential school component of the course.

“The training I received helped expand my knowledge and being able to identify a range of health identifiers in my current job and being comfortable to provide education and support to my clients with their health needs.”

Natasha encouraged anyone interested in the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice to enrol.

“This role is an important one in delivering culturally appropriate health care to our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients,” she said.

“It focuses on a range of different health issues, but mainly focuses a lot on those illnesses affecting our mob in the community.”

The Certificate III and Cert IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice are available for eligible Queenslanders under the Fee-Free TAFE program at CQU – for online study, with on-campus residential schools in Rockhampton. 

Funding eligibility restrictions may apply to some courses – for more information please visit the CQUniversity Fee Free TAFE webpage