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Global Health Pathways

Papua New Guinea is one of the hardest places to deliver healthcare in the world. We are on a mission to support communities in helping to overcome isolation.

Our global health pathways include the powerful combination of healthcare delivery and community development, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Our global health pathways include options for both experienced healthcare professionals and those who are looking to be trained. Whether you are supporting logistics from our campus in Townsville, or in the thick of treating patients in a remote village, you can rest assured that you will play a vital part in helping to build healthy lives, communities, and nations!

Specialise

Narrow down your focus by specialising in an area of hospitality you love. Roles could include:

Clinical

Primary healthcare worker

Other medical practitioner*

Clinic leader

Senior clinic leader

Clinic manager

*Including (but not limited to) doctor, nurse, midwife, physiotherapist, lab technician, pharmacist, dentist, dental therapist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, optometrist, refraction worker, ophthalmologist, scrub/theatre nurse, and orthoptist.

Healthcare & Development Training

Global Health Discipleship Training School (DTS) staff

Introduction to Global Health & Development School staff

First Aid/CPR trainer

Village Health Volunteer trainer

In-service facilitator

Healthcare Operations Management

Monitoring & evaluation

Personnel management

Logistics and inventory

Procurement of supplies

Recruitment of volunteers

Choose your pathway

View our short-term, part-time, and long-term options below.

Short-Term Options

2-12 weeks, full-time

Volunteer aboard the YWAM Medical Ship in Papua New Guinea
Positions

Medical practitioner, clinic leader

Location

MV YWAM PNG, Papua New Guinea

Dates

Outreaches are available to apply for 10 months of the year (starting at two weeks)

Prerequisites

Experience and relevant qualification in the role selected

Extend your pathway

→ Add this mission pathway to your annual calendar
→ Global Health focused Discipleship Training School (DTS)
→ Global Health Gap Year

 
Learn More
 

Volunteer with our logistics team at the YWAM Townsville City Campus

We call this Mission Building!

Positions

Logistics and inventory support

Location

YWAM Townsville City Campus

Dates

Choose dates that are suitable for you (two weeks – three months)

Prerequisites

Organisational skills

Extend your pathway

→ Add this opportunity to your annual calendar
→ Global Health focused Discipleship Training School (DTS)
→ Global Health Gap Year

 
Learn More
 

Part-time Options

Selected days on a weekly basis

Volunteer with the logistics team at the YWAM Townsville City Campus
Positions

Logistics and inventory support, monitoring and evaluation, clinic development

Location

YWAM Townsville City Campus 

Prerequisites

Experience in the role selected

Extend your pathway

→ Global Health focused Discipleship Training School (DTS)
→ Global Health Gap Year

Interested? Let’s chat!

 
Schedule a call
 

Long-Term Options

6 months – 2+ years

Global Health Discipleship Training School (DTS)
Time Frame

5.5 months. Intakes start in January, April, July & October

Location

Training: Townsville 
Outreach: Australia and Papua New Guinea

Special Features
  • Transformational discipleship 
  • Strong biblical teaching 
  • Holistic healthcare-focused outreach in Papua New Guinea
Prerequisites

Suitable for both those with healthcare experience and those without.

Training included

11290NAT – Certificate III in Discipleship

Extend your pathway

 Global Health Gap Year
→ Join us as a full-time volunteer staff member

Learn More

Global Health Gap Year
How it works

January – June or July – December: Global Health DTS 

July – December or January – June: Introduction to Global Health and Development

Time Frame

12 months, intakes start in January & July

Special Features
  • Transformational discipleship 
  • Strong biblical teaching 
  • Teaching on healthcare from a biblical worldview 
  • Training in a broad range of healthcare skills for the developing world context 
  • Understanding on how healthcare can apply to the mission field 
  • Healthcare-focused outreaches in Papua New Guinea
Training Included

11290NAT – Certificate III in Discipleship

HLT31220 – Certificate III in Basic Health Care

Prerequisites

Completed 11290NAT Certificate III in Discipleship (or DTS equivalent) before completing the Introduction to Global Health and Development.

Extend your pathway

Extend your pathway by joining as a full-time volunteer staff member

Learn More

Join YWAM Medical Ships Australia & Papua New Guinea as a full-time volunteer staff member
How it works

Choose your focus area and get your teeth stuck into your chosen specialty in the missions context. In addition to working with our team, you will have the opportunity to grow in skills for Christian mission.

Time Frame

Starting at 2 years

Special Features

Grow in:

  • Applying healthcare to the mission field 
  • Developing vision 
  • Servant leadership 
  • Managing finances
  • Working in team
  • Incorporating prayer & worship in ministry  

Austudy/ABSTUDY approved for Australian participants

Roles

Roles could include: 

  • Health care assistant 
  • Other medical practitioner
  • Clinic leader
  • Community Action and Participation coordinator 
  • First Aid/CPR trainer
  • Village Health Volunteer trainer
  • Introduction to Global Health and Development trainer 
  • In-service facilitator
  • Monitoring & evaluation officer 
  • Personnel management
  • Logistics and inventory management
  • Procurement manager
  • Volunteer recruitment manager
Training Included

Purpose and Leadership Development (10899NAT Certificate IV in Christian Missions)

 Prerequisites

Completed 11290NAT Certificate III in Discipleship (or DTS equivalent)

Extend your pathway

→ Advanced Leadership Development (10944NAT – Diploma of Christian Missions Leadership)

Learn More

You may also like

Interested? Contact us for more info!

Apply Now

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

Dates
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026
  • 25 January - 26 June 2026
  • 19 July - 18 December 2026
  • 18 October, 2026 - 19 March 2027

11290NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship

Apply Now

Learn More

Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

Dates
  • 26 April - 25 September, 2026

 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 July - 18 December, 2026
Learn More
Learn More

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

Apply

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Dental Assisting Training

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting course will give you the knowledge and practical skills needed to assist a dentist, oral health therapist or dental hygienist effectively.

During the course, you’ll gain hands-on experience working in the YWAM Dental Trailer, providing much-needed dental care to children while enhancing your skills and making a meaningful impact.

This course is about meeting real needs, bringing hope, and seeing your life transformed in the process!

Port Moresby Campus
  • 14 April 2025 - 27 March 2026

 

Apply Now

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Gap Year
Explore a Christian Gap Year with YWAM Medical Ships

Deepen Your Faith, Equip your Character and Make a Global Impact through missions!

Elective Focuses:

  • Hospitality
  • Global Health
  • Youth Ministry
  • Radio & Media

 

Dates

January - December 2026

 

 

Apply Now

Learn More

Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

Dates

26 January - 27 June 2025

Apply Now

Learn More

Introduction to Radio & Media

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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All Courses

Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

Learn more about our approach to training

Learn More (Townsville campus)

Learn More (Port Moresby Campus)

Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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Pathways with YWAM

We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 

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Resources

Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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For Parents

Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

Canvas Online Training

Login to complete your course homework here

 


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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

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Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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School Seminars

Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

Apply Now

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Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

Apply Now!

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Impact Summer

Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

High Ropes, bringing history to life, purpose driven teaching, breakfast, lunch, dinner! What more do you need?

 

Apply Now

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure Based Learning
Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


Apply Now

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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

Apply Now

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Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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Advocate

Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

Apply Now (Townsville Campus)

Apply Now  (Port Moresby Campus)

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Mission Build

Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!

 

Apply Now
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Youth Adventures
Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

Donate / Pay Here
Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
  • DTS Fees
  • Volunteer Fees
  • Tax-Deductible Donations
Donate Now
Donate to support the work in Papua New Guinea
Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
Pay Now
Ship Outreaches, Dental Trailer Outreaches, and more!

Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

Pay Now
YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

Give Now!
Support Our Volunteers
All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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Leave A Gift

Leaving a gift to YWAM in your will is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

Take Me There!
Charity Gift Shop

Join us in the vision of supporting healthy villages in Papua New Guinea by giving a tax-deductible donation that has the power to change lives!