David Reid Associate Dean Allied Health, School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
Real impact
Every day around the world healthcare graduates are making real differences to people’s lives
Welcome to this special edition of Careers with STEM with a focus on allied health. You can learn more about allied health on page 4, but the TLDR is: it’s an important part of every life stage.
To illustrate, Sarah’s story is just one example of how allied health professionals can help us…
As a child, Sarah had trouble speaking clearly. Her parents took her to see a speech pathologist who helped her pronounce words better, giving her more confidence.
In school, Sarah struggled with messy handwriting. An occupational therapist helped her develop fine motor skills. With time and practice, her writing improved, allowing her to excel in school and go on to study nursing.
After university, a mountain biking accident left Sarah with back pain, so she saw an exercise physiologist who provided her with an exercise program to improve her strength and fitness. This care allowed Sarah to manage her pain and get back to her active lifestyle.
In her 30s, Sarah learnt she was pregnant. Ultrasounds showed her baby growing, which filled her with excitement and relief. The medical sonographer’s expertise made the
experience less intimidating. Life changed again in her 40s when Sarah was in a serious car accident. Paramedics quickly arrived at the scene and transported her to hospital.
In her 50s, Sarah was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Determined to manage it, she worked with a dietitian to control her blood sugar.
Now in her 60s, Sarah reflects with gratitude. Edith Cowan University was with her every step of the way, having trained the allied health professionals Sarah encountered.
Sarah’s story shows the impact skilled and compassionate healthcare workers can have. In the following pages, you’ll find all the study and career inspiration you need to follow in their footsteps!
Dr David Reid Associate Dean Allied Health, School of Medical & Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
allied health is an important part of every life stage”
Find your calling in healthcare
Looking for a career where you can help people? Allied health is the place to be
Considering a career in healthcare but worried about the super-high ATAR required for medicine? Or maybe you’re not sure what you want to do? Keep reading!
With a qualification in allied health you could have just as much impact on improving people’s lives as a doctor or nurse. Regardless of whether you work in a hospital or a private practice, your skills will always be in high demand.
We caught up with four people following this pathway with courses from Edith Cowan University (ECU), a specialist in allied health education. – Charis Palmer
What
I
love about allied health
Almost anyone can consider a career in it and there are so many pathways to get there.
Hayley Millen medical Imaging student #1
Hayley came to learn about sonography in probably the worst way – as a patient needing regular scans! But when an ultrasound led to her dad being diagnosed with a condition that needed emergency surgery, Hayley decided this was the career path for her. “They saved my father’s life and so I said: ‘I’m going to do this’.”
Now underway with a Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science at ECU, Hayley has access to an industry-leading sonography lab in Western Australia. And she has already done a work placement where she sat alongside a sonographer.
“You see the full range of what they actually do. Many people think ultrasound is all about babies, but it might be scanning open wounds of people with muscle issues.”
Hayley says the course has also allowed her to study at home when required. And she’s committed to seeing her studies through so she can become a sonographer.
“All the unit coordinators are really helpful, they’re very open, give you good feedback and are very supportive.
“When I finish my bachelor’s I’m planning to take an extra year to complete a grad dip to be accredited with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry and become a fully qualified medical sonographer,” she says.
#2 Jordan Heath Exercise physiologist
Jordan
wasn’t initially sure what he wanted to study at uni, so he applied for a few different options. That move worked out for Jordan, who now loves his career as an exercise physiologist.
“I knew that I enjoyed sport, particularly football, and at the time ECU was running an AFL-based exercise science degree specialising in player analytics and performance,” Jordan says.
Once at ECU, Jordan found he loved the hands-on element of exercise physiology, which allowed him to work with a wide range of people – from elite athletes to people in aged care.
Jordan initially wanted a career that paid well, but now he also stresses the importance of doing what you love.
“The money will come so long as you do well at what you do, and to do well at it you have to love it.”
What
I
love about allied health
No one day is the same, there’s such a range of things to do.
#4 Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation), ECU
What I love about healthallied
Working with an incredible team of people who all have a common goal of wanting the best outcomes for our patients.
Unsure of what to do when she finished school, Shayna discovered exercise physiology at an ECU Open Day.
“As a kid I remembered seeing people doing rehab on TV and so I’d always been interested in it,” Shayna says.
“I liked the idea of helping people and seeing both their physical and mental wellbeing improve over time.”
Now, Shayna gets paid to help people as an accredited exercise physiologist working with clients of the National Disability Insurance Scheme – a job that involves lots of travel.
“I drive to houses, gyms, pools, wherever they want to meet me, and then spend about an hour with each participant a day,” Shayna says.
“Showing up every day is really important so the participant knows someone is going to be there to help them.”
Sophie Peters Occupational therapist
At school, Sophie knew she wanted a career helping people, but she wasn’t sure exactly how to do it.
“I started studying nursing but quickly realised it wasn’t for me after a practical placement,” she says.
“We work with children who’ve been admitted to hospital and children who require care in the burns clinic,” Sophie says. #3
At the time, Sophie had a few friends studying occupational therapy (OT). She thought it sounded practical and varied, so she made the switch at ECU and hasn’t looked back since.
“I was out on placement from first semester, first year and this hands-on training is so beneficial to your development and experience as an OT,” Sophie says.
Now, as a senior OT in the burns unit at the Perth Children’s Hospital, Sophie gets to help people every day.
What I love about healthallied
You’re there to help and be a part of their life, not just jump in with a quick fix like a doctor might.
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), ECU
Shayna Bauer Exercise physiologist
choose your allied health degree
1What’s your favourite school subject?
A. Physics
B. Physical education
C. Psychology
D. Biology
E. Humanities and social sciences
3What kind of allied health facility would you like to work at?
A. A medical imaging clinic
B. A corporate health setting or a sports club or organisation
C. A hospital or rehabilitation centre, or in people’s homes
D. An ambulance service or emergency response unit
E. An educational or healthcare institution
5On the job, who would you like to help?
A. People at the beginning of being diagnosed with a health condition
B. Athletes or sports people looking to improve their performance
C. People with disabilities
D. Those in urgent need of care
E. People having difficulty communicating
2What would you enjoy most about working in health?
A. Using the latest medical imaging tech to diagnose conditions
B. Promoting the role of exercise for health and wellbeing
C. Helping people regain independence after illness or injury
D. Providing medical care in emergency situations
E. Assisting people with communication challenges
4What would you like your future workplace to be like?
A. Collaborative and supportive, where teamwork is essential
B. Innovative and flexible, where creative thinking and adaptability is encouraged
C. Physical and flexible, where resilience is important
D. Fast-paced and dynamic, where critical thinking and problem-solving is key
E. Compassionate and empathetic, where patient-centred care is prioritised
Mostly As:
Dive into the world of diagnostic medical imaging – a Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science could be perfect for you!
Mostly Bs:
It sounds like you want to contribute to improving health through physical activity and wellness! Consider the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)
Mostly Cs:
Helping individuals regain independence and enhance their daily lives sounds like a great fit. You should study a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)
Mostly Ds:
Embarking on a journey as a paramedic and responding to emergencies sounds like a good gig for you. But first you’ll need a Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science).
Mostly Es:
Becoming a speech pathologist and helping those with communication challenges could be an excellent path to take. To get there, study a Bachelor of Speech Pathology
Get a health start
Health - it’s big! There are hundreds of different pathways to a career helping people live their best lives.
One way to help narrow down your ideal career path is a Diploma in Health Science. You don’t need an ATAR to do this Torrens University course, and it’s only a 12-month commitment, with options to learn online or on campus. From there, you can go on to work in public or community health, or transition to a degree in health science with a speciality that you love.
University’s Diploma of Health Science
Interested in studying health but not sure where to begin? Check out Torrens
start with a diploma in health bit.ly/torrenshealth then HealthchooseScience + Chinese Medicine
Clinical Myotherapy
Clinical Nutrition
Naturopathy
Grace Hermocilla Health science graduate
Health science student Grace chose this option, and now she’s on her way to a qualification in Chinese medicine.
After taking time out from her consulting gig to travel overseas to teach English and then take on humanitarian work, Grace returned to Australia keen for a career change.
“When I decided to explore roles in health care, I went to an open day at Torrens University to find out about their Natural Health courses,’ Grace says.
Western Herbal Medicine
WATCH Grace share her story
“On that day I learnt about aspects of Chinese medicine, and I realised that its philosophy and everything about Chinese medicine made sense to me,” she adds
The Diploma of Health Science provided the grounding in health she needed. “I came from the corporate sector, so learning subjects including human anatomy and physiology helped me transfer into the industry easily,” Grace says.
The hands-on learning during her Diploma meant choosing to follow it up with a Bachelor of Health Science was a no-brainer.
And if the ‘science’ part of health science has you spooked, don’t be! Torrens University offers Diploma of Health Science students access to its “Science for Success” program, where for one day during O-Week you’ll be able to build basic knowledge on the role of science in health, with a helpful refresher on chemistry and biology! – Charis Palmer
Healthy Community
If you aspire to help people, there are many pathways you could follow! Check out these health careers and how they help your local community
Health and social services is the career field expected to grow the most in the next 10 years, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. We owe a great deal to the health professionals in our community. If you’re a fan of TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor or House, you might think it’s all about doctors, but there are lots of other professionals working alongside them to help us look after our health. Here are just a handful! – Amy Briggs
Dietitian
Help assess the nutritional needs of patients and create personalised dietary plans that will work for them! You’ll also educate people on healthy eating habits while working in diverse workplaces like hospitals, schools and community health facilities.
Expected salary: $54K–$98K*
Degree option: Bachelor of Nutrition Science, Australian Catholic University
Mental health counsellor
Provide support and therapy to those in the community who are facing emotional and psychological challenges. Mental health pros help people explore their feelings, develop coping strategies and work through issues in a safe environment.
Expected salary: $58K–$112K*
Degree option: Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health), Charles Sturt University
Midwife
Childbirth is an incredibly important moment in many people’s lives. As a midwife, you’ll provide comprehensive care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. You’ll be able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.
Expected salary: $57K–$97K*
Degree option: Bachelor of Midwifery, Australian Catholic University
Occupational therapist
Enter an area of work that helps others work! As an occupational therapist, you’ll help people develop, recover or maintain the skills needed for living and working. That includes assessing patients’ needs and creating treatment plans to enhance their abilities.
Expected salary: $62K–$91K*
Degree option: Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), Edith Cowan University
Clinical physiologistexercise
Design and work with patients on personalised exercise programs for chronic conditions, injuries, disabilities or overall wellbeing. You’ll be able to see how patients progress, directly impacting their lives.
Expected salary: $55K–$81K*
Degree option: Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation), Edith Cowan University
LIFE LESSONS
Community is at the heart of studying at ACU, something exercise physiologist Elise Martini has carried into her career
SCAN for more on ACU’s community engagement experiences
Every year, hundreds of students at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) head overseas on community programs
This was the case for Elise, who visited both Timor Leste and Vanuatu for practical placements during her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at ACU. These placements often see health students from physio, paramedicine, nursing or exercise science working together in community health centres.
In Timor Leste, Elise and fellow students provided PE classes to remote and rural primary schools. “We provided the teachers with resources of new sports games to play and multiple bags of new equipment that could be used at each school,” Elise says.
In Vanuatu, Elise ran community-based exercise classes for local sports teams. “We gained a good understanding of their lifestyle and the barriers they may have to exercise and healthy eating,” Elise says.
From Timor Leste to Indonesia, Vietnam or Vanuatu, ACU’s placement and community
i gained the confidence to communicate”
engagement programs help students empathise with people from diverse backgrounds and gain a new perspective on how health professionals manage with limited resources.
Today, Elise is as an accredited exercise physiologist in aged care and loves the face-to-face time with her clients.
“I work with a large range of people from different backgrounds, upbringings and experiences and I get to build a trusting rapport with these clients and help them through challenging times,” Elise says.
She adds that learning to connect with people was an important part of her time at ACU.
“I gained the confidence to communicate with clients regarding different situations, whether that be education on exercise or their condition, or having those harder conversations surrounding mental health or progressions in their condition,” Elise says. – Charis Palmer
Award winner
ACU is one of only two Australian unis to have been classified by the Carnegie Commission for the strong presence of community engagement in their programs.
elise martini exercise physiologist
Ready for a nursing career?
Nursing student Poppy Carlon credits her study at Charles Sturt University for preparing her for even the trickiest of situations
After doing Year 10 work experience in a hospital, Poppy saw what it was like to be a nurse and was “instantly intrigued”. Once she’d completed Year 12, she secured a place in Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Nursing, in Wagga Wagga.
“Studying at Charles Sturt has been an incredibly rewarding experience from day one,” Poppy says.
“We get to work with high-tech mannequins that mimic real patients, allowing us to practice complex skills like administering injections and dressing wounds. My favourite experience was a simulation where we had to apply everything we’d learnt to stabilise a ‘patient’ – it was intense, challenging and really rewarding.”
Poppy Carlon bachelor of nursing student
Poppy is now working as an assistant in nursing while studying to become a registered nurse, and she’s excited about the future.
“Nursing is an evolving field with numerous exciting career paths emerging, especially as healthcare needs shift and new technologies develop.” – Charis Palmer
HEALTH + COMMUNITY
Nursing paths explained
Considering a career as a nurse? Here’s a handy explainer of your different options
Nursing is one of the biggest health career groups in Australia – we have more than 450,000 nurses and midwives! But we need more, be it working with our growing population of older people or helping young people live healthier lives. If nursing sounds like the career for you, there are a few pathway options to choose from depending on how much responsibility you want. – Charis Palmer
Registered nurse: A registered nurse has a Bachelor of Nursing or a Master of Nursing, and a wider scope than an enrolled nurse. Their duties can include assessing patients, creating care plans, supervising enrolled nurses and working in leadership positions.
Enrolled nurse: To become an enrolled nurse, you need to complete a Diploma of Nursing through a VET provider. Once on the job, an enrolled nurse’s duties include things like monitoring patients and recording their temperature, pulse and blood pressure, administering medicine and helping patients with general daily living activities. They work with the wider health team and under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Nurse practitioner: A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has been endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, they practise independently in an advanced and extended clinical role, and can prescribe some medicines.
Bachelor of Nursing, Charles Sturt University Assistant in Nursing, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
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