Before you can step into an aged care facility for your clinical placement, you need three things: a cleared National Police Check, a current NDIS Worker Screening Check, and evidence of required vaccinations. These are not optional — they are mandatory compliance requirements for every student attending placement at Arcare, Opal Healthcare, or Benetas through Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS 03540C).

The most common reason placement gets delayed is students who leave these compliance steps to the last minute. The National Police Check takes 5–10 business days. The NDIS Worker Screening Check takes 2–4 weeks. Vaccinations may require a GP appointment and follow-up doses. Start everything immediately after enrolment.

"The Police Check, NDIS clearance, and vaccination evidence are not bureaucratic hurdles — they are the minimum requirements for working with some of the most vulnerable people in our community. We take compliance seriously because the facilities we work with take it seriously. The good news is that the process is straightforward if you start early."

— Laiju Thomas, Trainer and Assessor — CHC Training Package, Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS 03540C)

The Three Mandatory Documents for Aged Care Placement in Melbourne

Before placement at any Clinton Institute partner facility, you must have all three of the following:

• National Police Check — confirming you have no relevant criminal history that precludes working with vulnerable people
• NDIS Worker Screening Check — a national clearance specifically for working with people with disability in NDIS-registered services
• Vaccination evidence — demonstrating immunity to or vaccination against key infectious diseases common in aged care settings

National Police Check: How to Apply

The National Police Check is issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or through accredited alternative providers. It checks for criminal convictions that are releasable under the Spent Convictions Scheme and relevant outstanding charges or warrants.

How to apply:

• Apply online at afp.gov.au or through a certified alternative provider such as fit2work.com.au or policechecks.com.au
• Select "Aged Care" or "Vulnerable People" as the purpose of the check — this triggers the correct level of search
• Processing time: 5–10 business days for online applications; longer for paper applications
• Cost: approximately $43 via AFP website; $20–$60 via alternative providers
• The check must be current at the time of placement — typically valid within 12 months

If you have lived in Australia for less than 5 years, you may also need to provide police clearance from your country of origin. Clinton Institute's placement coordinator will advise if this applies to your situation.

NDIS Worker Screening Check: How to Apply

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a national worker clearance that applies across Australia. It is administered by the NDIS Commission and is separate from the National Police Check — it is an additional clearance specifically for working with people with disability.

Even though your CHC33021 placement is at an aged care facility, the NDIS Worker Screening Check is required because CHC33021 includes disability support units of competency.

How to apply:

• Apply via the NDIS Commission website: ndisseties.com.au/worker-screening
• Select "student placement" or "unpaid worker" — the check is free for unpaid placement students
• Processing time: approximately 2–4 weeks from application to clearance
• The clearance is valid for 5 years once issued
• You will receive a clearance number — keep this recorded

Start this application immediately after enrolment. It is the document most likely to cause placement delays if left to the last minute.

Vaccination Requirements for Aged Care Placement

Melbourne aged care facilities have mandatory vaccination requirements for anyone entering the facility for placement or work. These requirements are set by the facility and are informed by Department of Health guidelines.

Required vaccinations for Clinton Institute students:

Where to get vaccinated: Your local GP (bulk-billed for standard consultations if you have Medicare). Some councils also run free vaccination sessions. International students without Medicare should check with Clinton Institute's student support team for alternative options.

Step-by-Step Timeline: Getting Placement-Ready

Here is the recommended sequence for getting your compliance documents in order after enrolling at Clinton Institute:

• Day 1 (enrolment): Apply for the NDIS Worker Screening Check online. This is the longest lead-time item. Record your application number.
• Day 1–3: Apply for the National Police Check online. This is faster but still takes up to 10 business days.
• Week 1–2: Book a GP appointment to check your vaccination status and begin any outstanding vaccine courses. Request a blood test for Hepatitis B immunity if you have been vaccinated but don't have records.
• Week 2–4: Receive your NDIS clearance. Receive your Police Check. Update your vaccination evidence with your GP if needed.
• Week 4: Submit all three documents to Clinton Institute's placement coordinator for verification before placement begins.

What If I Have a Criminal Record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from aged care placement. The nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and the context of the aged care setting are all considered.

You should discuss your specific situation with Clinton Institute's placement coordinator before enrolling — ideally at the application stage. The placement team can then work with partner facilities proactively to determine whether placement can be accommodated.

Relevant factors include: whether the offence is related to violence or dishonesty, how recent it is, and whether you have demonstrated rehabilitation. Minor or historical offences with no relevance to care work are often cleared without issue.

How to Apply for CHC33021 at Clinton Institute in 2026

Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597, CRICOS: 03540C) accepts enrolments for CHC33021 throughout 2026. The placement compliance process begins immediately after enrolment — Clinton's team will guide you through each step.

Step 1 — Submit an enquiry. Complete the online enquiry form or contact the admissions team at admission@clinton.edu.au or +61 3 8394 2064.

Step 2 — Provide documentation. Academic records, proof of English proficiency, passport details. International students need a valid student visa.

Step 3 — Begin compliance process. Upon enrolment, Clinton Institute provides the full compliance checklist including links to Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening applications.

Step 4 — Receive placement details. Once all compliance documents are verified, Clinton's team confirms your placement details.

Frequently Asked Questions