Industry Spotlight - Careers in Health

The health industry in NSW offers a dynamic and rewarding range of career paths that are both in demand and essential to community wellbeing. From frontline roles like nursing, paramedicine, and physiotherapy, to growing allied health fields such as speech pathology, dietetics, and occupational therapy, there are opportunities to make a real difference.

Universities across NSW, including Sydney, UNSW, UTS, Macquarie, and Western Sydney, offer a wide array of health science courses and pathways, including alternative entry programs. With strong job growth and high demand, particularly in aged care, mental health, and rural health services, this sector offers both job security and purpose-driven careers.

Here is a link for those interested to a Careers of Tomorrow - Health webinar recording.

Click on the links below for information on careers in the health industry which are in demand.

55 Careers in Health and Medical Fields (Healthcare Jobs)

20 Careers in Health Science | Indeed.com Australia.

Five health science careers all about helping others - Careers with STEM

The top 5 healthcare jobs most in demand in Australia | GHE Australia (globalhealtheducation.com).

The top 5 healthcare jobs most in demand in Australia | GHE Australia (globalhealtheducation.com)

Allied health - Careers (nsw.gov.au)

Medical - Careers (nsw.gov.au)

Careers in nursing and midwifery (nsw.gov.au)

Oral health - Careers (nsw.gov.au)

Extraordinary future careers in health care | this. (deakin.edu.au)

10 Careers to Explore in Healthcare and Medicine | Explore Careers Australia

Why making a career change into healthcare could be right for you - The University of Sydney

Watch a variety of specialists who give their candid insight on why they enjoy their careers.

Dentistry: https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/dentistry

Dietetics: https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/dietetics

Medicine: https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/medicine

Nursing: https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/nursing

Occupational Therapy: https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/occupational-therapy

Optometry: https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/optometry

Courses in Health Science

University of Sydney

Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Science and Master of Nursing - The University of Sydney

Study dentistry and oral health - Faculty of Medicine and Health (sydney.edu.au)

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) / Master of Pharmacy Practice - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management (Honours) / Master of Pharmacy Practice - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Psychology - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Psychology Honours - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Science (Health) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Science (Extended)(Health) - The University of Sydney

Bachelor of Science (Health) and Master of Nursing - The University of Sydney

University of NSW

Bachelor of Exercise Science / Master of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine / Master of Pharmacy (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Psychological Science (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Vision Science (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Clinical Optometry (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Nutrition / Master of Dietetics and Food Innovation (unsw.edu.au)

Bachelor of Medical Science (unsw.edu.au)

University of Technology Sydney

Bachelor of Advanced Science | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)

Bachelor of Public Health | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)

Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Business | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)

Bachelor of Medical Science (Medical & Health-related Sciences)

Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathology)

Bachelor of Nursing | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)

Bachelor of Midwifery | University of Technology Sydney (uts.edu.au)

Macquarie University

Bachelor of Medical Sciences | Macquarie University Sydney (mq.edu.au)

Bachelor of Chiropractic Science | Macquarie University Sydney (mq.edu.au)

Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences | Macquarie University Sydney (mq.edu.au)

Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology | Macquarie University Sydney (mq.edu.au)

University of Western Sydney

Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Advanced Medical Science | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Health Science | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Health Science (Sport and Exercise Science) | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Medical Science | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Nursing | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Psychological and Social Sciences | Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | Western Sydney University

Diploma in Health Science/Bachelor of Health Science (HPE) | Western Sydney University

Diploma of Health Science Extended (Bachelor Pathway) | Western Sydney University

Career Spotlight: Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography)

A career in cardiac sonography, also known as echocardiography, involves using ultrasound technology to assess heart structures and function. Cardiac sonographers play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions by producing and interpreting images of the heart. The demand for sonographers, including those specialising in cardiac sonography, is high in NSW. Workforce projections indicate that the NSW sonography workforce needs to grow by approximately 14 to 21 new professionals annually to meet community needs by 2040. This growth is driven by factors such as an aging population and increasing incidence of chronic diseases, which elevate the need for diagnostic imaging services.

Despite the high demand, securing clinical training placements can be competitive. Many students obtain placements through their current workplaces or by exploring opportunities via job boards and direct contact with hospitals or private practices.

Educational Pathways in NSW:

To pursue a career in cardiac sonography in NSW, consider the following steps:

1. Undergraduate Degree: Complete an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as medical radiation science or medical imaging. These programs typically take 3-4 years of full-time study.

2. Postgraduate Qualification: After obtaining an undergraduate degree, enrol in a postgraduate program specialising in cardiac sonography. For instance, the Graduate Diploma of Medical Ultrasound is a common pathway, taking around two years part-time. Alternatively, a Master of Medical Sonography allows specialisation in areas like cardiac sonography.

3. Clinical Training: Secure a clinical training placement to gain hands-on experience. This practical training is essential for developing the skills required for accreditation.

4. Accreditation: Upon completing your education and clinical training, apply for accreditation with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) to become an Accredited Medical Sonographer.

Local Educational Institutions:

In NSW, several universities offer programs related to sonography:

Central Queensland University (CQU): Offers programs that commence at an undergraduate level before progressing to a postgraduate level, with assistance in securing clinical placements.
University of Sydney (USYD): Provides postgraduate courses in medical imaging sciences, which can be tailored towards sonography.
University of Newcastle: Offers a Master of Medical Radiation Science (Ultrasound) program.

Below are some useful links providing information on this growing industry.

What Does a Cardiac Sonographer Do? (With Duties and Salary) | Indeed.com

How to become a Sonographer - Salary, Qualifications, Skills & Reviews – SEEK

Sonography

Australasian Sonographers Association - Prospective Students

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