What is the CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People course?
CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People is a nationally recognised unit about working respectfully with people from different social and cultural groups. In health and care settings that means patients, families and colleagues whose language, beliefs, abilities, gender, age or life experience may be very different from yours.
It’s a common unit in health and community services qualifications, and plenty of people take it on its own because an employer or a course asks for it. The focus is practical: noticing your own assumptions, communicating in a way that works for the person in front of you, and understanding the cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- 100% online, self-paced study
- No practical session to attend
- Case studies drawn from health and care work
- Available Australia-wide
Location
Australia Wide
Delivery mode
Course duration
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Upcoming intake
Payment plans
Entry requirements
- There are no prerequisite units for CHCDIV001.
- Reasonable literacy skills, as you’ll answer short written questions and work through case studies.
- Basic computer and digital literacy skills, and reliable internet.
- Photo ID required for the online assessments.
- Must be 18+ (under 18 permitted with guardian consent).
What you’ll learn
The unit has four parts: reflecting on your own perspective, appreciating diversity and inclusion, communicating across backgrounds and promoting understanding between groups. You’ll learn how to:
- Reflect on your own culture, values and biases and how they shape the way you work
- Explain cultural awareness, cultural safety and cultural competence, and why the difference matters at work
- Recognise and respect the needs of people from diverse backgrounds in a range of situations
- Choose verbal and non-verbal communication that suits the person and the situation
- Spot where differences could lead to misunderstanding, and respond to it
- Understand key features of diversity in Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories
- Work within the legal and ethical obligations that protect people from discrimination
You’ll also look at human rights frameworks, the needs of marginalised groups, and how discrimination, trauma and exclusion affect the way people use health services.
Course units
This course is 100% online. You’ll complete one unit, CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People, through self-paced learning and online assessment tasks.
Self-Paced Online Course Learning
|units|What is this unit?
This unit covers the skills and knowledge to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Why it matters
Patients and clients feel safer and engage better with care when they’re treated with respect. Misunderstandings across cultures can lead to poor outcomes and complaints.
What you’ll learn
You’ll learn to reflect on your own perspective, understand cultural safety, communicate across backgrounds and respond to misunderstandings.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment is completed online through case studies, short answer questions and multiple choice questions.
Practical benefit
Once you’re competent, you’ll be better prepared to work with patients, families and colleagues from any background, and you’ll hold a unit many health qualifications include.
Delivery & assessment
Delivery format
- 100% online, with no face-to-face attendance
- Self-paced learning you can fit around work and family
- Enrol anytime and start straight away
Assessment method
You’ll complete four assessment activities:
- Case study and short answer questions on the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Short answer and multiple choice questions on diversity in Australia
- A case study on cultural awareness, cultural safety and cultural competence
- A case study on what influences your practice, personal behaviour and perceptions, and the social consequences
You must complete all assessment tasks successfully to be deemed competent. Read our student information and assessment policies before you enrol.
Career pathways
CHCDIV001 is useful in almost any role where you deal with the public in a health or care setting. It supports roles such as:
- Health care assistant
- Assistant in nursing
- Patient transport officer
- Ambulance transport attendant
- Community support and disability support workers
On its own the unit won’t qualify you for these jobs, but it’s often part of the training they require, and employers value it.
Pathways into further training
Pair CHCDIV001 with these units or move into a full health care qualification:
Certification and validity
When you complete the course, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People.
The unit doesn’t expire, but some employers ask staff to refresh cultural safety training regularly, so check what your workplace expects.
Who should take this course?
This course suits anyone who works, or wants to work, with people from many different backgrounds, including:
- Health care, aged care and disability support workers
- Patient transport and first response staff
- Students who need CHCDIV001 for a qualification or credit transfer
- Reception and administration staff in medical practices
- Community and volunteer workers
- Managers who want a shared baseline across their team
If you already work in health, it’s a straightforward way to formalise skills you use every shift.
Location
100% Online. Study from anywhere in Australia.
Pricing
$375
Included costs
- No additional admin fees for this program
See what our students have to say
“The structure was straightforward and the support was there when I needed it. Workshops were practical, and I always knew what I was working toward.”
“I wanted training that felt real. The scenarios, feedback and support helped me build skills I can actually apply, especially when things get stressful.”
“What stood out was how approachable the team is. They teach in a calm, practical way and make sure you understand the ‘why’, not just the steps.”
“I learned more than skills - I learned how to think clearly under pressure. The practical training and feedback helped me feel ready for real-world situations.”
Trusted first aid provider for leading Australian brands
How the online training works
Enrol, study and complete your assessments online, with no classroom time.
Enrol online and receive immediate access to the student portal.
Enrol anytime with our 100% online course.
Complete the online learning and assessments at your own pace.
Work through the learning materials and complete four online assessment activities in your own time.
Receive your Statement of Attainment upon successful completion.
Once you’re deemed competent, you’ll receive your nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.
FAQs
Have questions about CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People? Below you’ll find answers about entry requirements, assessments and how the unit is used.
What is CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People?
CHCDIV001 is a nationally recognised unit that covers how to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups. It includes cultural safety, communication and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Can I complete CHCDIV001 online?
Yes. This course is 100% online and self-paced, with no practical session to attend. All assessments are case studies and written questions.
Can I use CHCDIV001 for credit transfer?
Often, yes. If CHCDIV001 is a unit in a qualification you’re studying, your Statement of Attainment may count towards it. Check with your training provider, or contact us if you plan to study with IPC.
Do I need any experience to enrol?
No. There are no prerequisite units and you don’t need to be working in health already. Some assessments ask you to reflect on your own experience, so any work with the public helps.
Will this course get me a job?
No single unit guarantees a job. CHCDIV001 is a common requirement for health and community roles, so it can strengthen your application or count towards a qualification.
CHCDIV001 for workplaces and teams
Need several staff to complete Work with Diverse People? We can help you enrol your team and keep everyone on the same standard.
Work respectfully with every patient
See how this course helps you communicate clearly and safely with people from all backgrounds.
100% Online and Self-Paced
Nationally Recognised Unit
Built Around Health Care Case Studies
Trusted Training Australia Wide
CHCDIV001 accredited training, real outcomes
This nationally recognised unit is delivered by International Paramedic College (RTO 45284) under strict compliance standards, so you can study with confidence.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45284)
International Paramedic College is an ASQA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45284) that delivers nationally recognised training and qualifications in Australia.
Nationally recognised qualifications
We deliver nationally recognised qualifications and accredited training that support real employment and workplace outcomes.
Certification you can use anywhere
Upon completing training, your results lead to a recognised certification that can be used for employment, workplace compliance, and further study.
Take the next step into healthcare
Ready to move towards a career in healthcare? Secure your place and start building the skills, experience, and confidence needed to work in real clinical environments.
Unsure where to start? Download your free course guide and talk to a course advisor today
Learn from experienced health and community trainers
Our trainers have worked in pre-hospital care, disability, mental health and community health, so the case studies reflect real conversations with real people.
Susan Devlin
Susan Devlin is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of IPC, bringing over 20 years of experience in vocational education and training, business management and regulatory compliance. She leads IPC’s strategic direction with a focus on people, quality training and sustainable growth.
Kel Gale
Kel’s professional background spans training across the pre-hospital health care, maritime and tourism sectors, with a strong focus on providing practical, efficient, evidence-based education.
Reahanna Clark
Reahanna Clark is IPC’s Course Advisor, supporting new and continuing students as they navigate their training and career pathways in emergency health care. With over five years of RTO experience and a background in health sciences, she provides helpful guidance on course selection, enrolment, credit transfers, and RPL applications, helping students feel confident throughout their study journey.
Caroline Gey
Caroline leads IPC’s audit and compliance activities, ensuring quality training outcomes, regulatory compliance, and robust systems that support students, trainers, and industry partners.
Dave Mortimer
David is a registered paramedic with NSW Ambulance and a highly experienced trainer with over 12 years of first aid education experience. He delivers practical, engaging training across the IPC’s first aid courses and trains our Diploma of Emergency Health Care, bringing real emergency‑response insight to every class.
Dee Heffernan
Dee Heffernan is IPC’s Training and Professional Development Officer, working closely with partners to support training delivery and compliance. Drawing on her experience as a trainer and her paramedical studies, she helps partners stay informed, capable, and confident.
Cora O'Callaghan
Cora is IPC’s Training and Student Success Coordinator, supporting learners from enrolment through to course completion. Known for her solutions-focused style, she helps ensure students stay engaged, supported, and confident throughout their training journey.
Lynette Hawthorn
Lynette Hawthorn is a Training Coordinator at IPC, helping students navigate their courses and stay on track from start to finish. She is passionate about supporting learners as they develop the skills needed to make a difference in their communities.
Rebecca Wade
Rebecca Wade is a Trainer and Assessor with more than 30 years of experience across community and children’s services. Her career supporting vulnerable individuals shapes her practical, compassionate approach to first aid training.
Tony Ruttley
Tony Ruttley is a Trainer and Assessor with over 20 years of experience in sports medicine and emergency care. His background as a rugby league sports trainer brings valuable real-world insight into injury management and emergency response.
Harjot Singh Sandhu
Harjot Singh Sandhu is an experienced Trainer and Assessor with more than 13 years in disability, mental health, and community healthcare. His hands-on background helps him deliver engaging first aid training grounded in real-world scenarios.
Tamieka Huxley
Tamieka Huxley is a Trainer and Assessor delivering first aid training across the Northern NSW region. She is passionate about empowering local communities with the confidence and skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
Steve Tevelein
Steve Tevelein is a First Aid and CPR Trainer with extensive experience in emergency response and community service. As a long-time SES member, he brings practical knowledge into every training session.
Aligned with health and community services standards
This course reflects the requirements of the national CHC Community Services training package and Australian anti-discrimination and human rights obligations.
Explore health career resources
Read practical guides on entry-level health roles and where they can lead.
Get help starting your healthcare journey
If you’re exploring entry-level healthcare training, our team can guide you through enrolment, study options, and what to expect from this course.
