*introduction to primary health care

The main purpose of the Introduction to Primary Healthcare is to train and equip young people in the basics of Health Care. To reach out to the poor and needy in the developing world and along with practical skills, you will study God’s perspective for the sick, the poor and the needy.

The objectives of the school are to:

• Practically demonstrate God’s heart of love and compassion towards people – to see them brought into wholeness – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

• Allow access into poor and needy communities, both rural and urban, using the keys of primary health care to serve the people and show God’s love and to “empower them” to look after themselves, both physically and spiritually.

• Develop an understanding of the strategy and philosophy of primary health care as defined by the World Health Organisation.

• Provide basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the skills that can be applied to the diseases and problems encountered.

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognise and manage 80 -85% of the most common medical problems found in a developing world community. These issues include the five leading causes of death in the developing world.

• Teach skills in community development and preventative health services that can be utilised in promoting community self reliance.

• Provide an atmosphere for students to grow in their personal relationship with the Lord and thereby, be more effective in their work in the community.

• Enhance the awareness of God’s heart for the poor and needy and the scriptural mandate to “love thy neighbour as thyself.”

• Develop and apply a biblical foundation in health care enablement.

State of the art facilities
Get equipped in a professional, fun, and state of the art training facility that comes complete with wireless internet access, café, library facilities, lounge, classrooms, auditorium, recording studio, offices, and outdoor sport area. Enjoy the tropical setting of north Queensland while dining al fresco on our deck.

Location, location, location
Located only minutes from the airport and close to the heart of the city, it is only a short walk to local shopping malls and the city centre. Located within walking distance is Townsville’s premiere outdoor attraction – the Strand – where  there is plenty of opportunity to soak up the sun beside the sea and enjoy the great outdoors.

Partnership with YWAM Medical Ships
One of our major ministry focuses in Townsville is the YWAM Medical Ship, reaching into Papua New Guinea for the next 20 years. As an IPHC student you’ll have the privilege of partnering with this ministry and gleaning from the years of medical experience and professionals.

Proven track record
We have a 10 year history of delivering quality training to students from Australia and overseas.

Quality leaders
All training staff have a commitment to investing into young people, and the best part is, they care about you as an individual.

Quality speakers
Speakers are sought from Australia and overseas, providing the best input by gifted speakers with proven experience in the field.

Individual training
With low staff to student ratios, your training includes lots of one-on-one mentorship.

Live-learn environment
Part of our philosophy of training is that learning happens all the time, not just in the classroom; so in order to maximise your learning opportunities, you have the opportunity to live in a vibrant missions community while rubbing shoulders with staff and leaders who will encourage and assist you in your development.

Camping
Most of our training schools have a camping element which allows you to relish the great Aussie outback while learning in a unique bush setting. Spot a wallaby, stare at the stars, and experience God in a whole new setting!

Free wireless internet
We understand the importance of staying in touch with family and friends. That’s why our centre has free wireless internet throughout just for you.

Free coffee
What better place to access free internet than in a cafe with free coffee? While the free drip is always on tap, you can also purchase specialty coffees at the cafe.

Exceptional food services
With meals planned by top cooks and nutritionists, your meals (included in the price) are not your average camp food. Enjoy delights like Cajun Chicken Pasta, fresh salads, and Mediterranean steak wraps. Special dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free are accommodated for as well.

Health and fitness
Active health and fitness are encouraged as part of a healthy lifestyle, and with Castle Hill – one of the cities premier walking/hiking tracks – just a few minutes walk from the facility, you’ll find easy ways to stay fit.

Laundry Facilities
No coins needed! All of our housing is equipped with laundry facilities at no extra charge to you.

Lectures take on a brand new perspective when we shift our classroom to the great outdoors! Days spent under the clear blue skies are coupled with nights around a campfire under a canopy of stars. This experience provides ample opportunities for contemplating the vastness of a creative God, writing music inspired by nature, digging into the word, and getting to know your friends without the usual trappings of home.

You will be challenged and inspired by daily lectures, have an opportunity to taste some authentic Aussie bush cooking, see the many and varied wildlife on offer, and participate in some great camping activities – all in a unique Aussie bush setting!

Please note: not all training programs have a camping element.

As part of the IPHC school, there will be a 9-week outreach. It is during this time that we will be putting into practice the things that we have learned in the classroom, practically reaching out through health care. Be prepared to see how helping and meeting those in need opens the way for you to be able to bring healing to more than just the physical body but to their emotional and spiritual needs as well.During outreach, there will be opportunities to work alongside established ministries in health care, running our own clinics, and teaching health care through seminars. The focus will be on communities with limited health care access in Australia, South East Asia, and the Pacific.

52325 Certificate IV in Primary Health Care for Missions (in developing nation communities)
At the completion of all units of the course, you will obtain a 52325 Certificate IV in Primary Health Care for Missions (in developing nation communities). The IPHC provides opportunity for ongoing involvement with Youth With A Mission training that will assist you in further missions involvement and personal application in relevant spheres of society.

YWAM10.101 – Reflects the example of Christ and biblical ministry principles

The purpose of this unit is to equip the missionary health care worker with an understanding of how to apply the example of Christ’s ministry and other biblical principles in their own ministry in the context of Christian missions.

YWAM10.102 – Operate effectively in Christian missions

The purpose of this unit is to equip a worker in Christian missions to operate understand and adapt to working in a missions environment.

YWAM10.103 – Work effectively in a ministry team in a cross-cultural setting

This unit covers the requirements of the importance of working together in a ministry team and the importance of Christian character within that context.

CHC202.101 – Identify core health issues in a developing nation community

This unit covers the requirements for evaluating the health conditions and needs of a developing nation community.

CHC201.102 – Assist a developing nation community to address core health issues

This unit addresses educational and other strategies to empower a developing nation community to bring improvement in care health issues.

CHC202.103 – Facilitate control of preventable diseases in a developing nation community

This unit prepares the missionary health worker to assist in the management of diseases common to developing nation communities and also facilitating that community in prevention of disease.

CHC201.104 – Provide basic primary health care in a developing nation community

This unit addresses the skills and knowledge required for a broad range of primary health care tasks that form a normal part of the function of a missionary primary health care worker in the developing nation community.

*For recognition of prior learning/course credit, please see the Staff and Student Handbook.

Course Entry Requirements:
Applicants need to have completed 52282 Certificate III in Discipleship (or DTS equivalent) prior to acceptance into this course.

Assessment
A range of strategies will be used to assess the outcomes of the school. Manuals, workbooks, book reports, tests, role plays, outreach reports, self–assessment checklists, and supervisor reports are all utilised as a part of this. Our training programs are holistic in nature, and the topics are delivered concurrently, enabling you to develop your skills, knowledge, and character.

School Schedule and Timetable
Each course is a full-time, 21-week training program and full-time participation is a requirement. Students will live and eat on campus and will be required to participate in all lectures, school outings, centre functions, and activities. A typical day will include lectures, ministry placement, practical skills development, and homework. Weekends will be mostly free, but students may be asked to attend community activities, events, and class outings. Some of these activities will be optional and some will be required as part of the course. Saturday evenings, students will be involved in a youth program called Youth Street, where we will join together with the broader YWAM team in helping the youth of our region. While on outreach, your schedule will depend on each individual location.

*Second level school schedules will vary.

Required medical supplies.
As part of the school, we encourage you to purchase some basic medical equipment before your arrive. On outreach we will be setting up clinics and using this equipment regularly; therefore, it is necessary to have your own for this portion of the course. You will need a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and an auroscope (a light to look into ears). You may be able to have second-hand equipment donated or be able to purchase these items from your home country cheaper than from here.

In addition, all applicants who do not speak English as their first language are required to meet one of 3 entry level requirements:
1. A minimum of 3 years study conducted primarily in English; 2. A minimum of 3 years studying English as a Foreign Language with a pass rate of 80%; 3. Completed formal independent testing with a minimum level at or equivalent to: TOEFL: 530, IELTS: 5.0.

When overseas students apply, proficiency in English will be specifically assessed. Offers of placement in a course will include any applicable requirements for English language proficiency. Copies of documents or telephone interviews will be used to verify information provided by students on language proficiency. Bridging courses will be recommended where deemed necessary.

International students on student visas are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance to meet the requirements of the student visa.

Reef to Outback is bound by the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations regulates the education and training sector’s involvement with overseas students studying in Australia on student visas. It does this through the Education Services for Overseas Students legislative framework. This protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services and the interests of overseas students, by setting minimum standards and providing tuition and financial assurance.

The legislation mandates a nationally consistent approach to registering education providers so that the quality of the tuition, and care of students, remains high. The professionalism and integrity of the industry is further strengthened by the ESOS legislation’s interface with immigration law. This imposes visa related reporting requirements on both students and providers. A simple explanation of the framework is the Easy Guide to ESOS. See the link below for further information. http://aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/EasyGuide_ESOS.htm