Explore courses designed to give you the knowledge and practical skills for a career in Allied Health.
Healthcare and medicine are growing sectors, and demand is high for working professionals in these areas. Browse accredited health courses and health qualifications.
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Begin a rewarding career in Aboriginal health care, improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Learn more about human physiology while empowering your patients to contribute to their own wellbeing through better nutrition, spiritual practices, and lifestyle choices.
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Are you looking for a career as medic or emergency first responder? Here online you’ll find the nationally recognised qualifications that ambulance drivers, EMTs and paramedics need to work in Australia.
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Whether you’re curious about the healing properties of essential oils or want to start your own professional aromatherapy practice there is a course here for you.
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A career in audiology can be very rewarding. Whether you want to help people communicate, improve their speech or test clients’ hearing, audiology offers numerous opportunities.
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These nationally recognised training courses will build on your existing skills and knowledge and qualify you for a range of cosmetic procedures and surgery preparation.
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Dentistry courses provide pathways into careers as a dental assistant, dental technician, oral health hygienist and manager of a practice. Find out more.
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Drug and alcohol testers need the technical skills to obtain appropriate urine, saliva and tissue samples. Browse the drug and alcohol testing courses and enquire today!
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Find first aid and CPR classes near you. Nationally recognised training from Registered Training Organisations including Red Cross. Search by postcode and enquire today.
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Healthcare support workers are the behind the scenes champions who provide one-on-one patient care as well as critical cleaning, nursing support, and sterilisation services. Browse training options.
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Massage courses can give you the skills you need to help Australians recover from injury and get back to feeling and performing their best.
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Get started in medical administration with a nationally recognised qualification. Compare course providers online and find out if you're eligible for government funding.
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Gain nationally recognised qualifications in medical technology, learning essential skills for sample collection and analysis, guided by experienced healthcare professionals.
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Whether you want to work directly with patients or be more involved in research or public health policy, this sector can take you in a range of exciting directions.
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Become a trained midwife and lead a rewarding career supporting pregnant women and their babies.
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Looking to study naturopathy? Find the latest nationally recognised courses in acupuncture, aromatherapy, kinesiology, reflexology, massage and other natural therapies. Compare course providers.
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Gain the qualifications for a nursing career in Australia or abroad with these nationally recognised courses. Browse all nursing courses.
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Become a nutritionist or dietician and help others to create healthier lifestyles starting with an accredited nutrition and dietician course. Start today!
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Discover the path to a rewarding career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Gain specialised skills in women's health, prenatal care, and childbirth, taught by experienced professionals. Start making a difference in women's ...
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Transform lives as an Occupational Therapist, specialising in patient rehabilitation, wellness, and healthcare support. Browse courses now!
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Acquire skills in patient support, advanced treatment techniques, and research, opening pathways to meaningful roles in healthcare and patient recovery. Browse all oncology courses.
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Embark on a career as an optician, where your expertise in eye care will directly enhance people's lives. Browse optician courses for domestic and international students.
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Embark on a meaningful career in pathology, gaining expertise in diagnostic techniques that are crucial for healthcare. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.
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Embark on a rewarding Pharmacy career, gaining expertise in medication management and patient care. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.
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Discover how you can transform lives through physiotherapy, specialising in understanding and treating conditions like arthritis, strokes, and sports injuries. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.
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Learn to improve lives through podiatry, specialising in patient care for foot and ankle health. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.
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Gain skills to improve mental well-being and impact lives. Specialise in areas like clinical psychology and counselling. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.
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Learn to make a real difference in healthcare through Radiography and Medical Imaging courses. Browse education pathways for domestic and international students.
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Explore surgery courses and careers. Compare accredited surgical training programs, entry requirements, and pathways to jobs in the surgery industry.
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What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist?
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.
Which courses qualify you to work as an occupational therapist?
You can become qualified to work as an occupational therapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:
Which courses qualify you to work as a physiotherapist?
You can become qualified to work as a physiotherapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:
Do you need a degree to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist?
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.
How can a postgraduate degree qualify you to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist?
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.
What can I do if I don’t meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or physiotherapy?
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.
Are there additional entry requirements to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist?
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.
What career paths are available for occupational therapists or physiotherapists?
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).
How much do occupational therapists and physiotherapists earn in Australia?
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.
How much labour market demand is there for occupational therapists?
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.
How much labour market demand is there for physiotherapists?
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.
What are the advantages of a career in occupational therapy or physiotherapy?
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.
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.
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.