At Healthcare Australia (HCA), we place qualified professionals across aged care, hospitals and community health, including high-demand Assistant in Nursing (AIN) roles. This guide outlines how to become an AIN, what the job involves, salary expectations and how HCA can help you find work across the country.
An Assistant in Nursing, or AIN, supports the care of patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Enrolled Nurse (EN). AINs provide hands-on assistance to people in hospitals, aged care homes, community settings or disability support environments.
Key responsibilities include:
Helping with bathing, dressing and hygiene
Assisting with mobility, transfers and exercise
Serving meals and supporting dietary needs
Supporting toileting and continence care
Monitoring general well-being and reporting changes
HCA has consistent demand for AINs through our staffing networks. Whether you’re looking for full-time work or flexible shifts to fit around study or family life, we can help you get started quickly.
How to become an Assistant in Nursing in Australia
Starting a career as an Assistant in Nursing is a practical and accessible way to enter the healthcare sector. With the right training, you can begin supporting patients across aged care, hospitals or home care settings in a matter of months.
Step 1: Complete relevant training
Most AINs start by completing a Certificate III in Individual Support, specialising in Aged Care, Disability or Home and Community Care. This course includes a mix of classroom learning and supervised placement in a care setting. It usually takes 6 to 12 months.
An alternative pathway is through partial completion of a Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing. First-year nursing students are often eligible for AIN roles, especially if they have completed core clinical subjects and placement.
Step 2: Meet employment requirements
To work as an AIN, you’ll also need to meet several compliance requirements. These may include:
A current National Police Check
A valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) if you support younger clients
Immunisation records as per the workplace or health department policy
A First Aid Certificate and CPR accreditation
Training providers and recruiters like HCA will often guide you through gathering the right documents.
Step 3: Register with Healthcare Australia
Once you’re qualified and compliant, registering with HCA is fast and simple. We help AINs find both casual and permanent roles, including:
Aged care shifts in residential facilities
Acute care shifts in public/private hospitals
Disability support work in home or community settings
HCA’s onboarding team helps with document collection, shift setup and availability preferences. You choose when and where you work.
Assistant in Nursing salary and benefits
Understanding earning potential as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) is an important part of career planning. AIN pay can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, healthcare setting, and the types of shifts you work.
Earnings may differ between metropolitan and regional or remote roles, with additional opportunities to increase income through shift penalties, weekends, public holidays, and after-hours work.
What affects your pay
Several factors can influence your earnings:
Public hospital vs aged care facility
Location (metro vs regional or remote)
Experience and qualifications
Day, evening or overnight shifts
Working on public holidays and weekends
Want the latest salary insights?
Download our 2026 Salary Guide to access up-to-date pay trends, industry insights, and detailed breakdowns by role, location, and specialty.
When you work through Healthcare Australia, you gain access to:
Competitive casual pay rates
Penalty rates and travel allowance (where applicable)
Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
Free uniforms and regular shift opportunities
International Applicants and Visa Info
Australia welcomes international workers in many healthcare support roles, including AIN positions. If you’re a student or visa holder looking to gain experience while living in Australia, here’s what you need to know about eligibility and how HCA can help.
Working as an AIN on a visa:
International students or Working Holiday Visa holders may be eligible to work in AIN roles, depending on their visa conditions and training.
However, keep in mind that AIN roles are not typically included on Australia’s skilled migration lists. If you are planning a long-term relocation or permanent residency, a career path into Registered Nursing or Midwifery may be more suitable.
What you need:
If you’re an international applicant, you’ll need:
Valid visa with work rights
Completion of a Certificate III equivalent qualification in Australia or partial nursing studies
Police checks and immunisation records
How HCA supports international AINs:
Our team regularly supports visa holders with:
Job placements while studying or travelling
Document guidance and onboarding support
Access to roles that suit your location and availability
We understand the unique needs of international staff and help you make the most of your experience in Australia.
Resume and Cover Letter Tips
A clear, confident application can help you land your first AIN job faster. Here’s what to include:
AIN cover letter
Keep it friendly, professional and simple. Show that you are reliable, care about helping others and are comfortable working in a team.
Now that you know how to become an AIN, the next step is getting matched with the right role. HCA has opportunities for Assistant in Nursing positions across hospitals, aged care, home care and disability support. Whether you’re new to healthcare or already studying nursing, we make it easy to gain experience, earn a reliable income and build a meaningful career. Start your job search with Healthcare Australia today and explore flexible AIN roles that work for you.
Why work with us?
The most competitive pay rates for all healthcare professionals
Upskilling courses to progress your career
QuickPay option to receive payment for a shift within 48 hrs
Personal Care & Assistant in Nursing Jobs (AIN Jobs)
As an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) or Personal Care Assistant (PCA), you have a range of agencies and full-time and part-time opportunities.
When you join Australia’s leading healthcare recruitment provider, we offer you the best opportunities across Australia’s top Public and Private facilities. No matter what your level of experience or capacity to work is, we have shifts available right now in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and all metropolitan areas, satellite cities and regional hubs.
Search our latest roles for AINs and PCAs and register your interest below, and we’ll deliver you a broader range of opportunities, even jobs that aren’t advertised.
When you take on an AIN or PCA role with HCA, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings. Additionally, we support all our staff to develop and complete further qualifications with our training and education programs. Work towards a Certificate IV in Aged Care or perhaps take on clinical work whilst completing your studies in order to maximise your Assistant in Nursing salary​.
