Health administration courses
Health administration courses cover the business side of a health service, from patient records at the front desk to budgets, staff and compliance. The Diploma of Practice Management is the one that prepares you to run a practice rather than work within one.
- Quickest way to start
- 2 years
- Diploma, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $1,140
- subsidised Certificate IV, TAFE Queensland
- What the jobs pay
- $86,100
- median pay across 1 job
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Diploma of Practice Management
Run a health practice or clinic
Oversee bookings, billing, staff and compliance so a medical, dental or allied health practice runs smoothly and patients are looked after.
Median pay$86,100
- How long it takes
- About 2 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $6,855 at TAFE Queensland if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $10,575 full fee
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate III | Certificate IV | Diploma | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $1,450 | $9,030 | $1,550 | $8,700 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Holmesglen Institute | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | $3,834 | $8,201 | Not listed | Not listed |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $1,495 | $4,745 | $1,140 | $5,700 | $6,855 | $10,575 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate III
- $1,450 subsidised
- $9,030 full fee
- Certificate IV
- $1,550 subsidised
- $8,700 full fee
- Diploma
- Not listed
Holmesglen InstituteVIC
- Certificate III
- Not listed
- Certificate IV
- $3,834 subsidised
- $8,201 full fee
- Diploma
- Not listed
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate III
- $1,495 subsidised
- $4,745 full fee
- Certificate IV
- $1,140 subsidised
- $5,700 full fee
- Diploma
- $6,855 subsidised
- $10,575 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Short university courses
Other certificates and diplomas
- Diploma of Health AdministrationThe other diploma in this field, for administrative roles across a health service rather than a single practice.
- Certificate III in Health Administration18 months. For the front desk, reception and records side of health care, where you deal with patients, families and clinical staff every day.
Can help with: medical receptionist, typist, ward clerk
- Certificate IV in Health Administration18 months. For people already working in health administration who want to step up to leading a small team.
Can help with: medical receptionist, ward clerk
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.