Building A Flexible Career In Healthcare
As with most industries, healthcare has seen significant changes in the past three years, largely – but not totally – driven by the COVID pandemic.
Health and social care is now Australia’s largest and fastest-growing sector, employing over 1.7 million people and representing 15 per cent of our population. This is set to rise to 2 million by 2025 thanks to social issues such as an aging population, a rise in telehealth and mental health and wellbeing.
Alarmingly, there will also be expected shortages of 400,000 support staff by 2025. The need for skilled healthcare workers is putting the industry under pressure, driving in-demand jobs for the profession. This has opened doors to those wishing to enter the sector as the need for qualified workers amplifies. Many health professions are experiencing shortages across various industries, including nursing, mental health, public health and more. So if you have been thinking about a career change or searching for a rewarding career that fits your lifestyle, now might be a great time to look at building a career in the healthcare sector.
Benefits of Working in the Aged and Healthcare Sector
Working in aged and healthcare is not only a rewarding career but has several perks, including:
- Job Stability and Security: The aging demographic ensures a constant need for healthcare services, translating into job stability and security for professionals in the field.
- Career Growth: The healthcare industry offers ample opportunities for career growth and advancement, providing a fulfilling long-term career path.
- Inherent Satisfaction: Working with the elderly is not just a job; it’s a calling. Many find immense satisfaction in contributing to the well-being and comfort of seniors in their care.
- Flexible Work Options: One of the industry’s most appealing aspects is the availability of flexible work options, allowing individuals to tailor their work arrangements to their lifestyles.
So what are the most in-demand healthcare jobs in Australia?
Top 5 Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs
- Nursing Jobs. Nursing will be among the most in-demand jobs in 2024. While the industry increased 14.1 per cent between 2015 and 2020 — growing from 306,487 employed to 349,589 — Health Workforce Australia predicts that there will be a shortage of over 100,000 nurses by 2025. The projected shortage will result in fewer skilled nurses to provide adequate on-the-job training. Through initiatives such as the Workforce Incentive Program Practice Stream, the Australian Government is investing in solutions to address gaps in services for local communities. This, in turn, creates greater job opportunities for nursing and allied health professionals.
- Mental Health Jobs. There has recently been a strong focus on the mental health sector due to increased demand over the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal and state governments have committed to investing in the sector further, focusing on telehealth, regional support and expanding the headspace network. Over time, several different mental health practitioners will be needed to support this growing sector, including, but not limited to, counsellors, mental health nurses and psychologists.
- Public Health Jobs. Public health jobs encompass a wide range of roles focused on promoting and protecting the health of communities and populations. These jobs may include epidemiologists, health educators, community health workers, public health analysts, public health nurses, and more.
- Allied Health Professionals. Allied health includes a wide range of healthcare professions, such as counselling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietetics, social work, and more. These professionals play a crucial role in the wider healthcare system, alleviating the pressures on hospitals and primary care facilities by working alongside medical practitioners and nurses to provide a holistic approach to patient care.
- Medical Practitioner Jobs. Medical practitioners such as doctors and GPs are in demand across Australia. Particular shortages in this field include regional and remote communities. The Australian Government is looking to increase employment within this sector by offering financial incentives for GPs in rural and regional areas. The 2022–23 budget includes a package from which regional GPs and rural generalists can access up to $10,500. Other regional medical practitioners will be able to access financial support through the Workforce Incentive Program.
Of course, many of these roles require professional training and qualifications, but areas like aged care and disability support work have subsidised training programs in place to help gain entry and make a difference.
Australia’s healthcare industry stands as a thriving employment opportunity with the added advantage of flexible work arrangements and a rewarding career contributing to the well-being of our society. So if it’s an area of interest to you, reach out to our team to discuss your requirements and available opportunities with leading employers of choice.