What to study for a healthy job outlook

Health-related degrees are more likely to lead to employment than others, amid forecasts 250,300 more healthcare and social assistance jobs will be created between 2018 and 2023.

Choosing a career in health may be a safe bet for school leavers, with about 50,000 new jobs being created each year and health graduates enjoying strong employment outcomes after university.

The Federal Government forecasts 250,300 more healthcare and social assistance jobs will be created between 2018 and 2023.

Four months after graduating, pharmacy students had the highest employment rate in 2018. Picture: iStock

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It represents a 14.9 per cent employment increase over the five years — larger growth than any other industry.

There are also currently more healthcare and medical jobs listed on SEEK (about 15,400) than any other industry, and the 2018 Graduate Outcomes Survey reveals health-related degrees are more likely to lead to employment than other areas of study.

Overall, 87 per cent of university graduates last year were employed in some capacity within four months of finishing their undergraduate degree, but that rate was as high as 97.3 per cent for those who trained in pharmacy, 95.8 per cent for rehabilitation, 94.3 per cent for medicine, 94 per cent for dentistry, 91.5 per cent for nursing and 89.5 per cent for health services and support.

Teacher education (93.9 per cent) was the only non-health field in the top seven.

Hays Healthcare regional director Mark De Vink says there are many areas of growth and continuing skill shortages nationally within the health sector — but namely in allied health, aged care and mental health.

“Given the surge in National Disability Insurance Scheme providers striving to offer an all-round service, demand for occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physiotherapists is high in the disability sector (and) NDIS providers are struggling to meet the demand for these professionals,” he says.

Bupa health services and resourcing people director Vesna Garnett says opportunities for a career in healthcare are broad.

Garnett says the health sector is growing as the population ages, increasing the need to address more disease management and palliative care requirements.

Ming Wong studied for a Bachelor of Applied Science (Optometry) and has no regrets about his career choice. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Q&A

MING WONG, OPTOMETRIST, BUPA

Why optometry?

I was always interested in health and science and I have a sister who is an optometrist as well. I’m very happy with my decision. I have been an optometrist for nine years.

What’s the best part of the job?

The thing I enjoy most is interacting with and helping people from all walks of life. I have done overseas volunteering programs that have brought me to India, which has been a rewarding experience.

What are your qualifications?

Bachelor of Applied Science (Optometry)

Is there anything about the job that would surprise people?

The general perception is we just do glasses but there is the health aspect to it, too. You can pick up neurological problems as well. The thing that surprises most people is how much of their health can impact their eyes and vice versa. Sometimes it can be the first indicator of something going on.