Health Worker (Auxiliary)
The position of an auxiliary health worker was created to meet the chronic shortage of skilled health workers. Auxiliary health workers serve the community on a voluntary basis or can work for large hospitals or clinics.
An auxiliary health worker is taught basic patient-care skills such as simple massage, dispensing non-prescription medicines and giving nutritional advice. They may provide assistance to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other medical professionals.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with people
- knowing your work can help others who are ill
- working as part of a medical team
- working in the health field without having to obtain advanced education
Demanding aspects
- being on call
- shift work
- working some weekends and holidays
- having to deal with difficult patients or hospital staff
Requirements
An auxiliary health worker should:
- be patient;
- have empathy;
- want to work with ill people;
- be responsible;
- be neat and orderly.
School Subjects
No specific requirements although a grade 10 Certificate may be necessary for some positions.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Large hospitals and clinics offer the auxiliary health worker in-service training. For the assistant physiotherapist and occupational therapist, a 1-year programme comprising both lectures and clinical practice is available.
On completion of training, the person must register with the Interim National Medical and Dental Council of South Africa.
Employer
- Large hospitals
- Clinics
- Physiotherapists (assistant physiotherapist)
- Occupational therapists (assistant occupational therapist)
Contact
Treatment Action Campaign
P O Box 74
Nonqubela, 7793
Tel: (021) 788-3726
www.tac.org.za
www.hpcsa.co.za