This programme is designed for people who want to work as Diversional Therapists (also known as Activities Coordinators) in a community, residential home or hospital setting. It is a profession which recognises and facilitates purposeful recreational, leisure, and pleasure activities for individual consumers. The Diversional Therapist focuses on choices made by consumers, with the aim of enhancing their independence and physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing in a supportive environment.

Diversional Therapy is included in the list of skilled occupations that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category of Immigration New Zealand (Part C, Appendix 6 of the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual).

Qualifications Achieved National Certificate in Diversional Therapy (Level 4) National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Core Competencies) (Level 3)

Programme Length 43 weeks full-time study (not including holidays and breaks) 20 contact hours (2.5 days per week) plus 10 self-directed hours per week of study

Pathways Employment pathways include Diversional Therapists, Activities Coordinators and Healthcare Support Workers. Educational pathways include further study at Level 5 Potential New Zealand work and residency pathways

Programme Content

• Developing, implementing, evaluating and adapting Diversional Therapy plans for individuals and groups
• Developing a resource manual for Diversional Therapy
• Safety, risk assessment, cultural considerations, dementia and challenging behaviours.
• All pre-requisite level 3 Core Competency Unit Standards and Diversional Therapy level 4 Unit Standards are included
• The Certificate in Diversional Therapy with Healthcare Core Competencies Programme includes no optional modules or electives and is classroom and work placement based including 11 weeks of work placement. Maximum student/tutor ratio 16:1

Entry Requirements

All Students:

• Students must possess the appropriate immigration document
• Students must be at least 18 years of age
• Students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance
• Interview with Head of Department or Academic Staff
• Students must provide a current Police Certificate
• Work experience in the health sector is preferred but not essential.

Domestic Students & New Zealand Curriculum aligned countries:

• Minimum academic requirements equivalent to 48 NCEA credits at level 2 (including a minimum of 12 in each of the three subjects and including four credits in reading and four in writing

• Non-native English speakers are required to undertake language proficiency testing at the Kauri Academy site

• Student loans and allowances for potential domestic students are currently not available for this programme.

International Students:

• Authenticated International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 (Academic Module) from an official testing centre. Overall score of 6.0 preferred

• Additional language instruction may be required once official language testing has taken place at the Auckland site

• Year 12/13 High School qualification equivalent to or higher. Tertiary graduates and health care professionals who interact with patients are preferred.

Working While Studying

Graduate Job Search Work Visa

You may be eligible for a One Year Graduate Job Search Work Visa if you complete our Team Management Healthcare programme after completing this programme. See New Zealand Immigration Requirements in the Prospectus

Requirements to Pass the Programme

• Achieve competency in all Core Competency Unit standards
• Achieve competency in all Diversional Therapy unit standards
• Gain all 126 credits in total
• Have an overall attendance record of at least 80%

Credit Value

126 credits

Programme Start Dates

Every 6 weeks