Cassandra's Compass
Educate Yourself Formally
Nationally recognised Australian qualifications, free MOOCs, and professional development courses — for care workers, nurses, students, and family carers.
Aged care and dementia care is one of the most complex, demanding, and emotionally significant fields in Australian healthcare. Formal qualifications and ongoing professional development protect you legally, improve care outcomes, and — critically — demonstrate that your work is recognised as the skilled profession it truly is. Many of the courses below are free or government-funded. Every link opens directly to the provider.
The Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania runs a single pathway from its free online courses through to a master’s degree. Every course below was checked on UTAS’s own pages on 9 October 2026.
Start free — the Wicking short courses
Understanding Dementia
Free short course · Online, self-paced — check the course page for current enrolment dates
21 hours of content; 4 modules
Who it suits: People living with dementia, their families, friends and caregivers; community and residential facility support staff; health professionals; health policy makers; and anyone with a general interest in dementia.
Open on the UTAS websitePreventing Dementia
Free short course · Online, self-paced — check the course page for current enrolment dates
8 hours of content
Who it suits: Anyone interested in dementia risk reduction and brain health.
Open on the UTAS websiteParkinson’s
Free short course · Online, self-paced — check the course page for current enrolment dates
14 hours of content
Who it suits: People living with Parkinson’s, those supporting someone who is, and medical or allied health professionals.
Open on the UTAS websiteMotor Neurone Disease MOOC
Free short course · Online, self-paced — check the course page for current enrolment dates
8 hours of content
Who it suits: Anyone wanting to build knowledge of motor neurone disease, from neuroscience principles to care approaches.
Open on the UTAS websiteUnderstanding Childhood Dementia
Free short course · Online, self-paced — check the course page for current enrolment dates
17 hours of content
Who it suits: Families, educators, support workers, health professionals and anyone wanting to learn more.
Open on the UTAS websiteUnderstanding Traumatic Brain Injury
Free short course · Online, self-paced — check the course page for current enrolment dates
10 hours of content
Who it suits: Healthcare professionals, students, and anyone curious about brain injury.
Open on the UTAS websiteThen the UTAS award courses — diploma to master’s degree
Diploma of Dementia Care (M1D)
Diploma · Online; Semester 1 and Semester 2
UTAS states: “For domestic students commencing study in 2026, we are pleased to offer the Diploma of Dementia Care with 100% HECS scholarship.” Eligibility, in UTAS’s words: “You must be enrolled at the University of Tasmania and studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to be eligible.” Quoted from UTAS and read on 9 October 2026. Confirm the current position with UTAS before you enrol.
8 units; minimum 1 year, up to a maximum of 4 years
Who it suits: Aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their knowledge of dementia and enhance their practice.
Open on the UTAS websiteAssociate Degree in Dementia Care
Associate degree · Online; part-time or full-time
16 units; completed over a maximum of 5 years
Who it suits: Aged care workers and health professionals wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in dementia.
This link opens the Bachelor of Dementia Care page, where UTAS describes the Associate Degree as one of the program’s graduation points. UTAS publishes no separate page for it.
Open on the UTAS websiteBachelor of Dementia Care (M3S)
Bachelor degree · Online; Semester 1 and Semester 2
24 units (300 credit points: 200 core plus 100 elective or a major); minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years
Who it suits: People starting out, already working in health or aged care, or curious about the field.
UTAS describes it as “Australia’s first degree in dementia care”.
Open on the UTAS websiteDiploma of Ageing Studies and Services (M1A)
Diploma · Online; Semester 1 and Semester 2
8 core units (100 credit points); minimum 1 year, up to a maximum of 3 years
Who it suits: Those working with older adults in health, community, aged care or other sectors, and those wanting to join that workforce.
Open on the UTAS websiteGraduate Certificate in Dementia (M5X)
Graduate certificate · Online; Semester 1 and Semester 2
4 units (50 credit points) — 4 core units; minimum 0.5 years, up to a maximum of 2 years (AQF level 8)
Who it suits: Graduates and professionals currently working within, or building their expertise in, a field related to dementia.
Open on the UTAS websiteGraduate Diploma of Dementia (M6X)
Graduate diploma · Online; Semester 1 and Semester 2
8 units (100 credit points) — 5 core units and 3 choice units; minimum 1 year, up to a maximum of 5 years (AQF level 8)
Who it suits: Graduates and professionals building expertise in a field related to dementia.
Open on the UTAS websiteMaster of Dementia (M7X)
Master’s degree · Online; Semester 1 and Semester 2
11 units (150 credit points) — 6 core units, 3 x 600 level electives and 2 x 700 level electives; minimum 1.5 years, up to a maximum of 7 years (AQF level 9)
Who it suits: Graduates and professionals building expertise in a field related to dementia.
UTAS describes it as “Master of Dementia”.
Open on the UTAS websiteOther Wicking programmes
DREAM (Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring)
Other programme · Online — sign up for a tailored portal
Five dementia education modules, plus a peer network and dementia support coaching
Who it suits: The aged care workforce delivering dementia care. UTAS states DREAM is designed to boost the capability of the aged care workforce to deliver quality dementia care.
Open on the UTAS websiteEquip Aged Care Learning
Other programme · Online — complete anytime, without deadlines, in any order
Short educational modules with downloadable infographics and certificates of completion
Who it suits: Everyone in aged care — new or experienced, a care worker, support staff, manager, volunteer, family member, or informal carer.
Open on the UTAS websiteFrom MOOC to master’s brochure
Other programme · PDF brochure
PDF, 1.9 MB
Who it suits: Anyone wanting the Wicking Centre’s own overview of the pathway from its free courses to its qualifications.
Open on the UTAS websiteFee scholarship — in UTAS’s own words
In UTAS’s words: “For domestic students commencing study in 2026, we are pleased to offer the Diploma of Dementia Care with 100% HECS scholarship.” UTAS also states: “Domestic students can study Dementia Care fully online with a 100% HECS scholarship if you commence in 2026”, and lists the Diploma of Dementia Care among its courses “covered by a full or part HECS fee scholarship for study in 2026”.
In UTAS’s words: “You must be enrolled at the University of Tasmania and studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to be eligible.” UTAS describes the scholarship as available to “eligible new domestic students commencing the Diploma of Dementia Care in 2026”.
Read on 9 October 2026. Cassandra’s Compass does not administer this scholarship and cannot confirm anyone’s eligibility. Confirm the current position with UTAS before you enrol.
UTAS fee scholarshipsCourse names, unit counts and links are checked against the Wicking Centre’s own program list and the individual UTAS course pages. UTAS sometimes renames its courses, so the app re-checks these pages monthly.
Cassandra’s Compass is not affiliated with the University of Tasmania and receives no commission from any course listed.
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (St John Ambulance Australia)
Nationally recognised. Covers CPR, AED, choking, bleeding, burns. Renew every 3 years.
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR only. Annual renewal recommended per ARC guidelines.
Australian Red Cross First Aid Courses
Online and in-person options. Includes workplace and community first aid.
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
Required for childcare; also valuable for aged care workers.
Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines (ARC)
Free online clinical guidelines underpinning all Australian first aid training.
CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
Entry-level qualification for personal care workers. Government funded in most states.
CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support
Advanced skills in aged care planning, dementia, and complex care.
Dementia Australia – Education Programs
Online and face-to-face programs covering person-centred dementia care.
Dementia Australia – Ask Annie app (free)
Dementia Australia's award-winning app designed for care workers, with short, practical, interactive modules you can fit into a busy day. Covers topics such as planning behaviour support and practising culturally diverse end-of-life traditions. Free on Google Play and the App Store. APA: Dementia Australia. (2026). Ask Annie app. https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/professional-development-and-training/ask-annie-app
Dementia Australia – Talk with Ted: Dementia Communication Simulation
A dementia communication simulator where staff safely practise dementia communication skills with the avatar "Ted" — delivered as a face-to-face group workshop (3 hours, up to 15 participants), with an online AI-avatar simulation being introduced from October 2026. Bookings by enquiry; fees apply. APA: Dementia Australia. (2026). Talk with Ted: Dementia communication simulation. https://www.dementia.org.au/professionals/professional-development-and-training/talk-ted-dementia-communication-simulation
UTAS Wicking Dementia Centre – Understanding Dementia MOOC
Free MOOC from the Wicking Dementia Centre. Self-paced, 21 hours of content. Check the course page for current enrolment dates. See the full UTAS Wicking pathway below — free courses through to a master’s degree.
Dementia Training Australia (DTA)
Free online and face-to-face training for aged care workers across Australia.
Palliative Care Australia – Education Resources
Programs for care workers, nurses, and family carers on end-of-life care.
HLT54121 – Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
AHPRA registration required after completion. TAFE and private providers.
Bachelor of Nursing (Registered Nurse)
University degree. AHPRA registration required. 3 years full-time.
AHPRA – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Registration authority for all regulated health professions in Australia.
Australian College of Nursing (ACN) – CPD
Continuing professional development for registered nurses.
Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA)
Evidence-based and widely recognised — not a VET qualification (MHFA Australia has opted out of the national VET scheme). Standard and Youth courses available. 2-day program.
Carer Gateway – Free Carer Skills Courses
Government-funded, free online training specifically for unpaid carers.
Headspace Australia – Wellbeing Resources
Mental health support, resources, and education for younger carers.
Beyond Blue – Support & Resources
Free mental health support, programs and guided resources. 24/7 counselling on 1300 22 4636.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – Education & Training
Free online learning (Alis), workshops and resources on the Aged Care Quality Standards and your obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024.
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – National
National aged care advocacy network covering every state and territory. Free, independent advocacy for anyone receiving government-funded aged care. Advocacy Line 1800 700 600.
1800 ELDERHelp – National Elder Abuse Phone Line
National elder abuse phone line (1800 353 374). Automatically connects you to the elder abuse service in your own state or territory.
Elder Rights Australia (formerly Elder Rights Advocacy) – Training & Resources
Free education sessions on elder rights, advocacy, and the complaints process — for older people in Victoria.
Office of the Public Advocate (Victoria) – Education
Education on guardianship, administration, and safeguarding in Victoria only — every other state and territory has its own Public Advocate or Public Guardian.
HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Core unit for all health and aged care workers.
HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Manual handling, hazard identification, and incident reporting.
Safe Work Australia – Health Care & Social Assistance
Free resources, guides, and the model Code of Practice for WHS in health care and social assistance.
All links open external providers' official websites. Cassandra's Compass does not receive commission from any course listing. Courses are selected for quality, Australian relevance, and evidence-based content only.
Knowledge is empowerment. The more you understand dementia, the more confidently — and compassionately — you can care.
— Cassandra's Compass
Verified against official sources on 3 October 2026