These are the most in-demand health roles right now
Wondering where to go next in your healthcare career? Take a look at these numbers.
Healthcare is the number one employing industry in Australia—by a long way.
Government figures show the healthcare and social assistance industries make up 15.6% of the country’s total workforce. That’s 2,266,700 people. These figures have grown exponentially over the last 20 years (in 2004, by comparison, there were 964,100 workers in health).
And thanks in part to Australia’s aging population, the need for health specialists is only set to keep growing. Jobs and Skills Australia estimates the industry will increase by 16% over the next five years. That’s good news for those who work in health.
If you’re in the industry, you would know there are a huge number of career directions you can take. Sometimes it can feel hard to choose what’s next. Let’s look at some research that might be handy if you’re thinking of building on your healthcare skillset.
Which healthcare field is most in demand?
Data released in 2024 by Jobs and Skills investigated occupation shortages and found that aged care and disability workers had the highest shortages of all professions across all industries. (The research covered 900 occupations across Australia.)
According to previous data from the National Skills Commission, all healthcare professions in Australia have strong or moderate projected future demand. That report rated the following health occupations as having the highest expected national future growth:
- Sonographer
- Optometrist
- Orthoptist
- Hospital pharmacist
- Retail pharmacist
- Speech pathologist
What are the fastest-emerging roles in healthcare?
In November 2024, Jobs and Skills Australia released a labour market insight investigating emerging roles across several industries. These are roles that have grown significantly over the last five years.
The Health, Care and Medical category included 13 emerging roles—with those in mental health coming out on top as the most advertised.
According to the research, community mental health worker and mental health practitioner had the highest numbers of online job ads in 2022 when the research was conducted—around 5,200 and 3,800 job ads, respectively. Coming in third place, allied health assistant had more than 2,300 job postings.
So, what health specialisations should you consider?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career, consider these postgraduate healthcare courses, which take the above data into account.Master of Mental Health Practice
With plenty of demand for mental health practitioners, it may be wise to skill up in the area. This degree gives you the specialised knowledge you’ll need to work with people with a mental illness, as well as their carers and family members. You’ll have the choice of a practical or research stream, and the opportunity to complete a placement to gain real-world skills.
Where to study it? Griffith University
How long does it take? 1.5 years, if full time (part-time options available)
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy
Both clinical and retail pharmacists are expected to experience high future demand across Australia. If you’d like to work in a hospital, helping patients to manage their medicines, you may like to consider starting with this graduate certificate. You can study this one part time to fit learning around your existing commitments.
Where to study it? University of Queensland
How long does it take? 1 year, part time
Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Care of the Older Person
The need for aged care workers is huge now and will only continue to grow. In a course like this, you’ll gain the evidence-based skills needed to work holistically with older people and their families. After graduating, you’ll help give people a better quality of life.
Where to study it? Edith Cowan University
How long does it take? 6 months, if full time (part time options available)
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Wound Care
A hugely popular course among nurses, this graduate certificate will give you the skills you need to treat wounds and prevent infections. This one may be on your radar already. It’s a great string to add to your bow. While it’s ideal for nurses, this course is open to practitioners in any healthcare discipline eligible for AHPRA registration.
Where to study it? Murdoch University
How long does it take? 6 months, if full time (part time options available)
Master of Leadership and Management in Healthcare
Communication skills are crucial for many roles in healthcare. If you want to become an expert communicator who’s able to inspire a team, you may want to consider a leadership course, such as this masters degree. You’ll explore creative approaches to service delivery and get to the next level in your health career.
Where to study it? Australian Catholic University
How long does it take? 1.5 years, if full time (part time options available)
Want more guidance?
If you need a little more help choosing the right postgraduate health course for you, book a consultation with a student advisor to get some guidance specific to your career goals.
Browse the full range of healthcare courses available through us.
