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Non-accredited short course
Catheter and stoma care course online
Course overview
Build your understanding of catheter and stoma care and the support worker’s role in providing safe, respectful everyday assistance.
This course introduces urinary catheters, drainage systems and stoma pouching equipment. You will explore hygiene, skin protection, output observations and the importance of following each person’s individual care plan.
Through short lessons and realistic workplace scenarios, you will learn to recognise changes, communicate concerns and maintain clear records while protecting the person’s privacy, comfort and independence.
Important
This course provides foundational knowledge. It does not replace person-specific practical training, competency assessment, clinical guidance or authorisation to perform care procedures.
Course objectives
- Understanding Catheters and Stomas: Recognise common devices, including urethral and suprapubic catheters, drainage bags, catheter valves and stoma pouching systems.
- Following Individual Care Plans: Identify the person’s equipment, routine, preferences and the tasks you are trained and authorised to perform.
- Everyday Care and Infection Prevention: Explore clean preparation, bag and pouch emptying, equipment handling and protecting catheter connections.
- Skin Protection and Observation: Recognise changes in skin condition, comfort, leakage and output that require attention.
- Dignity, Privacy and Consent: Understand ongoing consent, respectful communication and supporting independence during intimate care.
- Recognising Concerns and Reporting: Identify warning signs, seek appropriate help and document observations and actions clearly.
What does the Catheter and Stoma Care Course Pack Include?
Practical resources you can keep and use whenever needed.
Reference Guide
Revisit device terminology, daily care considerations, warning signs and escalation reminders.
Workbook
Reinforce your learning through practical, non-graded activities, reflection questions and workplace scenarios.
Workplace Checklist
Check important preparation, consent, hygiene, observation and documentation steps.
Who this course is for
- Disability support workers assisting people who use urinary catheters or stoma appliances
- Workers in supported independent living and community care settings
- Personal care and aged care workers
- New workers preparing for person-specific practical training
- Experienced workers refreshing their understanding of observation and reporting
- Team leaders supporting consistent care-plan awareness and respectful practice
Course outcomes
What you will be better prepared to do
1
Recognise common catheter and stoma equipment
2
Check that the equipment in use matches the individual care plan
3
Understand the importance of clean technique and secure connections
4
Identify the care tasks within your training and authorisation
5
Recognise changes in output, leakage, skin condition and comfort
6
Seek and respect consent throughout each episode of care
7
Protect privacy and support the person’s preferences and independence
8
Recognise warning signs requiring prompt clinical advice
9
Communicate concerns using clear, relevant observations
10
Document care, advice received and follow-up actions accurately
On the job
How the learning connects with everyday work
Scenario 1
Bag or pouch differs from the care plan
The drainage bag or pouch differs from the product listed in the care plan.
Recognise the need to clarify the mismatch before proceeding.
Scenario 2
A heavy bag or full pouch
A bag becomes heavy or a pouch approaches its planned emptying point.
Understand the importance of timely assistance using the person’s prescribed routine.
Scenario 3
Tubing under tension
Tubing appears caught or under tension during dressing.
Recognise a risk that needs attention within your training and the care plan.
Scenario 4
Little output and bladder discomfort
There is little catheter output and the person reports bladder discomfort.
Recognise the need for urgent clinical advice rather than attempting to force drainage.
Scenario 5
Leakage or skin irritation at a stoma
You notice new leakage or skin irritation around a stoma.
Record specific changes and seek advice about the person’s care needs.
Scenario 6
A person withdraws consent
A person withdraws consent during care.
Pause safely, respect their decision and seek guidance through the appropriate pathway.
Scenario 7
Handing over a concern
You are handing over a concern to the next worker.
Communicate what changed, actions taken, advice received and outstanding follow-up.
Six simple steps
How the course works
1
Enrol online
Register and access your course.
2
Start when it suits you
Begin anytime and work through the learning at your own pace.
3
Explore the lessons
Learn about devices, individual plans, daily care considerations and recognising concerns.
4
Use your Course Pack
Download the Reference Guide, Workbook and Workplace Checklist.
5
Apply your understanding
Work through learning activities and realistic care scenarios.
6
Complete the course requirements
Finish the required learning and assessments to receive your Certificate of Completion.
How your learning is checked
- Catheter and stoma terminology
- Following care plans and recognising role boundaries
- Hygiene, equipment handling and skin protection
- Consent, privacy and respectful communication
- Recognising output changes and other warning signs
- Escalation, documentation and handover
Workbook activities are non-graded and provide opportunities to practise applying your understanding. Online learning checks assess knowledge. They do not establish practical competence to insert, replace or flush catheters, or independently perform stoma care procedures.
What you will receive
After successfully meeting the course requirements, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion for the Get My Course Catheter and Stoma Care short course. You will also have the downloadable Course Pack for ongoing reference and learning.
Certificate of Completion
Awarded once you meet all course requirements.
This is non-accredited training. The Certificate of Completion is not a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment. It does not replace the person-specific training, practical competency assessment and workplace authorisation required for the care tasks you undertake.
Why Catheter and Stoma Care Matters in Care Work
Catheter and stoma support can affect a person’s comfort, skin health, confidence and participation in daily life. Consistent care and attentive observation help workers recognise changes that need clinical review.
Each person’s device, routine and support requirements can differ. Following the individual plan helps avoid unsuitable product substitutions, unnecessary handling and inconsistent care.
This is also intimate support. Explaining each step, respecting consent and protecting privacy help the person remain informed and involved in their care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a catheter and a stoma?
A urinary catheter is a tube used to drain urine from the bladder. In this course, a stoma refers to a surgically created opening that allows urine or bowel output to leave the body, usually into a pouch.
What types of equipment are covered?
The course introduces urethral and suprapubic catheters, catheter valves, leg and night drainage bags, stoma pouches and adhesive baseplates.
Is this course nationally accredited?
No. This is a non-accredited Professional Development Short Course. Successful learners receive a Certificate of Completion, not a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered online, with downloadable resources to support your learning.
When can I start?
You can start anytime. Enrol online and begin learning when it suits you.
Does this course qualify me to provide catheter or stoma care independently?
No. You also need training and assessed competence specific to the person, their equipment and the tasks you are authorised to perform.
Does the course authorise me to insert or replace a catheter?
No. Catheter insertion and replacement require specific clinical skills and role authorisation. Changing a drainage bag is a separate task from replacing the catheter itself.
Will I learn about changing drainage bags and stoma pouches?
Yes. The course introduces the checks and responsibilities involved. Performing these tasks requires the relevant practical training and authorisation under the person’s care plan and workplace procedures.
What concerns will I learn to recognise?
The course covers changes such as reduced output, persistent leakage, pain, blood in output, stoma colour changes, skin damage and signs that the person is becoming unwell. These observations require an appropriate response; they do not establish a diagnosis.
What should I do if the equipment or instructions are unclear?
Pause the task safely and seek clarification from the appropriate supervisor or clinician. Do not substitute products or attempt unfamiliar procedures.
Are the workbook activities graded?
No. Workbook activities reinforce learning. Required course assessments will be identified separately.
Can I keep the course resources?
Yes. Download the Reference Guide, Workbook and Workplace Checklist for future reference. Always use them alongside current individual plans and workplace procedures.
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