Allied Health in Australia
Are you a health-minded type looking for a job that is all about helping others? If so, consider joining the growing ranks of Australia’s Allied Health professionals. You will find all you need to know right here at training.com.au.
What is Allied Health?
The term Allied Health is relatively new to modern science and describes a wide variety of healthcare practitioners, in particular, those not considered part of the dental, medical, or nursing professions. Allied Health professionals specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a broad range of conditions and typically work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
What Are Some Jobs in Allied Health?
The following are just some of the many jobs considered to be part of Allied Health:
- Art Therapist
- Chiropractor
- Dietician
- Genetic Counsellor
- Occupational Therapist
- Optometrist
- Physiotherapist
- Podiatrist
- Speech Pathologist
What is the Allied Health Industry Like in Australia?
There are currently around 195,000 Allied Health professionals working across the country and together they provide approximately 200 million health services each year. While many work for themselves in private practice, others can be based anywhere from schools, hospitals, and mental health facilities right through to aged care homes and community health centres.
Most of Australia’s Allied Health professionals work regular business hours in clinic-type settings, although evening and weekend work is also sometimes required. The rate of pay varies widely according to your role; for example, an Allied Health Assistant salary usually starts at around $57,000 P/A, Physiotherapists earn roughly $65,000 P/A, while Chiropractors bring home an average of $76,711 P/A.
How do you get trained up in Allied Health?
To legally practice Allied Health in Australia the right training is a must; after all, people will be relying on your skills, knowledge, and expertise to guide their health and wellness decisions, not to mention that many professions have their own strict licensing regulations. Thankfully, finding a program to suit your wants and needs is easy here at training.com.au.
A great way to get started is with a certificate level course, as they provide a solid introduction to what this fascinating field is all about. For example, Allied Health Assistant courses online touch upon everything from health, healing, and hygiene to rules, regulations, and reports, while certificate level podiatry courses and physiotherapy courses at TAFE provide a fantastic mix of theory and practice. Certificate level credentials are also widely recognised and offer an ideal stepping stone into higher level learning.
Want to delve a little deeper into the world of Allied Health? If so, consider a diploma, because whether you take a diploma in allied health assistance or a diploma course in nutrition and dietetics, you will boost your skills, knowledge, and confidence dramatically. Most diplomas also include a practical component where you will gain invaluable experience and contacts. Best of all, you will emerge ready to take on a wide range of entry-level positions in both the public and private sectors.
If you dream of running your own practice one day or simply want to take your skills to the next level, a bachelor level degree will serve you well. Most programs take up to 4 years to complete and cover everything from the latest scientific studies and modern techniques to mastering the art of diagnosis, patient care, and professional communication. Most importantly, you’ll emerge ready to take on roles with higher pay and more responsibility and graduate with credentials that are internationally recognised.
Whether you are interested in Allied Health courses at TAFE, Occupational Therapy courses at TAFE, or Speech Pathology courses at University, you have come to the right place, because not only does training.com.au have an enormous range of options to choose from, but you’ll get all the support you need every step of the way.
Future Prospects
If you are looking for a job that will always be in high demand, Allied Health is a certainly a safe bet; after all, not only is healthcare one of Australia’s fastest growing professions, but this is also the case in much of the rest of the world.
According to the latest Australian Government data, the majority of Allied Health professions will experience strong growth over the next 5-10 years, in particular roles such as Chiropractor, Osteopath, Speech Pathologist, Audiologist, and Physiotherapist. Furthermore, Australia’s population is aging rapidly – with 1 in 6 Australians now 65 years or older – which means that the need for skilled and qualified health professionals is sure to rise dramatically over the coming years.
Is a career in Allied Health right for you?
To enjoy a successful career in Allied Health you need to have an unwavering passion for helping others. The following skills and talents are also a definite plus;
- Clear communication skills
- Scientific knowledge
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- High-level organisation
- The ability to work independently
- Plenty of patience
