Thinking about a career in health? Whether you’re drawn to nursing, physio, psychology or midwifery, choosing the right degree is a huge step. It’s about finding a path that fits your goals, lifestyle and values. After all, you want a career that you love and can build on over the years, so it’s important to put plenty of thought into it. Here’s a practical guide to help you make sense of your options before you hit “apply”.

1. Start with your “why”

Before you choose a course, have a good think about why you want to work in health and what you’re hoping to get out of your career. Do you like hands-on care, or are you more interested in research or management? Do you see yourself thriving in a busy hospital environment, prefer the calm of a quiet clinic, or love the idea of travelling regionally?

The Health and Social Assistance Sector is Australia’s biggest employer, and it keeps growing in response to an ageing population and increasing demand for care across the country. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some careers (like nursing or paramedicine) involve shift work and long placements, while others (like public health or nutrition) may have more regular hours. Think about what sort of lifestyle you want, how much study you can manage, and whether you’re happy to travel for placements.

2. Make sure your course is properly accredited

This is the biggest thing students overlook, and it can make or break your career. In Australia, most health professions are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Only graduates of approved and accredited courses can register and legally use titles like nurse, physiotherapist or psychologist.

Each profession has its own accrediting body:

• Physiotherapy: Check your uni is approved by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.
• Dietetics: Look for a Dietitians Australia-accredited program.
• Psychology: The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredits programs that lead to registration.

If a course isn’t accredited, you might graduate with a qualification that doesn’t allow you to work in your chosen field, so always double-check before applying.

3. Understand the levels and pathways

Health careers don’t all start with a bachelor's degree. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) sets out different levels, from Certificate and Diploma courses to postgraduate degrees.

• VET and TAFE qualifications (like a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance) are great entry points. You can start working sooner and often use those credits later to jump into a degree.
• Bachelor's degrees are the standard starting point for registered professions.
• Graduate entry or postgraduate degrees (like Master of Physiotherapy or Master of Nursing Practice) are great for those changing careers or upskilling.

Pathways are flexible, so don’t stress if you don’t get into your dream course right away. You can often work your way up while gaining experience.

4. Know what’s required to get in

Every program has different entry rules. Some rely on ATAR scores or prerequisite subjects (usually English, biology, or chemistry). Others look at personal statements or interviews.

For fields like medicine and dentistry, you’ll need to sit the UCAT ANZ test.

Don’t leave it until the last minute, as these tests have specific dates and registration deadlines, and they can take a bit of practice.

5. Choose your learning style wisely

Online study has come a long way, but not all health courses can be done remotely. Nursing, physio and paramedicine, for example, need in-person skills training and supervised clinical hours.

If you’re studying mostly online, check whether the course includes on-campus intensives or access to simulation labs. Plus, placements are the most valuable way to put what you have learned into practice and to gain some real-world experience. At the same time, they’re also a big commitment, financially and logistically. Most health courses include compulsory placements, sometimes for weeks at a time and often away from home. You’ll need to budget for travel, accommodation, food and more.

For other fields like public health, health management or psychology (especially at postgraduate level), online or hybrid learning can work really well. Just make sure you’ll get enough support from tutors and placement coordinators.

6. Check job prospects before you commit

It’s worth looking ahead to where your qualification can take you. The Graduate Outcomes Survey shows how quickly students find work after finishing their degree and how satisfied they are with their jobs. This is a great place to start to get an idea of where you want to end up and how others are finding it.

Meanwhile, Jobs and Skills Australia tracks labour-market trends. Healthcare remains one of the most secure and fastest-growing industries, with steady demand for nurses, aged-care workers, physios, mental-health clinicians and allied health professionals.

7. Compare and shortlist courses

Here’s a simple checklist before you hit “enrol”:

• Check accreditation: Make sure the course is listed as approved by Ahpra or the relevant accrediting body.
• Understand placements: Where are they located? How many hours? Is travel required?
• Know your entry requirements: ATARs, subjects, or admission tests like UCAT.
• Check graduate outcomes: Compare employment rates and student satisfaction.
• Think about support: Does the uni offer mentoring, tutoring or wellbeing services?

Don’t be afraid to contact course coordinators with questions, as most are happy to chat about what to expect.

Choosing a health degree is about finding the right fit for your personality, lifestyle and long-term goals. Most importantly, remember why you started looking into health in the first place. Whether you’re drawn by compassion, curiosity, or a love of science, you’re choosing a career that truly makes a difference, and that’s worth getting right.