Dysphagia Support Training

No. This is a non-accredited training course. Workers must follow the participant’s individualised dysphagia support plan, employer policies and NDIS High Intensity Support Skills requirements. Additional participant-specific training, competency assessments or authorisation may be required.

The course covers swallowing difficulties, aspiration and choking risks, texture-modified diets, thickened fluids, safe feeding techniques, mealtime positioning, nutrition, hydration, emergency responses, documentation and person-centred care.

No, it’s a non-accredited course. You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing the training.

Fully online and self-paced. The course takes approximately 2–3 hours to complete, allowing you to study at a time that suits you.

NDIS support workers, disability support staff, carers, nurses, healthcare professionals and home or community care workers who assist individuals experiencing swallowing difficulties.

The course does not specify a fixed certificate expiry date. Employers and registered NDIS providers may require refresher training or updated competency assessments in accordance with their policies and participant support requirements.

No previous healthcare or disability support experience is specified as a prerequisite. The course introduces dysphagia support principles and is suitable for workers seeking to develop their knowledge. Additional practical training may be required for particular support responsibilities.

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can affect a person’s ability to safely eat, drink or swallow medication, increasing the risk of choking, aspiration, malnutrition and dehydration.

Yes. You’ll learn about different food textures, modified fluid consistencies and the importance of following recommendations provided by qualified healthcare professionals and documented in individual support plans.

Yes. The course covers warning signs such as coughing during meals, wet or gurgly voice quality, breathing difficulties and choking episodes. It also explains when concerns should be escalated.

The course covers recognising choking emergencies and understanding appropriate response procedures. However, online theory does not replace practical first aid training or competency assessment.

No. Food textures and fluid consistencies must follow the participant’s individualised dysphagia support plan and recommendations from qualified healthcare professionals, such as speech pathologists. Workers should never make changes without appropriate authorisation.

Yes. The course explains considerations when supporting participants who have difficulty swallowing medication. Medication must only be administered or altered in accordance with healthcare directions, organisational procedures and the worker’s scope of practice.

Yes. The course introduces relevant NDIS High Intensity Support Skills Descriptors, individualised support plans, participant safety, documentation, reporting and professional responsibilities. Completing the course alone does not establish participant-specific competency.

The training includes knowledge checks, practical examples and scenario-based learning activities. Specific assessment requirements, passing scores and reassessment arrangements should be confirmed in your enrolment information.

Yes. Group enrolments can be arranged for NDIS providers, disability support organisations, aged care providers and healthcare teams. Contact CPR First Aid Australia to discuss training options.

Always follow your employer’s policies and the participant’s individualised dysphagia support plan. Seek guidance from a speech pathologist, registered nurse or appropriate healthcare professional when unsure. If a participant experiences severe choking or breathing difficulties, follow emergency procedures and call 000 for urgent assistance.