The CUA51320 Diploma of Arts and Health is a nationally recognised qualification that bridges creative arts practice with health and wellbeing outcomes. Delivered 100% online by River Oak College, this Diploma develops the skills to design and deliver arts-based programs in community health, aged care, disability, and mental health settings. It's ideal for creative practitioners who want to apply their skills in a health context, or health professionals looking to integrate arts-based approaches into their work. If you have relevant experience, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Nationally Recognised Training, Australian Qualifications Framework, River Oak College

River Oak College delivers nationally recognised training under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Registration Number: 46425

Who Is This Course For?

Creative arts practitioners wanting to work in health and community settings
Health and community workers looking to integrate arts-based approaches into their practice
Allied health professionals exploring creative therapies and arts engagement
Community development workers designing programs that use arts for wellbeing outcomes
Artists seeking a recognised pathway into arts and health facilitation

What You'll Study

12 units: 5 core, 7 elective

Core Units 5

BSBCRT413 Collaborate in creative processes
In this module, you'll learn how to engage in a creative process and reflect on own role in the process. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
In this module, you'll learn how to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAAHL401 Work effectively in arts and health
In this module, you'll learn how to work effectively with others in the arts and health industry, including developing current industry skills and knowledge, managing agreements and relationships, and completing work tasks effectively. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAAHL501 Assess arts and health requirements of participants
In this module, you'll learn how to undertake an assessment of the arts and health requirements of a wide variety of participants. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAAHL503 Develop arts and health programs
In this module, you'll learn how to create an arts and health program based on participants needs, program requirements and objectives. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.

Elective Units 7

CHCCCS006 Facilitate individual service planning and delivery
In this module, you'll learn how to contribute to the development, implementation and review of individualised support. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAAHL504 Deliver and monitor arts and health programs
In this module, you'll learn how to support individual and groups to participate in arts and health programs and monitor the effectiveness of delivered programs. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAAHL505 Adapt arts and health practices to meet participant needs
In this module, you'll learn how to identify and assess individual participant requirements for arts and health programs. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
In this module, you'll learn how to maintain creative arts industry knowledge and monitor and manage own professional practice. You'll build practical skills in applying industry knowledge to research-based work activities, when interacting with others, and when engaging in professional practice in the music industry.
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
In this module, you'll learn how to describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.
CUAMWB401 Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries
In this module, you'll learn how to identify, select and use a range of self-care strategies to support sustainability of own practice and actively implement mental wellbeing and self-care in the creative industries. You'll build practical skills in implementing preventative techniques and evaluating their success against an individualised self-care plan.
CUAMWB402 Manage feedback on creative practice
In this module, you'll learn how to seek, receive and respond to feedback in relation to an individual’s creative practice. By the end, you'll have practical skills you can apply directly in your role.

These elective units have been selected to deliver the most industry-relevant outcomes for this course. All selections meet the qualification's packaging rules. If you have specific goals or prior experience in certain areas, speak with our team — alternative elective combinations may be available.

Career Outcomes

Arts and Health Facilitator

Community Health & Wellbeing

$55,000 – $72,000

Creative Arts Program Coordinator

Health & Community Services

$60,000 – $78,000

Community Arts Worker

Community Services

$52,000 – $68,000

Arts Therapist Assistant

Allied Health & Wellbeing

$55,000 – $70,000

Aged Care Activities Coordinator

Aged Care & Disability

$50,000 – $65,000

Key Skills You'll Gain

Arts-based program design for health settings
Community engagement through creative practice
Wellbeing assessment and program evaluation
Working with diverse communities and vulnerable groups
Professional practice in arts and health contexts
Cross-disciplinary collaboration with health professionals

RPL vs Study: Which Pathway Suits You?

Both pathways lead to the same nationally recognised qualification. Choose the one that fits your experience and goals.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Personalised assessment based on your professional experience
Credit for skills and knowledge you already possess
Tailored support and feedback from your Assessor
Option for targeted gap training if needed

THE PROCESS

Your past work experience, training, and skills are assessed against the qualification requirements. You provide evidence such as work samples, references, and demonstrations. Your Assessor supports you through each step.

IDEAL FOR

Experienced professionals who already have the skills and want formal recognition without repeating what they know.

Check Your RPL Eligibility

Online Study

WHAT TO EXPECT

100% online delivery with interactive learning resources
Qualified trainers providing guidance and feedback
Practical assessments focused on real workplace application
Ongoing access to Student Services and trainer support

THE PROCESS

You work with a dedicated Trainer and Assessor to create a learning plan tailored to your professional and personal goals. Study at your own pace with 24/7 access to learning materials.

IDEAL FOR

Learners who prefer guided study and want to build new skills from the ground up.

Start Studying Online

The RPL Journey

From first enquiry to qualification. Here's exactly what happens when you choose the RPL pathway.

1

Preliminary Assessment

Discuss your experience and confirm RPL suitability prior to enrolment.

2

Online Enrolment

Submit your form and deposit to get started.

3

Kick-Off Meeting

Review evidence requirements and confirm electives.

4

Evidence Gathering

Collect documents, work samples, and references.

5

Assessment Review

Your Assessor evaluates your evidence.

6

Competency Conversation

Discuss your experience in a one-on-one meeting.

7

Outcome & Feedback

Receive a detailed report on completed units and gaps.

8

Gap Training (If Required)

Complete short, targeted training to finalise competency.

9

Qualification Award

Receive your nationally recognised qualification from River Oak College.

Not sure if RPL is right for you? Our team can assess your eligibility during a free Preliminary Assessment. No cost, no obligation.

Book Your Free Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this course take?

What is RPL and am I eligible?

How do payment plans work?

Is this qualification nationally recognised?

Can I study while working full-time?

What support do I get during my studies?

Entry Requirements

Individuals must provide evidence of skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 3 or above, and relevant to the work environment and the qualification.

To get the most out of this course, you should:

Have basic digital literacy skills (using email, websites, and word processing)
Be comfortable reading, writing, and communicating in English
Have access to a computer or device with internet access

If you're unsure whether this course is right for you, our Course Advisors are happy to chat and help you decide.

Before You Enrol

All applicants complete a short Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment online before we issue enrolment paperwork.

Pricing

Already working in a relevant role?

If you already have relevant work or business experience, you may be eligible for RPL. Our team can help you find the right pathway.

Check Your Eligibility

Sale

Already experienced?

RPL: RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

If you already have the skills and knowledge from your career, RPL lets you get formally recognised without repeating what you know. Submit evidence of your experience and our assessors will map it against the unit requirements.

$1,995

$1,595

or from $62/week over 26 weeks

Get Started with RPL

Sale

Ready to learn?

ONLINE LEARNING

Study online at your own pace with guided learning content, practical assessments, and trainer support. Flexible delivery designed for working professionals.

$5,995

$4,495

or from $58/week over 78 weeks

Start Studying

Not sure which pathway suits you?

Many students combine RPL for units where they have experience with Study for new areas. Contact us to discuss your best option.

Flexible payment plans available: weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

Credit Transfer

If you have already completed the same unit of competency with another Registered Training Organisation, you may apply for Credit Transfer. Each equivalent unit attracts a per-unit discount from the total course fee. Contact us with your transcript for an assessment.

How to Enrol

Getting started is simple. Here's what to expect for both pathways.

1

Talk With Us

RPL: Free Preliminary Assessment. Send your résumé and any previous qualifications so we can confirm suitability.

Study: Course Advisor discussion to confirm goals, electives and any prerequisites.

2

Complete Your LLN Assessment

All applicants complete a short Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment online before we issue enrolment paperwork.

3

Enrolment Form & $500 Deposit

Once suitability is confirmed and LLN is complete, we send your enrolment form. Return the form and pay the $500 deposit to secure your place.

4

Get Started

Study: Receive login details, access the learning platform and meet your Trainer and Assessor.

RPL: You are paired with an Assessor and begin the RPL journey.

What Our Students Say

      EXCELLENT
  Based on 36 reviews
  
  
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  Zoe Faulkner
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reasonable and easy process. Very knowledgeable staff and pleasant to communicate with. 10/10 all round
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  Malcolm Fowler
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team and supportive of our business needs.
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  Michael Gardner
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A truly great experience. I obtained a Certificate IV in Business qualification via the RPL which was very thorough, professional and easy to follow. It was a process that provided an incentive to study a higher qualification. Thank you to Vanessa, Patricia, Keish and Ana for your professionalism, support and kindness during the RPL process.
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  Alice Littlewood
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I completed a Certificate III in School Based Education Support online with OPEC College and choosing them to complete my certificate was an amazing choice. I had some personal issues during my qualification as well as working full time for some of it too and OPEC were amazingly accommodating. My trainer's compassion and care for me as a person warmed my heart and helped me get through with a great qualification. Their online course work was highly flexible around my needs and employment and the delivery by OPEC College was fantastic. Thanks again to my trainers JO and Pat for everything they've done for me! : )
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  Anita Kovacs
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been enrolled at Opec College for approximately one year, during which time I have gained a wealth of knowledge from the instructors. Additionally, I found the administrative staff to be very helpful. I would highly recommend this institution.
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  Sobaida Cabrera
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I could not thank enough OPEC trainer and assessor from the beginning until final of my course. They have been very supportive and encouraging to pursue and continue despite ups and downs from personal life and career while studying. Especial mention to Josephine Gibbs who made an impact on my progress of self improvement and career growth, guide me all through out of my studies. OPEC College is highly recommended. Id like to extend my appreciation to Patricia and other assessor I have worked with, it has been a smooth and professional level of business with you.
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  Aaron Sargent
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hello Opec College & potential Students,
My name is Aaron, I have just completed a certificate through Opec College, I wanted to share with people what a fantastic experience I have had working with Opec College. The team from Opec were great to work with, supportive & understanding and always provided great assistance. One of the best things I liked was the communication, via email or phone they always kept me in the loop, assisting with questions or providing updates. I would recommend to anyone if you are looking to study, defiantly contact the team at Opec College, they are fantastic.
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  Edgar naaman
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Opec college is like a Home to me, i always go back on their website to explore other courses that i can take to expand my skill set in my profession and all times the college has been so responsive ( Ruth, Anna, Dina, Karen, Vanessa and Julie) with their feedback not to mention the smooth mentorship and training tactics from David who is always articulate and focuses on taping and improving individuals skill sets which actually manifest in working environment and pay off. Thank you Guys
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  Imran Asher
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "Being an international student I have experienced no flaws in communication and commitment of your team with your students which is really appreciated.

Your attention to detail is instrumental in achieving my goals.

Taking me through the whole process didn't make me feel confused but actually gave me full confidence in working with you. I appreciate the dedication of your team".

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Have questions about Diploma of Arts and Health? Get in touch and we'll help you find the right pathway.