Allied Health courses in Cairns
Course providers in Cairns
The following providers offer Allied Health courses in Cairns.
The Institute of Applied Psychology
70206
1
Hader Institute of Education
45162
2
Upskilled
40374
1
Demi International
32542
1
Q Academy
31896
1
Foundation Education
22557
5
TrainSmart Australia
51771
1
TAFE Queensland
0275
1
EQUALS International
3492
1
Kangan Institute
3077
2
Health Education and Research Centre
40736
1
Canberra Institute of Technology
0101
1
Australian Paramedical College
32513
1
Australian Virtus Institute
45858
3
South Regional TAFE
52790
1
Skillinvest
4192
1
The Barber Academy
41209
1
Murray ACE Training Solutions
3776
1
The Centre of Excellence
3687
1
UQ Skills
1511
1
GOTAFE
3094
1
TAFE NSW
90003
1
The College of Health and Fitness
30798
1
EPEC Education
45113
1
Academy of Training
91215
1
Deakin University
1
University of South Australia
1
Charles Darwin University
0373
1
La Trobe University
1
Western Sydney University
1
Central Queensland University
40939
1
Career Pathfinder
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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
- Graduate Diploma in Digital Health
- Master of Speech Pathology
- HLTCAR001 Perform Electrocardiography (ECG)
- HLT45015 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography and Oral Health Promotion Specialisation)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
- CHCCCS010 Maintain a High Standard of Service
- FNS30215 Certificate III Personal Injury Management
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
- CHCCCS020 Respond Effectively to Behaviours of Concern
- Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
- Biomedical Science (Exercise and Health)
- HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
- Bachelor of Exercise Science (Honours)
More about Allied Health courses
If you are looking to pursue a career in the Allied Health field, Cairns offers a range of courses tailored to different experience levels. Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your qualifications, you can find the right course for your needs. For beginners, the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance HLT33021 provides foundational skills to enter this rewarding sector. This course is perfect for those wanting to support healthcare professionals in delivering care to patients.
For experienced learners, Cairns features an array of advanced Allied Health courses. The Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52021 is a popular choice for those seeking to specialise in therapeutic massage. Additionally, higher education pathways like the Bachelor of Medical Imaging, the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, and the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for thriving careers in healthcare.
Cairns boasts several reputable training providers offering these Allied Health courses. The Cairns Training Academy (CTA) and the International College of Queensland (ICQ), which delivers the Diploma of Remedial Massage, are both excellent options for face-to-face study. Additionally, Central Queensland University (CQU) offers various programmes catering to aspiring healthcare professionals. To dive deeper into the opportunities available, browse through the extensive list of Allied Health courses in Cairns and take your first step towards a fulfilling career in health. Seek the support you need and find a course that fits your aspirations today!
