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Update on long-term health conditions skill standards, qualification, and micro-credential development

Toitū te Waiora has developed a set of level 3 skill standards to aid deeper understanding of common long-term health conditions.

The skill standards can be used in existing programmes of study leading to health and wellbeing qualifications. These will also be available later this year through individual micro-credential awards. Learners who complete all five micro-credentials (as stacked micro-credentials) will receive a New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) qualification in long-term health conditions. 

 

Key focus areas:

  • Understanding the impact of long-term conditions, key management strategies, and privacy responsibilities.
  • Applying the principles of hauora and cultural sensitivity to support holistic care in long-term condition management.
  • Implementing health promotion strategies that focus on prevention, reducing modifiable risk behaviours, and improving overall well-being.

 

Skill standards

Five new skill standards have been listed on the Directory of Assessment and Skill Standards (DASS). These are available to all providers for use in health and wellbeing programmes of study.

SS Title Level Credits
40483 Determine the key characteristics of long-term conditions 3 15
40484 Recognise key characteristics and impacts of arthritis 3 10
40485 Recognise key characteristics and impacts of diabetes 3 10
40486 Recognise key characteristics and impacts of heart disease 3 10
40487 Recognise key characteristics and impacts of stroke 3 10

 

New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions (Level 3, 55 credits)

Toitū Te Waiora is developing a new level 3 qualification to support knowledge of long-term health conditions. The qualification will empower individuals to support the health and wellbeing of people living with conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, stroke, and heart disease.

We welcome your feedback on the proposed qualification document:

New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions (Level 3)

Please send your comments to [email protected] by 15 April 2025.

 

Micro-credentials (10 or 15 credits each)

The new long-term care skill standards will form the basis for assessment in individual micro-credentials, which can be stacked to achieve a NZQCF qualification. This allows learners to build skills at their own pace and apply them directly to their work with individuals living with long-term conditions.

Toitū te Waiora will seek NZQA approval for five micro-credentials by August 2025, with the aim to have them all listed on the NZQCF by December 2025.

Toitū te Waiora hopes that the skill standards, micro-credentials and qualification will strengthen the health workforce and improve outcomes across New Zealand. Keep an eye out for updates on this exciting development.