"Doctor" or "Nurse" are good answers to the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
These days both professions rely on a web of supporting roles that require shorter educational years of study. Healthcare is expanding at a quick pace because of evolving medical needs, and the job market has kept up.
A more effective healthcare system needs people with strong administrative and technological skills. An ageing population has rekindled its interest in a wide range of therapies.
Read on to find out the top medical careers that are at the heart of healthcare.
1. Allied healthcare practitioner
Allied health encompasses a wide range of healthcare professions that address specific health issues.
Allied health is offered by several universities in Australia, and many of them provide a variety of programs and specialisations. Before continuing postgraduate studies as an allied health practitioner, you can earn an undergraduate allied health degree in a field of your choice.
Dieticians, chiropractors, sonographers, occupational therapists,soft tissue therapists, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, and speech pathologists are just some examples of what career path to take as an allied healthcare practitioner.
2. Pharmacist
A pharmacist is educated to prepare and dispense medications as prescribed by doctors. Pharmacy remains an appealing career path because options for various products and treatments are always changing.
Pharmacists do more than just work at the checkout counter at your local medicine store. They may also be involved in hospital care, scientific research, and the treatment of certain diseases.
3. Health support work
There are many roles in health support work. As Australia's population ages, the demand for aged care support personnel grows. There are also chances to engage in areas such as disabilities and mental health.
Among the roles are:
aged care professionals in the community or at a nursing home
workers who provide disability help in the community or through theNational Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
individual assistance workers
employees who provide mental health support
therapist aides.
These are just some of the career path options to take for health support work.
4. Public health
A profession in public health means safeguarding and enhancing the health of communities or groups of people, rather than individuals. Through campaigns and organised efforts, an emphasis is focused on the prevention of diseases and injuries.
There are a lot of universities in Australia that offer courses in public health. You can begin your studies in public health with a graduate certificate/diploma or with a bachelor's degree. A postgraduate degree in public health may help you land a high-level position in government or non-government organisations.
Some examples of public health jobs include epidemiologist, public health researcher, health promotion manager, and public health project officer.
Takeaway
If you want to help people, you might be a good fit for a career as a healthcare practitioner. The healthcare sector includes many different fields, ranging from general preventative health to public health.
There has never been a better time to enter the industry as it is one of Australia's largest sectors.