Many nursing students in Australia wonder whether they need to complete a Cert III in Individual Support before applying for jobs like AIN, SN, PCA, or Carer. The answer is… not always!

Already in Second Year? You Can Start Working!

Student nurse cartoon working as AIN, SN or PCA in Australia
Nursing students in Australia can apply for AIN, SN, or PCA positions without completing Cert III – Illustration by AtomDekNurse.

If you’re a second-year nursing student with placement experience—whether in the standard 3-year program or the 2-year Graduate Entry track—you can apply for healthcare support roles right away without needing to study Cert III.

📌 Eligibility by Program Type

  • Standard Program (3 years): You can apply for AIN/SN roles after completing Year 1
  • Graduate Entry (2 years): You need to have at least one placement experience, usually in late Semester 1 or early Semester 2

Real-Life Experience from Semester 2

After finishing Semester 1, I received several emails from agencies inviting me to join their AIN or Student Nurse programs. Many classmates who previously worked in restaurants, hotels, or childcare made the switch to nursing-related jobs because:

  • It provides hands-on experience in hospital environments
  • The work is less physically demanding than general jobs
  • The pay is great (casual rates start from $39+/hr)
  • Options include fixed placements or flexible shift-based work

Some Drawbacks to Be Aware Of

AIN or SN jobs can sometimes be unstable due to:

  • Frequent last-minute shift cancellations
  • On-call nature with little consistency

Some of my friends received three shifts but had two cancelled abruptly. Meanwhile, I was working steadily as a carer, getting more shifts and even extra call-ins, with the same casual rate—making it easier to save money at the time.

Should You Complete Cert III Before Starting Nursing?

If you’re debating whether to finish Cert III before starting your nursing course, my answer is “go for it!” Based on my experience:

  • I finished Cert III just as my first nursing semester began
  • Started working immediately—recovered the course cost within 2 weeks
  • Saved money throughout the remaining 4–5 months
  • Gained communication and aged care experience before stepping into nursing homes

Conclusion for Graduate Entry Students

If you’re studying nursing in Australia via the Graduate Entry pathway and wondering if you need Cert III to work—our advice is you don’t! Once you’ve completed your first placement, you’re ready to apply for AIN or PCA jobs right away.

Now’s the time when many agencies start recruiting student nurses—don’t miss out on great opportunities! ✨

#AtomDekNurse #nursinginaustralia #studentnursepathway

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need Cert III to work as an AIN or PCA while studying nursing in Australia?

No. If you're a second-year student with placement experience, especially in the Graduate Entry program, you can apply without Cert III.

When can nursing students start working in healthcare jobs?

Standard 3-year students can apply after Year 1. Graduate Entry students typically need to complete their first placement.

Is working as a carer better than AIN/SN roles?

Both have pros and cons. AIN/SN roles offer clinical experience but may have unpredictable shifts. Carer jobs offer more stable hours and similar pay.

Should I finish Cert III before studying nursing?

If you have time, yes. It allows you to start working immediately, gain useful experience, and even recover tuition costs quickly.