Careers in HealthCare

Healthcare and social assistance – which includes doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, childcare workers and aged care providers – has made the largest contribution to the nation's jobs growth over the past 15 years.

It now employs more than 1.5 million people, or one in every eight Australian workers, accounting for 13% of Australia’s workforce. It's also a well-educated sector – about three-quarters of its workers hold a post-school qualification, which is well above the national average.

Over the five years to November 2015, employment grew by 20.3% (or 256,600). New jobs were created in all subsectors, but most were in Medical and Other Health Care Services (up by 142,100), with Social Assistance Services also adding a significant number (75,800). Around 250,200 more jobs are expected over the five years to November 2020 (up by 16.4%).

Nearly four in five workers in Health Care and Social Assistance have completed post-school study. While a large proportion hold a bachelor degree or higher qualification (44%), vocational education and training (VET) qualifications are also a significant pathway to employment.

Online Resource Links

• My Health Care - Great selection of Australian health career videos  and information
• Job Outlook - Australian Government Health Occupations
• The Good University Guide – Careers in Healthcare
• Open Universities - Healthcare, Medical & Pharmaceuticals Careers

Karen Murray | Careers Adviser