What Does Complementary Health Therapists Do?
Are you a kind and caring type who loves helping other people? Do you do your best work under pressure when it matters most? If so, the health care industry may well be calling your name. Here we will take a closer look at all you need to know.
What is a Career in the Healthcare Industry like?
The health industry is all about keeping people healthy, happy and ready to reach their full potential, both in body and mind. It can include anything from nursing and midwifery to working in nutrition, natural therapies or even dental hygiene, and there are plenty of behind the scenes roles as well, such as research and laboratory services.
An average day for a health professional can include any of the following tasks;
- Providing care and support to patients
- Administering medications
- Educating people on healthy lifestyle choices
- Monitoring resource distribution
- Liaising with other health care professionals
Approximately 97,400 people are currently employed in Australia’s health care industry and although the average rate of pay varies widely, most roles are well compensated. For example, Aged Care Workers make an average of $66,594 P/A; Medical Receptionists earn approximately $61,411 P/A, and Welfare Support Workers take home roughly $72,607 P/A.
What Qualifications do I Need?
The vast majority of health care professionals have attained at least a Year 12 level qualification, with 42.6% having also achieved a Certificate III level credential or higher; therefore, to thrive in this industry the right training and qualifications are a must.
Your education options range from science courses at TAFE through to university degrees in anything from dental hygiene to social work to occupational therapy. You can even study at a time that suits your schedule by signing up for one of the many health courses online.
The right path for you will depend upon the role you’d like to play. For example; a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is a great choice for those looking to work as a Nursing Support Worker, while a Diploma of Mental Health is the perfect pathway into a career as a Mental Health Outreach Worker.
Investing in a Bachelor degree is also well worthwhile, as it will boost your skills and confidence considerably, whereas if you have experience and qualifications under your belt already, a Graduate Certificate or a Master’s program can be a great stepping stone into management positions.
Where Will my Career Take me?
A career in health can provide the opportunity to live and work anywhere in Australia as most qualifications are recognised nation-wide. Graduates may even have the chance to travel with their work, as trade agreements with countries such as China are opening up a wave of opportunities for skilled and knowledgeable health care professionals. The following are just a few of the many potential roles for those seeking a career in health;
- Nursing Assistant
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Nurse
- Dental Assistant
- Retail Pharmacy Assistant
- Dietician
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Senior Staff Administration
- Midwife
- Aged Care Worker
Australia’s health industry is expected to grow by at least 2% by 2020 (compared to 2015 levels) and according to the Australian Labour Department, healthcare-related jobs are expected to be among those in greatest demand in coming years. A career in health care is therefore a wise choice for those interested in long term employment, especially when you consider the health care needs that will be required by Australia’s ageing population.
If you want a career where you can help people improve their quality of life on a daily basis, consider a career in health care. For best results, look for a course that suits your goals and values and get ready to thrive in one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding professions.