Healthcare in Australia
Australia’s healthcare industry currently employs over 1.5 million people, making it the single largest industry employer in the country. It also includes some of the top-paying jobs in the country, such as surgeons who are on approximately $361,202 per year, anaesthetists $319,033 and psychiatrists $186,788.
What Do Healthcare Professionals Do?
Careers in health require a particular type of person, as roles often involve working directly with individuals who are frail, sick, injured or in a state of crisis. Having genuine empathy, compassion and respect for others are essential for this challenging and highly gratifying job. You also need to have a great deal of emotional maturity, as you will deal with issues of mortality regularly and be called upon to provide moral support to patients and their loved ones.
If you’re unsure whether you’d be up for these often-difficult tasks, then no fear. Healthcare jobs come in many different forms, with several behind the scenes positions being as crucial in ensuring the health of others. Consider careers specialising in health research, pharmaceuticals, product development or healthcare administration which act as the backbone of this rewarding industry.
The industry includes a wide range of occupations and professions, from doctors and nurses to medical technicians, therapists, and administrative staff.
What Qualifications Do you Need?
An impressive 75% of those working in Australia’s healthcare industry have some form of post-secondary education, with the most efficient pathway into almost any health-related role starting with the right qualifications. Courses range from certificate level programs through to diploma and graduate diploma qualifications, every one of which has been designed to meet the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
The main advantage of AQF approved courses is that your hard-earned credentials will be recognised nationwide, regardless of whether you take an aged care course in Brisbane or a pathology course in Melbourne. The best way to get trained up depends on where you’d like your career to take you, though whether you are fresh out of school, looking to change careers or simply want to expand upon your skills, TAFE courses have all your needs covered.
Certificate
Certificate III and IV level courses provide a fantastic introduction to the industry and offer a great stepping-stone into entry-level roles, such as patient care attendant or dental assistant. Some of the skills you can gain through one of these courses include undertaking patient observations, evaluations and a thorough understanding of the medical terminology used across the industry. Healthcare professions are high- contact, and on-the-job training and placements are seen at almost every qualification level.
Diploma
If you have your sights set on a career as a health and welfare services manager, mental health outreach worker or envision running your own practice one day, a diploma healthcare course can fast-track you onto your dream career path. Diploma qualifications in health can offer you all the training you need to succeed and can allow you to acquire specialised knowledge of certain aspects of the healthcare industry, whilst also building on your practical and theoretical understanding of healthcare operations.
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor programs offer ideal preparation for more challenging roles, such as nutritionist, toxicologist or nurse; for example, one of the most respected nursing courses in Australia is the Bachelor of Nursing program. If you plan on becoming a registered nurse, then this three-year program is mandatory; however, if you have completed a Diploma of Nursing already it will count towards your credits and lessen your time spent studying.
Graduate Diploma
For those with some experience and training under their belt already and of whom are looking to advance their career, a Graduate Diploma of Health course is well-suited. Apart from showing your commitment to the industry and expanding your horizons, these popular programs will bolster your skills and confidence whilst opening the door to better-paid positions.
The Future of Healthcare
While there’s always going to be a place in the healthcare industry for compassionate, caring, and committed professionals, with technology set to make major changes in the coming years, tech-savvy graduates can expect to thrive most. For example, technologies are already impacting everything from implants and transplants to basic patient care, while data mining is making it easier to allocate health services where they are needed most.
Jobs throughout the healthcare industry are predicted to continue to grow. although nursing positions in Australia is already ripe with opportunity, as this vital profession is currently in dire need of workers and a shortfall of over 123,000 nurses is expected by 2023
Wherever you choose to go with your career, TAFE’s wide range of healthcare courses provide the perfect place to start. Courses advertised with us are flexible, user-friendly, affordable and we have partnered with some of Australia’s most respected institutions – including Open Colleges, Upskilled and Open Universities Australia – ensuring a world-class educational experience.
Is a Career in Healthcare Right for You?
Before deciding on a path for your career, keep in mind that working in healthcare is no walk in the park. Long shifts, late nights and sometimes even weekend work is common and dependently, a lot of effort and energy to do this important job is needed as well. On the other hand, you won’t find a more gratifying and rewarding way to earn a living, you will meet some of Australia’s most committed, caring and intelligent professionals and the pay isn’t bad either!
If you’re ready to make a real difference with your life through pursuing a career in healthcare, there has never been a better time to do so.
Simply find your course on health, sign up and get started today!