Exploring careers in Allied Health

Have you ever thought about working in allied health? Are you looking for a job in allied health?

Many different roles are available in allied health. Allied health offers a secure, stable career, and is ideal for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others.

So what are some of the benefits of a career in allied health and what are the different roles available?

Benefits of careers in allied health

Careers in allied health offer many benefits. These include:

• High personal reward: Many allied health professions involve helping people overcome medical or social difficulties. This can make them highly rewarding
• Task variety: Many allied health roles involve a variety of tasks. For example, speech pathologists don’t just work with people who have lisps or stutters. They may also assist teachers or sports coaches who are having voice difficulties.
• Workplace flexibility: Many allied health roles offer the opportunity to work as part of a team or one-on-one with patients.

What roles are available?

Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding, social skills, and stuttering. They work with individuals who have communication challenges due to developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, dementia, hearing loss, or other conditions that affect speech and language.

Speech pathologists practise in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, community health centres, residential and aged care facilities, disability services, mental health facilities, juvenile justice centres, and private clinics.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists are experts in the structure of the human body and its movement. They work with people of all ages to treat a broad range of health conditions including sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions as well as chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis and stroke. Physiotherapists are involved in the assessment, diagnosis, planning and management of patient care. Physiotherapists work across a range of health settings including private practices, public and private hospitals, community health centres, residential aged care facilities and sports organisations.

Psychologist

Psychologists are experts in human behaviour who help people change how they think, feel, behave, and react. They study the brain, memory, learning, and processes related to human development. Psychological treatments can support individuals, families, groups, and organisations.

Psychologists work across a wide range of professional settings and perform many types of roles. Common workplaces include schools, public and private hospitals, courts, community health services, prisons, businesses, the defence forces, and private practice.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapist roles promote health and wellbeing by helping people take part in everyday activities. These include:
• Self-care activities, such as showering, dressing, and preparing food
• Productive activities, such as education, employment, volunteering, and caregiving
• Leisure and social activities, such as joining a community group, pursuing hobbies, and building friendships

Occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting people with disability by helping them identify and implement methods to participate more fully in daily life. This may involve modifying tasks or the surrounding environment.

Exercise Physiologist

Accredited exercise physiologists specialise in clinical exercise interventions for people with a broad range of health conditions. They work with individuals at risk of developing, or already living with, medical conditions and injuries.
Their goal is to prevent or manage injuries and health conditions and help people improve their physical function and overall wellbeing. Interventions are exercise-based and may include health and physical activity education, lifestyle advice, behaviour change strategies, and ongoing support.

Allied health offers diverse and meaningful career options for those who want to make a difference.

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Article References

Allied Health Professions Australia (n.d) ‘Allied health professions’, Allied Health Professions Australia, accessed 17 June 2025.

Sexton, C (n.d) ‘The benefits of a career in Allied Health‘, Australian Catholic University, accessed 17 June 2025.