
Allied Health courses in Nelson Bay
Course providers in Nelson Bay
The following providers offer Allied Health courses in Nelson Bay.

































Career Pathfinder
Skills shortages + AI Exposure
Discover in-demand careers and understand how each role may be impacted by AI and automation.
- See in-demand occupations across Australia
- Check AI Exposure ratings
- Compare training duration and average income
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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
- CHCSS00130 Individual Support - Disability
- CHCSS00133 Induction to Disability Support
- CHCSS00080 Induction to Leisure and Health
- HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing
- 22656VIC Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy
- Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- HLT40221 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
- Bachelor of Science (Genetics)
- CHCSS00111 Problem Gambling Skill Set
- ACM40818 Certificate IV in Farriery
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Bachelor of Medical Science
- HLT33015 & HLT43015 Dual Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance & Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy)
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
- Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
- HLT32412 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
More about Allied Health courses
Are you considering a career in the vibrant field of Allied Health? Nelson Bay, located in the stunning Port Stephens region, offers an array of courses designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel in various health professions. With a total of 14 Allied Health courses available, you can choose from beginner courses such as the Assist Clients with Medication Skill Set CHCSS00070 and Work in a Recovery Context PUARCV003, which are perfect for those starting their journey in this rewarding industry.
For individuals with prior experience or qualifications, the Nelson Bay area offers numerous advanced courses tailored to further your career. Notable options include the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315, the Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315, and specialised Bachelor degrees such as the Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). This diversity in course offerings ensures that everyone, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to thrive in the world of Allied Health.
In Nelson Bay, several registered training organisations (RTOs) provide quality education across Allied Health disciplines. Institutions such as Camden Haven Community College and ANTS (which offers the Diploma of Mental Health) are renowned for their experienced trainers and comprehensive course materials. Additionally, Avondale University stands out with its Bachelor of Nursing programme, allowing students to learn in a supportive environment close to home.
Exploring specific domains within Allied Health is crucial for tailoring your educational journey. At Courses.com.au, you can browse through various specialised categories, including Massage, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Each category presents unique learning pathways, helping you hone in on your interests and career aspirations while giving you access to a wealth of knowledge within the Allied Health sector.
By choosing a course in Allied Health in Nelson Bay, you are not just investing in your future but also contributing to the well-being of your community. With quality training providers such as UON (whose Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science programme plays a significant role in health promotion) influencing the local landscape, the options for career advancement are abundant. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in Allied Health by exploring the available courses today at Courses.com.au, and become part of this essential field that positively impacts lives every day.