The allied health workforce in Australia comprises of allied health professionals and the technicians, assistants and support staff who work with them.
It typically does not include medical, nursing or dental but relates to those with special knowledge and skills derived from education and training at a high level in a recognised body of learning.
In Australia, allied health professionals make up the second largest health workforce after nurses and is a growing field. Australia is a great place to foster a career in Allied Health with much to offer.
Those working in allied health may be found in emergency departments, acute and sub-acute care, mental health inpatient services, community-based health services, outpatient clinics, and in patient’s own homes.
In hospitals, allied health departments work with medical and nursing teams to provide multidisciplinary care to patients on an inpatient, outpatient and outreach basis.
Short and long-term roles are available in both metropolitan and regional areas. Full-time and part-time positions are available in both private and public facilities.
Allied health staff are an integral part of the healthcare team providing support and recovery following a diagnosis or trauma often with a focus on increasing a person’s independence, self-care and mobility.
An allied health career can mean being involved in assessments and rehabilitation, palliative care, health promotion, child health and development, disabilities, or mental health.
Clinical areas where allied health professionals are needed include art and music therapy, dietetics and nutrition, audiology, exercise physiology, pharmacy, nuclear medicine technology, social work, orthotics and prosthetics, and psychology and counselling.
Opportunities for employment in allied health are endless. Rainforest or reef, outback or capital city, professionals can experience a unique lifestyle in Australia’s most iconic and remote areas while furthering their career.
Working in allied health in regional, rural and remote Australia will gain you exposure to a wider variety of scenarios leading to improved clinical skills. Additionally you may be offered salary packaging and generous leave provisions.
Requirements to practice as an allied health professional in Australia depends upon your particular specialty and can include registration and/or eligibility for membership of your professional association according to the state or territory you will be working in.
To work in Australia you will also need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have an appropriate visa.
If you are a professional interested in furthering your allied health career in Australia, HealthStaff Recruitment can help you find a position that’s right for you, so get in touch with us today.