Popular courses in Allied Health
Career Opportunities
Popular careers in allied health include roles such as:
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Common questions
Occupational therapists help patients perform tasks in daily life, while physiotherapists help patients improve their movement, strength and function. The term occupation refers to everyday life tasks, while physiotherapy refers to physical therapy. Both are science-based allied health roles that aim to improve quality of life through prevention, maintenance and treatment.
Stephen Charlton
You can become qualified to work as an occupational therapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:
- Master of Occupational Therapy (postgraduate degree)
Average duration: 24 months - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Average duration: 4 years - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Average duration: 4 years
Stephen Charlton
You can become qualified to work as a physiotherapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:
- Doctor of Physiotherapy (postgraduate degree)
Average duration: 3 years - Master of Physiotherapy (postgraduate degree)
Average duration: 24 months - Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Average duration: 4 years - Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Average duration: 4 years
Stephen Charlton
Yes, you need to complete an accredited degree to work legally as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia. The two core pathways are completing a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree. The Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and Australian Physiotherapy Council are responsible for accrediting such courses.
Stephen Charlton
Yes, overseas-qualified practitioners can work in Australia by registering with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Practitioners who are currently registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand or Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand can apply directly for Australian registration. Other overseas-qualified practitioners have to fulfil the requirements listed on the relevant webpages of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Stephen Charlton
If you have already completed an approved degree in a different discipline, you can gain an accredited postgraduate degree to become qualified to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Examples of such degrees are a Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Physiotherapy. Postgraduate degrees in these fields may have additional entry requirements, including but not limited to health-related prerequisite subjects.
Stephen Charlton
In some cases, completing vocational education and training (VET) in a related discipline can allow you to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in these fields. Entry requirements vary between educational providers. Some providers offer a VET entry pathway with a minimum of a Certificate IV, but others require a minimum of a diploma or advanced diploma. Some providers do not offer a VET pathway for these courses at all. Therefore, it’s wise to confirm the entry requirements for your desired bachelor’s degree before starting a VET course.
Stephen Charlton
In addition to completing an accredited degree, occupational therapists and physiotherapists will need to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia to work in Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) administers practitioner registration on behalf of these boards. There are different requirements to gain registration for Australian-qualified practitioners, New Zealand-registered practitioners, and other overseas-qualified practitioners.
Stephen Charlton
Career paths for these professions include independent contracting, starting a practice, working in community care, paediatrics, mental health, rehabilitation, disability, medical or aged care sectors).
Stephen Charlton
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for occupational therapists and physiotherapists in 2024 are $1,526 and $1,710, respectively. These figures can be contrasted with Australian workers of all occupations, who earn a median full-time weekly income of $1,697.
Stephen Charlton
There is a significant demand for occupational therapists across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market had a shortage of occupational therapists across all states and territories from 2022 to 2024.
Stephen Charlton
There is substantial demand for physiotherapists in Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market experienced a shortage of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in most states and territories from 2022 to 2024.
Stephen Charlton
Working as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist comes with the satisfaction of directly helping to improve patients’ quality of life. Furthermore, the job market is promising, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports there is significant labour market demand for both professions. The future outlook is also positive, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the annual employment growth in 2024 for occupational therapists and physiotherapists is 2,200 and 4,100, respectively.
Stephen Charlton
Further reading
What can you do with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy)?
3rd March 2022
What can you do with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance?
8th January 2020All courses
- HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT33021 & HLT43021 Dual Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance & Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Focus)
- HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetic Support)
- CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
- HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage
- HLT41120 Certificate IV in Health Care
- HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing
- 22656VIC Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy
- HLT45015 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography and Oral Health Promotion Specialisation)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- CHCMHS001 Work with People with Mental Health Issues
- Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- 11030NAT Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation)
- CHCSS00133 Induction to Disability Support
- Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical Science)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC32015 & CHC52021 Certificate III in Community Services & Diploma of Community Services
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- HLT33015 & HLT43015 Dual Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance & Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- Bachelor of Nutrition Science
- HLT33015 & HLT43015 Dual Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance & Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy)
More about Allied Health courses
Embarking on a career in Allied Health can be a rewarding journey, providing essential services to the community. At [Courses.com.au](https://www.courses.com.au/health/allied-health), you will discover a diverse range of programmes designed to cater to both beginners and experienced learners. With 117 courses available, including vocational education, higher education, and short courses, there is something for everyone. For those starting their journey, beginner courses such as the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance HLT33021 and the Mental Health Co-existing Needs Skill Set CHCSS00102 offer foundational knowledge that is vital for success.
For individuals with prior experience, the advanced courses available will allow for further specialisation and career progression. Popular options include the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 and the Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315. These courses equip students with critical skills that can lead to rewarding roles such as a Health Coach or a Nutrition Advisor, enhancing both personal fulfilment and community wellbeing.
Several reputable training providers across Australia deliver courses in Allied Health, ensuring accessible education tailored to your locality. For instance, Camden Haven Community College offers the Certificate IV in Mental Health, while UNE Partnerships provides the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. Additionally, renowned institutions like Griffith University offer comprehensive programs like the Bachelor of Nursing, making it easier for you to pursue your goals without the need to relocate.
Allied Health careers cover a broad spectrum of job roles that are both diverse and impactful. Graduates may find themselves excelling as a Nutrition Scientist or a Clinical Scientist, among other fulfilling positions. Pursuing one of the allied health courses listed on [Courses.com.au](https://www.courses.com.au/health/allied-health) can open doors to new opportunities and contribute positively to the healthcare landscape.
As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the opportunities within the Allied Health sector. By engaging in continuous education and training, you can keep up with the latest industry standards and practices. From Master of Occupational Therapy programs to short courses such as Comply with Infection Prevention and Control Policies, the options are vast, allowing you to tailor your educational path to your career aspirations.
Whether you are embarking on your first course or looking to further advance your qualifications, the potential within the Allied Health sector is immense. With a supportive community and a comprehensive range of educational pathways, Courses.com.au is here to guide you through your learning journey. Take the first step to your dream career today by exploring the various Allied Health courses available and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.
