Top 7 Health care jobs in Australia

The Australian healthcare field includes activities that promote, restore, and/or maintain health. Being a part of this field has a plethora of opportunities for a person to grow and even serve people. In the coming years, in Australia, the healthcare sector is about to double in size as the rates of diseases related to smoking, alcohol, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, high sun exposure, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer have been on the rise. The individuals who get affected by these conditions have to be attended to and treated, and for that, health professionals are needed.

Let’s look into some reasons why a career in the Australian health sector is attractive.

1. Attractive salary and additional benefits packages

The salaries in the Australian health sector are comparatively high. In fact, health professionals are among the most highly-paid workers in Australia. Health professionals are also offered the best benefits packages. And those who manage to land a job in public/government health can enjoy a good package of benefits and a great salary.

2. There are constant opportunities to learn.

Every day in a hospital is an adventure. Health professionals can get familiar with the extremeness of cases, see healed patients' happy faces, meet annoying or dramatic patients, and sometimes even witness emotional turmoil or heart-wrenching conditions. This makes the health professional learn how to deal with situations and deliver better services.

3. You can make a real difference in someone's life.

Health professionals devote their skills, knowledge, and experience to offering relief from pain, addressing and solving mental suffering, bringing new life into the world, and giving consultation for a healthier and happier life.

Let’s look into the top 7 health care jobs in Australia, which are the better choices for a better career.

1. Midwife

A midwife is a skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate person trained to assist women in childbirth and care for newborn infants and families across pregnancy. They assess, monitor, support and assist women during labour and birth and help to deliver the baby. Annually, the average salary of a midwife in Australia is AUD 85,000 (Talent.com). To become a midwife, the candidate can complete a Bachelor's degree in midwifery OR have a postgraduate qualification in midwifery after completing a qualification in nursing. Candidates should also register at the Nursing and Midwifery Board (AHPRA) to practice midwifery in Australia.

2. Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is devoted to providing patients with comprehensive and advanced nursing care. They also prescribe patient care management, medications, and therapies, order diagnostic tests, conduct diagnoses, and evaluate patient health. In average terms, an annual salary of a nursing practitioner is around AUD 100,000(Various sources). For this post, you must have a master's degree in nursing, at least 3 years of experience at the clinical advanced nursing practice level, and meet all other Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) criteria for endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner.

3. Registered nurse

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nurse who works with doctors and physicians to provide hands-on care to patients in different medical settings, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community settings. At present, the specialisation of RN in aged care, Child and family health, Critical care and emergency, Disability and Rehabilitation, Mental health, Surgical, Paediatrics, etc., are in demand. On average, the salary of a registered nurse in Australia is AUD 80,321 per year(Talent.com). A bachelor's degree in nursing and specialist experience is necessary to become a registered nurse.

4. Enrolled nurses

Enrolled nurses practise nursing under a registered nurse's or nurse practitioner's direction. They deliver nursing care and health education in the community, residential or hospital settings. They provide nursing care to patients in a variety of health, aged care, welfare and community settings under the supervision of registered nurses. As per Talent.com, the average annual enrolled nurse salary in Australia is AUD 63,199. To become an enrolled nurse, a diploma or advanced diploma in nursing and clinical experience is required.

5. Aged or disabled carer

Aged or disabled carers are also known as personal care workers or carers. They provide professional and attentive care to elderly people and individuals with disabilities.

They offer services from general household assistance and emotional support to companionship for aged and disabled people in a hospital setting or in their own homes.

The average salary for an aged carer in Australia is AUD 83,151 per year, while disability carer is AUD 78,000 per year(Talent.com). For this job, you must have a certificate III or IV in aged care, disability, mental health, and community services.

6. Dental Assistant

A dental assistant is someone who supports a dental operator like a dentist, hygienist or therapist for more efficient dental treatment. Dental assistants also prepare patients for a dental examination. Dental assistants must maintain high levels of sanitation to control infection in the oral health care setting.

In addition, they must be cautious and maintain hand hygiene, PPE, Surgical procedures and aseptic technique, management of sharps injury, management of clinical waste, sterilisation, disinfectant and antiseptic, and health promotion. As per Talent.com, the annual salary of a dental assistant in Australia is AUD 60,857.

7. Medical Transcriptionist

In simplest terms, a medical transcriptionist converts audio files from doctors into written documents, which will become part of the patient’s medical record. A medical transcriptionist also edits those written documents and organises their completed documents online. They also have to attend meetings or professional talks to offer on-site transcription. According to Indeed, the average salary for a transcriptionist in Australia is AUD 46,251 annually. You can choose a specialist field, register for training courses, gain experience, build an online network, and apply for jobs to become a medical transcription.

Wrapping Up

These are just the 7 health care jobs, but the demand for other healthcare professionals is high in Australia; you can research them on dedicated Australian sites(prefer the Australian government sites). If you desire to study in Australia in the healthcare field, then there are plenty of courses available. All you have to do is find the specialised field that appeals to your needs and career wish. If you are qualified, you can also apply for Australian visas for healthcare professionals.