Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
An Aged Care and health support role working under nursing supervision; no AHPRA registration required.
An Assistant in Nursing (AIN) provides hands-on personal care and support to older people and patients while working under the supervision of a registered or enrolled nurse. The role covers tasks like assisting with showering, dressing, mobility, meals and recording observations, depending on the setting.
For workers, an AIN role is a common entry point into Aged Care and health. It usually expects a Certificate III in Individual Support or a similar qualification, although requirements vary by employer. AINs are not registered with AHPRA and cannot call themselves a nurse. AHPRA registration is separate and is not a substitute for worker screening. Before starting, you will typically need a National Police Check issued under 3 years ago or an NDIS Worker Screening Check, plus current first aid and mandatory training.
For providers, AINs make up a large share of the direct care workforce, so keeping their screening, qualifications and training current is central to meeting workforce standards.
Koora reviews and tracks an AIN's screening, qualifications and training in a Career Passport, while the provider keeps the legal responsibility for compliance.
This is general information, not compliance advice. Always confirm requirements with the relevant regulator, and remember that providers keep the legal responsibility to sight credentials and decide who can work.
We work hard to keep it accurate, but the rules change and we will not always get every detail right. If you think something here needs updating, email us at resources@koora.care. We would genuinely rather know, because we all do better when we help each other get it right.
How to become an Aged Care worker in Australia
The qualifications, screening and steps to start a career in Aged Care, from the Certificate III in Individual Support to your first job.
Read guideAged CareRN, EN and AIN roles in Aged Care: credentials and pathways
How registered nurses, enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing differ in Aged Care: scope, qualifications, AHPRA registration and the screening every role still needs.
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