Healthcare service courses that add value to your career

Are you already working in the healthcare industry and want to upskill or change specialties? Or are you interested in retraining to move into this field for the very first time? Now is the time to do it.

The healthcare industry is a stable and reliable career choice. With an ageing population and an increase in chronic disease, Australia has a growing demand for healthcare services. As a result, the industry will continue to provide a stream of job opportunities. The 2020 Employment Projects Report shows that Healthcare and Social Assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth between 2020 and 2025, increasing by 14.2%. So, by 2025, there will be 249,500 additional jobs available, compared to 2020, with over 2 million roles available in the industry overall.

Not only is the Australian healthcare system one of the best in the world, but it also provides many different career possibilities. Whether you enjoy supporting elderly patients, want to provide childcare services, are interested in becoming a Nursing Assistant or Healthcare Aide, there is a role for you. There are also many healthcare courses that can help you on your way to developing a successful, fulfilling career in this area.

What kind of careers are there in healthcare?

If you want to positively impact people’s lives and help them overcome their challenges, then healthcare may be a good fit for you.

There are many specialist areas for you to choose from, such as:

• Nursing
• Ageing support
• Community services
• Mental health
• Health services
• Dental
• Disability support
• Counselling
• Youth work
• Physical therapies

For more information, see our list of career pathways, with statistics, salary information, recommended qualifications, advice and more.

What skills do you need in the healthcare industry?

The skills you need will vary across roles, but here are some that every employer in the healthcare industry will be looking for:

1.    Caring

To work in the healthcare industry, you’ll need to have compassion and lots of it. You’ll be working with and supporting people who are elderly, disabled or individuals with other illnesses. So, you’ll need to be respectful, patient, caring and empathetic, to ensure you provide the very best care.

2.    Good communication

You’ll need to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with your colleagues, managers, patients and their family members. It’s also vital that you carefully listen to instructions and to patients’ concerns to provide a high level of support.

3.    Digital skills

While a large part of your job may be face-to-face with patients, technology is becoming a significant element of every role. Therefore, it’s essential that you have a reasonable understanding of basic technology and brush up on your typing skills. 

4.    Adaptable

Every patient will be different, so it’s crucial that you can adapt to fit their needs. You’ll need to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and react quickly to situations as they arise. You may also find yourself in some challenging situations or where decisions must be made promptly, so staying calm under pressure is essential.

How can you develop your technical skills?

While there are lots of job opportunities in healthcare, there is also a skills shortage. So, although demand is increasing, employers are struggling to find suitably qualified workers. This presents a huge opportunity for you!

Now that you know what career path you want to take and the basic skills you need, it’s a good time to think about developing your technical skills. This will enable you to stand out, open the doors to more opportunities and help you secure a job in the healthcare industry.

At Open Colleges, we offer a range of nationally recognised healthcare courses that will enable you to develop your technical knowledge, learn new skills and gain hands-on, real-world experience.

Are you ready to take the next steps towards a rewarding career in healthcare? Build the skills you need to succeed with our selection of healthcare courses, or discover HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.