Thinking about a career in health?

Passionate about helping people live better, healthier lives? As an allied health professional, you can make a real difference to the way your patients experience the world, no matter which career you choose.

If you’re still thinking about which path to take, here are three fascinating professions that are well worth a look.

Orthoptist

Orthoptics is a specialist eye health profession that’s focused on diagnosing and managing a range of eye conditions without the need for surgery.

Eye health is a critical component of overall health and wellbeing that can have profound impacts of people’s lives. Orthoptists work with children and adults to manage and overcome eye movement disorders and eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. They can specialise in a variety of areas, from paediatric orthoptics to retinal disorders and laser eye surgery, working in a range of clinical and community health environments. 

Read more about the Master of Orthoptics

Speech pathologist

Speech pathology is a highly specialised profession with high levels of job satisfaction. Speech pathologists work with adults and children who have difficulties communicating or swallowing.

This field of practice is growing rapidly thanks to the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which enables patients to access speech pathology services that are subsidised by the government.

This unique profession combines patient care with technical innovation: speech pathologists also use a range of digital health tools and communication technologies in the course of their everyday work. By providing the digital, clinical and professional expertise required to manage and overcome a range of physical challenges, speech pathologists support patients to be active participants in all aspects of life.

Read more about the Master of Speech Pathology

Genetic counsellor

Genetic counselling is a specialist health profession that combines high-level clinical, communication and analytical skills in a single career. Genetic counsellors work with patients to identify and mitigate inherited health risks. These risks, which are caused by familial gene mutations, can affect a person’s likelihood – or that of their future children – of being diagnosed with a range of hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and some types of cancer.

Genetic counsellors play a key role in identifying genetic risk, referring patients for genetic testing, communicating test outcomes and subsequent health risks to patients and their families, and educating and supporting at-risk people to manage their health and plan for the future.

Read more about the Master of Genetic Counselling

Three professions, one salary

As a future health professional, it’s likely you’re motivated by a desire to help others rather than by financial reward – but understanding your income potential is part and parcel of choosing a career.

How much does an orthoptist, speech pathologist or genetic counsellor make in Australia?

The good news is that graduate allied health salaries are set by the government, and almost all graduates make the same amount: salaries start at $64,270 per year, with a top range of $164,679 for a Level 8 professional. In some professions, you can opt to move into private practice later in your career. 

So, rather than feeling pressured to pursue the highest-paying job you can find, you can choose a profession you’re truly passionate about – the first step towards a truly fulfilling career.