Careers with STEM: Health 2024

CAREERS withSTEM

TERM 1, 2024

™

health

LE B U DOISSUE R FO

FLICPIENCE S

exercise scientist

Safety first: Health careers in the field p4 Which degree is for me? p6 A world of wellness p8

CAREERS with STEM.COM HEALTH & SAFETY + BIOMEDICAL + MENTAL HEALTH + RURAL HEALTH + SPORTS SCIENCE

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FOREWORD

e r u t u f y h t l a He

out how to live a healthy ab ed orm inf re mo ng mi co be ine People are living longer and w careers in health and medic ne ing cit ex of s lot for g kin ma life,

Moira SimMedical

Executive Dean of and Health Sciences, y Edith Cowan Universit

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d medical science, n the world of health an idly. In fact, medical things are changing rap few months! knowledge doubles every nsidering going to uni That means students co ll find themselves in in the next few years wi we see today – one a different world to what to help people live with more opportunities is will be a world in fuller, healthier lives. Th up with greater which people have grown tter understanding of health literacy, and a be tion, movement, health concepts like nutri eing than the mental health and wellb generation before. where people can We’re already in an age information and their access their own health to 10 years’ time, most own test results. In five health information people will be accessing y are in contact with more easily, and when the it will be done in healthcare professionals, a very different way. grads of the future Plus, the health science iety where people are will be working in a soc looking after people living longer, so they’ll be ups. in a wider range of age gro eds people who can ne This means the sector ferent perspectives to look at the world from dif

There will be more opportunities to help people live fuller, healthier lives” understand the needs of each group, who are able to think flexibly an d creatively to solve problems, and who can communicate well.

There are lots of job oppo rtunities for people wanting to make a real dif ference to people’s lives, particularly in nutri tion and dietetics, exercise and sport scien ce, occupational therapy, which is all abou t how people function every day, and speech pa thology, which is all about communication.

Going into medicine has allowed me to work in almost any area, to tra vel the world, and to work with great people acr oss a range of health disciplines. So if you care about health and the impact it has on individu als and communities, there will be a health sci ence speciality for you.

Professor Moira Sim Executive Dean, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University

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HEALTH

HEALTH+EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY

s e o r e h h t l Hea Want to help people live their best lives? These ECU students have all found a path to doing just that

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ne of the most important roles for health scientists is to protect humans from everyday things that can really hurt us. Meet two health professionals doing the behind-the-scenes work we all need. — Louise Meers

#1

Get a job anywhere !

Work ing in health means you’l l likely be able to work wh erever you want.

Get this: job vacanc ies for medical practitioner s and nurses in regional Australi a represent nearly half of all job vacancies in Australia, even though regional Australia on ly makes up a th ird of the total population!

Caitlyn Roberts Health protector Caitlyn Roberts’ health career has her keeping a super close eye on mosquitoes!

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fter graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science from ECU, Caitlyn is now an environmental health officer.

Her job involves doing food business inspections, making sure the business is following safe food practices to prevent food borne illness.

To prevent disease, she also does mosquito surveillance! “This involves going out on foot to see if there are large numbers of mosquito larvae to determine if treatment by hand or helicopter is required,” she explains.

Caitlyn says she would have never believed you if you told her three years ago that she’d be walking through pools of water looking for larvae. But there are plenty of opportunities in environmental health emerging all the time.

“One opportunity is around drinking water and how we can secure different drinking water sources for the future,” she says.

al and Environmental Science (Occupation Bachelor of HealthHealth and Safety), ECU

lth officer, Environmental hearv Shire of Ha ey

kate mann’s STEM care er sees her coaching people to st ay safe at work

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#2 kate manhn SHUTTERSTOCK

Safety coac

community development trainee, shire of augusta

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ver y day at work is different for Kate. As a safety adviser at mining company Talison Lithium, Kate is basica lly a safety coach, making sur e workers are compliant with legislation, cod es of practice and site require ments, so they’re less likely to get hur t on the job.

Kate landed her graduate role before she’d finished her Bac helor of Health Science (majoring in occupa tional and environmental hea lth and safety) at ECU. Prior to her studies she did a community development tra ineeship at the Shire of Augusta Margaret River where she says “I discov ered my passion for risk management , keeping people safe and lov e of highvisibility clothing!”.

“ECU’s course delivery made it flexible and achievable to work in my field whilst finishing my study,” Kat e says. She’s super grateful for the hands-on learning and practical experie nce ECU delivered.

Bachelor of Health Science, ECU

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safety advisor, talison lithium

#3 alexander mugford Alexander Mugford Biomedical science

al science has given or A grounding in biomedicn on his path to becoming a medical doct tio the perfect founda oming xander once considered bec lover of English at school, Ale ence sci to ative arts, but switched a writer or working in the cre eer paths it would open up. because of all the stable car train, he’s just completed Now ver y much on the STEM al ence area at ECU. Biomedic a degree in the biomedical sci and y log l genetics, physio science is a mix of theoretica we rk. It’s all about using what wo pathology with laborator y all biomarkers, and know about molecules and sm or way to discover new things manipulating them to find a at us diagnose, manage and tre new processes. “This helps community,” he adds. illnesses in research and the der has appreciated how During his time at uni, Alexan ey would ensure we had the suppor tive ECU has been. “Th but also challenged us with tools to succeed in our degree for our careers outside of assignments that built skills university,” he says. been dical doctor. Alexander has His next step? Becoming a me jobs in tic tas ine but says there are fan accepted into studying medic al d with a Bachelor of Biomedic labs and research you can lan ere health is a growing space, wh Science. “Additionally public health the e rov imp to ed ign ms are des government policy and progra he says. of a large population at once,”

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#4 sharon webb Speech pathology

Sharon Webb loves getting up in the morning knowing she’ll be able to make a difference in someone’s life ron helps people with their s a speech pathologist, Sha ing difficulties. communication and swallow munication as just ‘talking’ “It is so easy to think of com ough spoken language, sign but people communicate thr ech communication language, using low- or high-t nication cues, and methods, non-verbal commu ron explains. communication boards,” Sha ing, she assists people And when it comes to swallow g issues to remain who have coughing or chokin about everyday activities, independent and safe to go like eating lunch. yable career, you’re So if you want a super emplo not enough speechies and in luck. “Currently there are ech ser vices. If you’re there’s a huge demand for spe , just know you will be so thinking of studying speech that need you!” Sharon says. appreciated by the clientele

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Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Ecu

Cert II in Sport and Recreation, North Regional TAF E

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Certified pr acticing spe pathologist, Speech Pathology ech Austr alia

HEALTH

HEALTH+EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY

Discover the ECU health course for you What’s your ideal area of specialisation? Take our quiz to find out! when it What are you curious about ? comes to health cellular level A. How the body works at a ial issues B. Community health and soc like drug addiction d to ow medical imaging is use C. H diagnose conditions lth and D. T he role of exercise for hea wellbeing E. How to help people regain injury independence after illness or y situations F. Medical care in emergenc ow to assist people with G. H communication challenges

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A. Studying diseases and find ing treatments B. Promoting health and pre venting problems in communities C. Using ultrasound technolog y to see inside the body D. Designing exercise progra ms for different needs E. Supporting individuals wit h disabilities in daily activities F. Responding to emergencies and providing critical care G. Helping people overcome speech and communication issues

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What kind of people do you think you would most enjoy helping?

A. The general population B. P eople in my community with specific health needs C. P eople at the beginning of being diagnosed with a health con dition D. Athletes or sports people looking to improve their per formance E. People with disabilities F. Those who are in urgent nee d of care in an emergency set ting G. People having difficulty com municating

answers Mostly As:

Consider the Bachelor of on Biomedical Science. Focus r ula lec understanding the mo basis of diseases, or go on to become a medical doctor.

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Mostly Es:

Consider the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy). Help individuals regain independence and enhance their daily lives.

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Which of these areas interests you the most?

What type of work environment would you prefer?

A. Evidence-based and detailed, where effectively communicating complex information is valued B. Structured and organised, with clear protocols in place C. Collaborative and supportive, where teamwork is essential D. Innovative and flexible, where creative thinking and adaptability is encouraged E. Physical and flexible, where resilience is important F. F ast-paced and dynamic, where critical thinking and problem-solving is key G. C ompassionate and empathetic, where patient-centred care is prioritised

sounds What type of work facility most interesting to you? log y es with cutting-edge techno A. Labs and research faciliti B. Working with communities C. Medical imaging clinics s s or sports clubs/organisation D. Corporate health setting centres, or in people’s homes E. Hospitals and rehabilitation emergency response units F. Ambulance ser vices and institutions G. Educational and healthcare

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Mostly Bs:

Consider the Bachelor of Health Science. Help address societal health problems like obesity or harmful alcohol and drug use, or protect people from harm.

Mostly Fs:

Mostly Cs:

Consider the Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science. Dive into the world of diagnostic medical imaging.

Mostly Ds:

Consider the Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science).

Contribute to improving health through physical activity and wellness.

Mostly Gs:

Consider the Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science). Embark on a journey as a paramedic and respond to emergencies.

eech Consider the Bachelor of Sp t can nifi Patholog y. Make a sig s ual impact by assisting individ . ges with communication challen

Still not sure? See all of ECU’s medical and health sciences courses 6

PATHWAYS

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HOT health careers

Want healthy career prospects? Health and social care is Australia’s largest employing industry, and demand is on the rise

#1 Dentist

Diagnose and treat issues with teeth and oral health.

Choose this job if you: are meticulous, compassionate and enjoy hands-on work.

Exercise and #2 sport scientist Study physical activity and its impact on health and per formance.

Choose this job if you: lov e working with people and are passionate abo ut sports, fitness and rehabilitation.

Medical #4 doctor

prescribe Diagnose and treat illnesses, y. ger sur m for medications and per are : Choose this job if you attention to compassionate, have great ers. detail, and enjoy helping oth

#3 Food scientist / nutritionist Study the properties of food and the effects of diet on health.

Choose this job if you: love research and are passionate about food, health and diet.

#5 Nurse Provide patient care, administer medications and work with doctors.

Choose this job if you: are dedicated to patient care and are great at multitasking.

#8 #7 Pathologist or sonographer

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ing Diagnose diseases by examin . ans org and body fluids, tissues e hav : Choose this job if you enjoy great attention to detail and hands-on lab work.

The SocialHealth and sector Assistance is expe to g r ow cted

by Novby 15.8% e b er 2026m .

#6 Paramedic care Provide emergency medical ts. and transport to patien ive in Choose this job if you: thr high-pressure situations.

Pharmacist Dispense medications and provide advice on their safe and effective use.

Choose this job if you: are analytical and into medicine and patient care.

#9 Physiotherapist ry or illness Help people affected by inju e. through movement and exercis ping hel oy enj : you if Choose this job ty. bili mo in inta ma others recover and

Most workers in healthcare and social assistance are uni or VET qualified: 45% uni vs 31% VET 7

#10 Sports medicine specialist Diagnose, treat and prevent sport- and exercise-related injuries or illness.

Choose this job if you: want to combine a love of sports with medical practice, and want to help athletes improve their health and per formance.

HEALTH

HEALTH+MENTAL HEALTH

A hug for your brain ce is not only A career in mental health scien ofoundly fulfilling intellectually stimulating but pr

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alians will lmost half (44%) of all Austr in their ess experience a mental illn in eer car lifetime, which is why a big a make mental health science can ers. Careers in oth of es liv difference in the too, whether it this field are wide-ranging or supporting be understanding, treating alth challenges. he l nta individuals facing me l be contributing Whatever you choose you’l d helping to foster to the wellbeing of all, an alth is prioritised. a society where mental he most in-demand Here are just a few of the ce you could gigs in mental health scien consider. – Charis Palmer

Clinical Psychology If you’re interested in explori ng the complexities of the human mind, then this cou ld be the gig for you.

Employing a combination of therapy, counselling and assessments, clinical psy chologists help people cope with emotional, behavi oral, and psychological issues. In this career, you can choose to work for yourself in a private practic e, or in a hospital or community mental health cen tre.

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Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner These professionals specialise in prescribing medications and developing treatment plans for mental health disorders. In this career, your work bridges the gap between the biological and psychological aspects of mental health.

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Counsellor or Social Worker If you want to provide help to a particular community of people then counseling or social work could be a truly rewarding path. School counselors, for instance, are there to guide students through academic and personal challenges.

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Bachelor of Psy (Honours), Macquariechology University

Doctor of Philosoph y Master of Psycholo University of Sydne(PhD), gy (Clinical), y Austr alian Catholic Clinical Psychology University Reg ist ra r, Sydney Clinical Psy Postdoctoral Resea chology rcher, Black Dog Institute

START YOUR CAREER HERE

Mind matters Curious about what makes people tick, Dr Melissa Aji has built a successful career as a clinical psychologist and researcher

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fter school, Melissa signed up for a degree in psychology because she’s “always been really curious about human behaviour – it’s so fascinating and complex,” she says. “I was looking for a rewarding career and one where I could help people.”

Nowadays, Melissa splits her time between practising as a clinical psychology registrar at a private practice, and research at the Black Dog Institute, where she’s leading a project evaluating a digital intervention for children with reading difficulties and anxiety.

“My clinical days will involve seeing clients with a range of disorders like

i was looking for a career where i could help people”

anxiety and depression,” Melissa explains.

“My research days can be varied and might involve team meeti ngs, attending webinars, writing papers, contacting participants and conduc ting reading assessments,” she adds.

If you’re considering a ps ycholog y job, Melissa recommends ma king sure you’re clued up about all the pa thways available, as it can sometimes be a tough career to break into.

“If it’s something you’re passionate about, then persistence and hard work are key,” she says. — Gemm a Chilton

HEALTH + MENTAL HEALTH + STUDY Bachelor of Psychology, Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology), QUT Bachelor of Social Work, Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Health Science (Addiction Studies), Edith Cowan University

HEALTH + MENTAL HEALTH + JOBS Mental health counsellor $57K–$109K Psychiatrist $78K–$340K Psychologist $61K–$105K Research scientist $60K–$112K* *Salaries according to payscale.com

Research psychology involve working directly Not all gigs in mental health cholog y you could help with patients. In research psy ugh treatment or discover the next breakthro olving understanding of contribute to our always-ev p to mental health. the brain and its relationshi

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HEALTH

HEALTH+SPORT SCIENCE

START YOUR CAREER HERE

Gold medal science If you have a passion for sports and an interest in understanding the mechanics of the human body, then sport science might be the perfect fit for you

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ombining elements of biology, physiology, psychology and biomechanics, sport scientists help people improve their athletic performance and overall health. In this career, you could travel the world, work with elite sporting teams, or help people recovering from injury.

If you’re sold on a career in sport science, you’ll need a strong foundation in science, particularly biology and physiology.

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically the first step, followed by graduate studies for more specialised roles, but there are also VET options. – Charis Palmer.

Sprint towards these sport science gigs!

Sport scientist

Help athletes to recover from injuries using your knowledge of anatomy and physiology. You’ll support people to regain g strength and mobility, allowin as rt spo ir the them to get back to . ble quickly and safely as possi

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Nutritionist

Create customised diet plans and educate athletes on the rgy, importance of nutrition for ene . recovery and overall wellbeing Healthy eating habits can do lete’s wonders to maximise an ath on-field performance!

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Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science), Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, QUT Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, QUT Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Australian Catholic University Certificate IV in Fitness, TAFE NSW

e Work with athletes to enhanc the h their performance throug ples. application of scientific princi e Conduct assessments, analys d ise nal rso data and create pe training programs.

Physical therapist

HEALTH + SPORT SCIENCE + STUDY

Biomechanist

Study the mechanics of huma n movement, using cool tech to analyse an athlete’s techniqu e. This can help them to reduce the risk of injury and enhance efficiency .

Exercise physiologist

Design and implement fitness programs to help individuals improve their physical condit ion.

Sport psychologist

Help athletes develop menta l toughness, manage stress, and enhance their focus.

You’ll play a crucial role in helping athletes perform at their best under pressure.

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HEALTH + SPORT SCIENCE + JOBS Data scientist $67K-$131K Physical therapist $64K-$95K Sport psychologist $41K-$94K Nutritionist $49K-$103K Exercise physiologist $54K-$79K* *Salaries according to payscale.com

HEALTH+SPORT SCIENCE: QUT

SPORT STARS

QUT

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, QUT

and Personal trainer / strength bane conditioning coach, YMCA Bris

Strength and conditioning coach, Revolve Athletic

ditioning ASCA Level 2 Strength and Con Coach Accreditation (ongoing)

In the lead up to the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane is the PLACE for launching exercise science careers!

Cool coach

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to Kaine Doblo gets paideryday ev d an es et help athl people become betteres versions of themselv

f you want a health career wit h lots of variety, study a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at QUT and become a strength and conditioning coach like Kaine!

No two days are the same but involve some combination of personal tra ining (PT) sessions for people training to enter the Defence Force, running group fitness classe s, writing client programs and working alongs ide physios to rehabilitate people with inju ries.

The coolest par t of his career ? Working with the Coorparoo Women’s AFL team.

“Here the main focus is dev eloping athletic potential in addition to improv ing the athlete’s fitness level through eviden ce-based practice,” Kaine explains.

When it comes to STEM, Kai ne says having a good understanding of the physiological processes that underpin hum an movement has helped him tailor per formance programs.

Skilled student Here’s what Sport and Exercise Science student Mirabelle Chandler gets up to studying at QUT!

Quick questions

7am Wake up and head straig

ht into QUT Kelvin Grove.

8am Take par t in an active cla ss like Coach or Skill Acquisition to get the blood pumping.

9.30am Head to the café for a smoothie and a toastie wh ile getting some study done, wa tching my lecture and prepar ing for my next class.

2pm Organise a group projec t meeting to make sure we are all on the same page.

4pm After uni, I head to the gym or to work!

degree so far?

CwS: Best thing about your , training a real MC: Definitely our practicum ieve their goals over paying client to help them ach pre-test screenings, four weeks. We got to take all took our client then designed a program and rcise sessions. through some challenging exe t studying at QUT? CwS: What do you like abou facilities. Having MC: QUT has awesome sports we can put what we active classes is beneficial as dings into practice. are learning in lectures and rea

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (ongoing)

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Chiropractic assistant, Chiropractic Life

HEALTH

HEALTH+RURAL HEALTH

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reasons D to consider lth rural he ecra ying out for

id you know that around one in four Australians – more than seven million people – live in a rural or regional area? And like all of us, they need healthcare at all stages of their lives. Unfortunately they have less access to it because of a lack of rural health workers.

We get it, the lure of the big city is real, but rural areas need more health professionals, and there are big incentives designed for students considering this path, from scholarships to specialised training programs. Here are just a few of the other benefits of a career in rural health.

eas ar Regional and rural arand there are a lot of s, er rk more health wo e warm fuzzy feeling benefits aside from th ing people you’ll get from help

2. Feel part of a community

1. Never be bored

Working in a regional area means you’ll be more likely to build ties with a community and form a close bond with patients by gaining a deeper understanding of their needs, making for a greater sense of personal fulfilment.

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Working in rural health usually means you’ll see a wide variety of medical cases, community health issues, and get the chance to practice across multiple specialties, rather than just work in one niche area.

Charles Sturt University

3. Have more autonomy and become a leader come es Rural health jobs can sometim cy, so cra with fewer layers of bureau e on tak you might get the chance to new a leadership role, or develop munity. com r you in ves health initiati

alannah stoneley

dream eybdrigeamed of becoming

paramedic

Alannah Stonel age of 16 a paramedic from the

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

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hen Alannah saw how the people in her rural hometown were struggling to access healthcare, it set in motion a career with a difference.

Alannah chose rural health specialist Charles Sturt University for paramedicine, going on to do an honours year researching the emergency healthcare barriers faced by people living with asthma.

“Being a paramedic in Australia, I can make a difference and advocate for emergency healthcare in rural and remote areas Fast track your uni entry through my research,” Alannah says. rt Look for ‘Charles Stu Paramedicine is just one of more than es ntage’ on the Charl va Ad 35 health courses on offer at Charles an g tin get re te bsi Stu rt we your Sturt, which prepares grads specifically for offer before you sit s! am ex 12 rural workplaces. ar Ye Charles Sturt is a leader in rural and regional health education — having delivered health courses for more than 40 years, it’s in their DNA. By choosing Charles Sturt University you’ll be joining a network of 28,000 passionate Charles Sturt heallth graduates making their mark in Australia and overseas.

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Speak to a Charles sturt adviser about options 12

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