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How to Become an Allied Health Assistant: A Flexible Job That Helps People

To become an allied health assistant, you need specific knowledge of the health industry and skills in administration. A Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015) is the recognised qualification for this varied role and provides the knowledge needed to gain an entry position.

Explore what an allied health assistant is, how to become one, and the skills you need for this rewarding career.

allied-health-assistant
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
  • Start Learning
  • Reviews

Allied health assistant job description
info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed allied health assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Allied health assistants work directly under other health professionals in a supportive role by coordinating health and welfare programs, along with other health administration duties. An allied health assistant helps with overall patient care, creating therapy treatment plans, coordinating health programs and monitoring patient changes.
Organising

Organising
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Physical

Physical
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Intellectual

Intellectual
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Tasks and responsibilities for an allied health assistant

Tasks can include:

  • Helping develop treatment plans for patients 
  • Liaising with patients
  • Supporting and assisting allied health practitioners
  • Administrative support and record-keeping
  • Coordinating health programs
  • Monitoring patient outcomes

Reasons to choose this job
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Makes a difference

Makes a difference

Allied health has a crucial part to play in the health and wellbeing of the community. The difference the programs and services can make in an individual’s life is enormous. Extra care in interpersonal relations can turn an experience from an unpleasant one into one of comfort and ease.

Read More
Flexible hours

Flexible hours

A job in allied health assisting can be very flexible.  Therapy aide roles, for example, are mainly part-time, which means work can fit around other commitments or leave room for further study into other areas. A part-time job can easily transition into a full-time position, fostering the ability to create your unique work-life balance. 

Read More
Job security

Job security

epresenting around a third of the health workforce, allied health professionals deliver about 200 million services a year. With Australia’s healthcare services industry’s projected growth over the next five years, jobs in the sector are set to be plentiful. 

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.

Stress level
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

medium

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

very-high

Skill level
info
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.

medium

Job market trends for an allied health assistant

The job outlook for roles in health assisting is positive.

The health services industry has a considerable growth period predicted over the next five years. This increase is due to the aging population, an increase in chronic diseases and the rise of private health insurance coverage.

In Australia, there are around 195,000 allied health workers. A considerable percentage are allied health assistants working behind the scenes.

$62,400 Per Year

Median salary
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Projected job growth
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Pathway options
info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

Your entry-level position in allied health assistance could open up opportunities to specialise in a particular area or move on into other roles. 

Some pathways could be:

Junior

  • Allied health assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015)

  • Medical imaging assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015)

  • Occupational therapy assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015)

Mid

  • Anaesthetic technician

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology (HLT57915)

  • Community rehabilitation assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43015)

  • Speech therapy allied health assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43015)

  • Podiatry assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43015)

Skills you might already have
info
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.

Working in a team of professionals with a common goal of improving other people’s lives requires specific soft skills. You may already possess some of these skills acquired from either past employment or life experiences.

Some personal skills for an allied health assistant are:

Empathy

When working with vulnerable, unwell or injured people, it is essential to employ compassion and kindness. Some patients may be in chronic pain, have anxiety around treatment, and some may have had unpleasant experiences in the health system before working with your team.

In the health industry, an ability to put yourself in the shoes of the people you are helping goes a long way and ensures your patients feel at ease in your care.

Read More

Teamwork

As an allied health assistant, you work under the direction of a senior health practitioner and many other team members or service providers, like physiotherapists, speech pathologists, or occupational therapists. It is integral to the wellbeing of the patients that all cogs in the allied health machine work effectively with each other.

Mutual respect, patience and good communication make working in a team successful and ultimately result in a happier work environment.

Read More

Time management

There is a lot of paperwork and process when working in allied health. You are responsible for coordinating treatment plans, updating patient files, making appointments and many other admin heavy duties. 

Strong time management and organisational skills are imperative to ensure compliance in all areas of healthcare. 

Read More

Hard skills
info
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.

You need specific knowledge to be an allied health assistant. These are the skills you learn by undertaking vocational training.

Some professional allied health assistant skills required are:

Developing allied health service plans

Read More

Infection control, health and safety

Read More

Healthcare administration

Read More

Communication in health and community services

Read More

Medical terminology

Read More

Mental health care

Read More

Body systems

Read More

Being in the health sector is more about connecting with the person than it is the skills you learn at uni. Uni trains you not to kill someone and opens up the doorway to lifelong learning to become a good practitioner.

Glen Stevens
Chiropractor and owner of The Functional Movement club

 

I am passionate about advocating for a higher quality of patient-centered allied healthcare both within my own franchise and mobile business and in the wider industry. My aim is to improve the lives of a million Australians a year through quality and accessible health care.

Jonathan Moody
CEO and founder, Physio Inq

 

How to become an allied health assistant

There are steps you can take to make sure you’re ready for a role as an allied health assistant.
  1. Study

    Complete a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33015) through a TAFE or recognised training organisation (RTO). This equips you with the skills you need to start a job in allied health assistance and improve your job prospects. This course requires you to undertake 80 hours of work experience under the supervision of an allied health professional.

  2. National police check

    During the recruitment process for many jobs in healthcare, you may need to undergo a national police check. This check can be done entirely online and is very straightforward.

  3. Check your immunisations are up to date

    Healthcare workers may be exposed to, and transmit, vaccine-preventable diseases. It is advisable to make sure you have the correct vaccinations to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Explore related qualifications

Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance

Study method In-class Online

This course teaches you everything you need to know to assist health professionals that provide patient care within the allied health system.

The Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance is a nationally recognised qualification. It provides a solid understanding of assisting with allied health programs, basic medical terminology, compliance with infection prevention and control policies, and effective communication for the industry.

The course has elective units like working with behaviours of concern, assisting with movement and transporting individuals.

The average duration of this course is nine months, and enrolments take place throughout the year. This course also requires an 80-hour work placement.

The course can be delivered in a combination of online, in-class and work-based study options and can be self-paced. Enquire with providers for payment plan options.

Read More

4 providers offer this course

National College Australia (NCA)
Insight Training
Industry Skills Training
Foundation Education

Related subjects

A rewarding and exciting health career can come in many forms.

The health sector requires more people who want to help others and make a difference in the community.

Some other subjects to explore:

Allied Health
Allied Health
Health
Health

Reviews
info How we collect reviews

Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.

Is this your job title?

Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Natalia
Aug 23 2021

I have a supportive team and am constantly learning on the job.

What are the best parts of the job?

The people I work with are all amazing and lovely.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Learning on the go and constantly developing my skills so I can offer great care.

Read More
Qualification Masters degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Ella
Aug 23 2021

Helping patients overcome obstacles in their health journey.

What are the best parts of the job?

Walking with someone in their health journey and supporting them in achieving goals and overcoming barriers.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Bureaucracy within the workplace is frustrating, and means there are barriers to giving patients the care I want to provide.

Read More
Qualification Masters degree
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Penelope
Aug 23 2021

Enjoyable job where I get to help patients improve their lives.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love every part of the job. Helping patients is such a rewarding feeling.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Resolving conflict is a necessary but difficult part of the job.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Amber
Aug 24 2021

Interacting with patients is rewarding, and it's great seeing them improve.

What are the best parts of the job?

Patient interaction is my favourite part of the job. The social aspect is rewarding for both myself and the patients.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Some of my colleagues are difficult to work with.

Read More
Qualification Masters degree
Experience 10+
Organisation size 200+ employees
Helen
Aug 25 2021

It's rewarding to help parents improve the lives and wellbeing their children.

What are the best parts of the job?

Going out into the field and helping the parents of disabled children.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

When the parents or child refuse to accept help and they became nasty. I've found you've just got to stay patient as you are there to help them.

Read More
Qualification Masters degree
Experience 10+
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Drugs and alcohol
Aaliyah
Aug 25 2021

The role is challenging but equally rewarding.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping others is really fulfilling. I love seeing patients improve.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

It's really sad when you can't help a client and they pass away.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Nursing
Christy
Aug 25 2021

Rewarding being able to shift people's approach to medicine.

What are the best parts of the job?

Meeting new people and helping them take a holistic approach to their wellbeing and medical treatment.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Getting clients to think outside the box when it comes to non-traditional medicine.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Specialisation Trauma based medicine
Aaliyah
Aug 25 2021

A career where you get to help others improve their health and wellbeing.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love to help others, and almost every aspect of my job is centred around that.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Team work is the biggest challenge. You all have to be on the same page and communicate effectively, which can be difficult.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Taylor
Aug 26 2021

Interacting with patients is the best part of the job

What are the best parts of the job?

Interacting with clients and my colleagues make the job enjoyable. The social aspect is very fulfilling

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management is challenging, but it's a crucial skill as we're always understaffed.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 10+
Organisation size 200+ employees
Sherridan
Aug 27 2021

You get to help others who need it most, which is incredibly fulfilling.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love caring for elderly people people with dementia.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Patients can exhibit challenging behaviours, and you need to manage them as best you can.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Dementia
Sabina
Aug 27 2021

Geting to help others in need is rewarding.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping people get better is the best part of the job.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

The amount of time you have to do everything — I wish there were more hours in the day sometimes.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Surgical ward
Nicole
Aug 28 2021

Love making a difference but the long hours aren't easy.

What are the best parts of the job?

Waking up every morning knowing you're making a difference in someone's life.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

There are a few challenges: you work enormous hours, often have little knowlegde about the client you're working with, and being isolated with client can be difficult.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 10+
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Sian
Aug 29 2021

Enjoy making a positive difference in elderly people's lives.

What are the best parts of the job?

I work with people in aged care who need my help. I love making a difference and supporting them to live full lives.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

When clients pass it really impacts me.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Aged care
Deniz
Aug 29 2021

Enjoy the people's company who I care for.

What are the best parts of the job?

I love elderly people, so helping them improve their health is amazing.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Cleaning is an inevitable but challenging part of my role.

Read More
Qualification None of the above
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 0-4 employees
Specialisation Aged care
Leanne
Sep 03 2021

I enjoy seeing patients satisfied and happy with their results.

What are the best parts of the job?

Patient satisfaction is the best part of my job, and the reason I work hard.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Patients who don't understand why health literacy is important.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Physiotherapy
1 2 3 4 5

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Feel like a role as an allied health assistant would be perfect for you? Delve deeper into resources on the industry, get more information and tips on getting a job and discover more about short courses. 

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The Carer Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Carer
info What are job clusters?

The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.

The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.

This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.

Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?

A role in allied health that involves the health and wellbeing of others suits the career personality of The Carer. 

The Carer thrives in an environment where people are the primary focus, and the goal is to improve lives. Roles that have The Carer working in a team of like-minded individuals are ideal, allowing them to exercise their ability to communicate and work cohesively. 

Ideal work environments for The Carer would be childcare, aged care, animal care or the healthcare industries.

Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

What does an allied health assistant do?

An allied health assistant works under other health professionals to coordinate health programs for individuals and performs related administrative tasks as required. 

How does an allied health assistant fit in with the allied health team?

Allied health teams consist of health professionals who help patients address specific health needs. Assistants work under these health professionals behind the scenes to help ensure the coordination of treatment plans and the administration of patient care are running smoothly.

What does allied health assistant mean?

An allied health assistant is a role within the allied healthcare system that provides support in several ways to healthcare professionals.

How much does an allied health assistant earn?

An allied health assistant earns an average yearly salary of $52K in Australia.

What makes a good allied health assistant?

To be a good allied health assistant, you need to be able to work in a team, have organisational skills and empathy in order to liaise with patients.

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