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Allied Health Courses in Northern Territory

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Allied Health courses in Northern Territory

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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.

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You can become qualified to work as an occupational therapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:

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You can become qualified to work as a physiotherapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance?

31st August 2021

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 2020

More about Allied Health courses

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Allied Health Courses in Northern Territory. Whether you're a beginner with no prior experience or an experienced professional looking to further your qualifications, Northern Territory offers a variety of courses to suit your needs. With 14 Allied Health courses available, you can tailor your educational journey based on your career aspirations.

For those starting out in the Allied Health field, there are several beginner courses available, such as the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance HLT33021 and the Perform Electrocardiography (ECG) HLTCAR001. These foundational courses provide essential knowledge and skills that set the stage for careers in healthcare support services. Additionally, training providers like Fox Education and SDS offer face-to-face learning in the local area, ideal for those who prefer personal guidance.

For experienced learners, several advanced courses are offered to help you take your career to the next level. Notable options include the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance HLT43021 and the Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52021. Higher education pathways, like the Bachelor of Nursing and the Master of Occupational Therapy, are also available through institutions such as Charles Darwin University and ANU.

In Northern Territory, you can specialise in diverse study areas related to Allied Health, including Healthcare Support Services, Nursing, and Massage, among others. Each of these fields offers unique opportunities for employment in fulfilling healthcare roles. With so many training providers, including Alana Kaye College and ICAE, you have plenty of choices for your education.

So whether you're looking to start fresh or elevate your existing qualifications, explore the various Allied Health Courses in Northern Territory. This is the perfect moment to take the next step in your career within the vibrant and rewarding field of Allied Health. With remarkable local providers and a vast range of courses available, your future in healthcare is just a click away!

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