Hunter New England Central Coast (HNECC) Primary Health Network has announced a new scholarship initiative designed to expand the skills of frontline health staff and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce. In partnership with UNE Partnerships, the PHN is offering funded places in the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting (HLT47715), opening pathways for receptionists and administrators to step into more advanced clinical support roles.
The scholarship reflects a broader push to bridge the gap between administrative and clinical duties in general practice, equipping staff with the ability to provide both patient-facing care and vital practice management support. For many health services across regional New South Wales, the initiative comes at a time when workforce shortages and increasing patient demand are putting unprecedented pressure on primary care.
A Training Opportunity With Practical Impact
The Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting is a comprehensive qualification that covers both front desk management and clinical support. Graduates are trained to balance core administrative responsibilities such as scheduling and patient record management, with delegated treatment room tasks like preparing patients for procedures, taking observations, or assisting doctors with minor clinical duties.
According to HNECC PHN, the scholarship is targeted at those already working in medical settings, particularly receptionists and administrative staff who wish to broaden their scope. By upskilling existing personnel, the program aims to create a workforce more resilient to rising demand while giving employees a clearer career pathway.
The course spans 23 units of competency delivered over 18–24 months, organised into three study terms. It sits at level 4 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), meaning it provides a nationally recognised credential that can open career opportunities beyond a single clinic. Delivery blends online study with face-to-face sessions, ensuring both flexibility and hands-on learning.
Study Commitment and Training Requirements
While accessible, the program does require commitment. Students are expected to allocate four to six hours of self-directed study each week. Beyond online learning, two face-to-face training blocks are mandatory:
- First Aid Training: A two-day in-person session designed to build confidence in emergency response.
- Clinical Training: Three days of supervised clinical learning, allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
The balance of theory, online flexibility, and in-person training is deliberately structured to ensure graduates are prepared for the dual responsibilities of administrative management and clinical support.
Funding to Reduce Barriers
One of the most attractive features of the program is the financial support available. Government funding, combined with the PHN scholarship, will heavily subsidise tuition costs. Successful applicants will contribute no more than $500 toward the full course fee, a fraction of the cost of most vocational healthcare programs.
The PHN stresses that this contribution ensures accessibility while also creating a sense of shared investment. For small practices across regional NSW, where budgets are often tight, the subsidy may make the difference between being able to upskill staff or leaving the workforce gap unfilled.
Expressions of Interest are open now, with applications closing at close of business on Monday 27 October 2025. Given the limited number of scholarships, the PHN anticipates strong competition. Applicants must complete two forms: one from the candidate themselves, and another endorsed by the practice manager or business owner.
Who Should Apply?
The program is designed for individuals who are already embedded in primary care but wish to take their role further. It is particularly suited to:
- Health receptionists who manage patient bookings and records but would like to expand into clinical support.
- Administrative staff who want to contribute directly to patient care while maintaining their practice management expertise.
- Small practices seeking to maximise workforce flexibility by enabling staff to step into both administrative and treatment roles.
Graduates of the course will work under indirect supervision, performing delegated clinical tasks. This ensures they add immediate value to general practices without displacing the responsibilities of registered nurses or GPs. Instead, they complement the team by freeing up clinicians for higher-level tasks, while improving efficiency and patient experience.
Addressing Workforce Gaps in Primary Care
The PHN’s decision to fund this initiative is driven by pressing workforce challenges. General practices in regional and rural areas face a persistent shortage of trained staff, with many clinics struggling to attract and retain nurses and allied health professionals. By enabling receptionists and administrators to expand into dual-function roles, practices can become more sustainable.
The model mirrors strategies used internationally to support overstretched primary care. For example, the United Kingdom’s NHS has invested in “Medical Assistants” to bridge gaps between clerical and clinical staff, and Canada has introduced hybrid roles in community health centres. Both initiatives have shown improved efficiency and reduced clinician burnout.
For Australia, and particularly for the Hunter New England and Central Coast regions, such initiatives are critical. An ageing population, increasing prevalence of chronic disease, and rising demand for preventive care mean practices need staff who are versatile, skilled, and able to respond flexibly.
Timelines and Next Steps
Applications are now open, with the following timeline in place:
- EOI Submission Deadline: Close of business, Monday 27 October 2025
- Final Enrolments: By Friday 14 November 2025
- Course Commencement: Monday 17 November 2025
Successful applicants will be notified in early November and must be ready to begin immediately. With the program running over two years, early enrolment is essential to align training schedules with practice needs.
Voices From the Sector
Cheyenne Moody, PHN Senior Project Officer for Workforce Planning, is overseeing the rollout. She emphasised that the scholarship is not just about training individuals but strengthening the fabric of primary care:
“We want to support our practices in building the right workforce for the future. By investing in staff who already know the practice environment, we’re ensuring clinics can continue to deliver quality care while also creating new career pathways for their employees.”
Practice managers have also welcomed the initiative. Many report difficulties recruiting clinical staff, particularly in smaller towns. For them, having administrative team members upskilled to assist with clinical tasks offers a practical solution that reduces pressure without compromising care standards.
Wider Implications for Healthcare
The HNECC PHN’s initiative is part of a growing recognition that healthcare systems need new workforce models. Traditional staffing approaches, reliant on GPs, nurses, and specialists alone, are proving insufficient as patient demand outpaces supply. Hybrid roles such as Medical Practice Assistants can create efficiencies, improve patient access, and reduce bottlenecks.
For staff, the pathway also offers long-term career benefits. A Certificate IV provides nationally portable skills that can lead to employment in hospitals, community health centres, or larger practices. It also serves as a stepping stone to higher qualifications in nursing or allied health, should participants wish to advance further.
By subsidising the qualification, the PHN is lowering one of the most significant barriers: cost. For many receptionists earning modest salaries, paying several thousand dollars for vocational training would be prohibitive. With the subsidy, the course becomes accessible to a much wider pool of candidates.
Practical Details for Applicants
Interested candidates should note the following key points before applying:
- Two EOI forms must be submitted: one by the applicant, one by the practice manager. Both are required for eligibility.
- The application process is competitive, meaning not all applicants will be awarded scholarships.
- While subsidised, participants must contribute up to $500 towards the program.
- The course requires both online and in-person components, with time commitments spread over two years.
- Applicants should have the support of their practice, as practical experience and supervision will form part of their training.
For questions, candidates can contact Cheyenne Moody directly at cmoody@thephn.com.au or 0409 808 265.
Looking Ahead
As healthcare systems evolve, roles like the Medical Practice Assistant are expected to become increasingly common. By proactively funding training and scholarships, HNECC PHN is positioning its region to adapt to the demands of the future. For practices struggling with workforce gaps, the initiative offers immediate relief. For staff seeking growth, it provides an affordable and accessible pathway. And for patients, it promises a more efficient, responsive, and patient-centred primary care experience.
The coming months will show how strong demand for the program is, but if early interest is any indication, the scholarship may well serve as a blueprint for other regions across Australia looking to address similar challenges. By blending workforce planning, education, and funding support, the PHN is delivering a model that is both practical and forward-looking.
For now, the message is clear: if you are working in a medical reception or administrative role and want to take your career further, this is a rare opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification at a fraction of the usual cost. With a limited number of scholarships available and a clear deadline, acting early could secure not just a place in the program but a long-term future in healthcare.
