The federal government is investing $21.5 million in more than 1,000 scholarships to help aged care workers and nurses further their education and training, as part of efforts to strengthen the workforce’s capacity to deliver high-quality care that meets the complex needs of older Australians.
Aged Care Minister Sam Rae launched the Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program at Willowbrae Aged Care in Melton, Victoria.
Set to be administered by the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) until June 2027, aged care workers and nurses can boost their skills by completing formal qualifications in aged care nursing ranging from a Certificate III in Individual Support (up to $6,000 scholarship) to a Masters (up to $30,000) or by undertaking training in specialised areas such as clinical leadership, palliative care and infection prevention and control.
“Workers are at the frontline of our government’s aged care reforms – and giving them the development opportunities they need to build meaningful careers will help us deliver better care to every older Australian,” Minister Rae said.
“These scholarships will attract more nurses and aged care workers to the sector and help those already working to build in their skills and deliver the world-class care older people deserve.”
ACNP Managing Director of Grants and Scholarship Programs, Leanne Boase, said the investment would help improve the capacity and skills of the aged care workforce to better meet the needs of older people.
“We look forward to raising awareness of the roles of aged care workers and nurses, while supporting them to aspire to more advanced clinical roles and career paths to provide more advanced and complex care for older Australians,” Ms Boase said.
“Programs like these not only provide scholarships for study, they can promote awareness and advancement, ultimately leading to better care.”
Applications are now open. Information here
