One of the most effective ways to learn about Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment is to study with an industry-based provider of AOD training. These industry-based training providers are also agencies that provide AOD services to clients. They can draw on the expertise and experience of currently practising specialists working in their agencies to inform their training provision, resources and assessment approaches. Being able to translate current industry best practices into learning increases the relevance of the programs to learners’ needs. Programs are offered in a variety of flexible delivery modes, including face-to-face, online and blended. Your learning experience can be tailored to suit your individual needs – whether you are upskilling, returning to study or seeking to change your career. Victoria’s specialist industry-based AOD providers of nationally accredited AOD training and qualifications include:
- Odyssey Victoria (Odyssey Institute)
- Turning Point
These training providers offer a range of study options, from the Certificate IV and Diploma in AOD to higher education postgraduate courses up to and including qualifications at a Master’s level.
Odyssey Institute
(RTO 20995)
For more than three decades, Odyssey Victoria has provided treatment options for people with substance use issues, and continues to develop and offer services and programs in response to the emerging needs of the community.
Odyssey Victoria recognises that problems with alcohol and other drugs can have a significant impact on children and other family members. They aim to support and make their services relevant to people of all backgrounds and identities, welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, and those from LGBTQI communities to their services.
Services and programs include:
- Assessment;
- Counselling and support;
- Residential rehabilitation;
- Financial counselling;
- Youth and Family Services;
- Children’s and Family Services;
- Education and Training;
- Drink and Drug Driver Education Programs.
For more information about Odyssey’s services and programs go to our website.
Odyssey Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The breadth of knowledge and skills required to deliver the range of specialist AOD services provided by Odyssey Victoria informs the relevance of Odyssey Institute training programs—ensuring our students receive the most current information and relevant skills.
Odyssey Institute AOD Courses
As an industry-based RTO, we design and deliver training programs and assessment services that are informed by Odyssey’s clinical expertise in the AOD sector.
Odyssey is committed to providing training and assessment services in programs that support the development of a strong and progressive AOD sector workforce, and support the needs of other allied health professions and corporate agencies.
Their programs are designed to meet not only the needs of existing workers but also those who wish to change careers and or enter employment in the AOD sector.
All Odyssey Institute qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, which provides structured pathways into higher education programs (as defined in the AQF Policy for Pathways).
Our scope of registration includes the following nationally recognised qualifications:
- CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs;
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs;
- CHCSS00093 Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set;
- 10254NAT Working with Clients with Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Issues
(Note 10524NAT is copyright owned by OHV. Information about the curriculum is available by contacting the Odyssey’s RTO Manager.)
Trainers and assessors incorporate individual student-centred approaches through face-to-face delivery, coordinated online study groups and enabling online student peer support networks.
More information about Odyssey Victoria Programs
Since it first attained registration as a training provider, Odyssey Institute has developed specialist programs to meet workforce needs. This demonstrates our capability for high-quality service provision and relevant training options. Programs developed in the past have included: Family Inclusive practice, Amphetamine Type Stimulants, and Gambling as an Addiction.
Turning Point
(RTO 6948)
Turning Point is a national treatment, research and education centre that provides leadership in the AOD, gambling and mental health sectors. Combining innovative research in the clinical and population health fields with capacity building and specialist support, Turning Point assists services, communities and the Victorian and Commonwealth governments to better respond to AOD and gambling issues. Turning Point is an Eastern Health service, operating in affiliation with Monash University. Situated in Church Street, Richmond, Turning Point’s facilities combine state-of-the-art clinical areas with large purpose-built training rooms and recording facilities for developing online professional development programs. Turning Point is both an RTO and an accredited Higher Education Provider (HEP). As an RTO, Turning Point offers specialist AOD training to the AOD sector, including the provision of the AOD Skills Set. As a HEP, it offers postgraduate courses in addictions up to Master’s Level.
Turning Point AOD Programs
Turning Point’s comprehensive approach to education and workforce development reflects an understanding that effective lifelong learning comprises multiple strategies. Our education and training programs include regular seminars, webinars, skills-based workshops, competency-based training, medical specialist training and higher education courses, the latter delivered in conjunction with Monash University. We also develop and deliver specialist resources and post-training support to AOD clinicians, researchers and policy makers. Underpinning this delivery is the belief that research informs practice and professionals are constantly required to keep up to date with cutting-edge discoveries in the field.
The accredited courses currently offered by Turning Point that meet MQS requirements include the 4 units of competency that comprise the AOD skill set and multiple courses at the postgraduate level.
AOD Skillset
- CHCAOD001 – Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
- CHCAOD004 – Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
- CHCAOD006 – Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
- CHCAOD009 – Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
For more information on Professional Development, visit the website
Postgraduate courses
- Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours
- Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours
- Master of Addictive Behaviours
These courses are delivered fully online and are suitable for graduates in psychology, criminology, nursing, medicine, law, social work, youth work and community development and those working in criminal justice, mental health, community health and public policy.
For more information, visit their website or email turningpoint@monash.edu
Turning Point is unique in the area of Education and Training, not only because they offer a wide range of learning options for people looking to progress in their chosen careers, but also because of its internationally recognised research profile and extensive clinical services, including Counselling Online. This combination of research and clinical expertise ensures that Turning Point’s educational programs are both evidence and practice-based.
Turning Point is also very proud of the quality of our teaching. In 2017, the mean student satisfaction rating across 14 postgraduate subjects was 4.4 out of 5. In relation to our non-accredited training courses for 2017, 92 % of our 2,958 participants indicated “High” or “Very High” satisfaction with the training provided.
More Information on Turning Point Programs
In addition to accredited training, Turning Point provides skills-based workshops for state-funded AOD workers, a Training Calendar of special workshops of interest to the AOD Sector, a monthly Talking Point lecture featuring hot topics, and a webinar series for clinical staff, including more established clinicians.
If you would like more information about any of our Workforce Development activities, please email training@turningpoint.org.au