Find the best health course for you. Here are 12 health specialisations available online in Australia.
Health courses are available from Australian universities via online and mixed-mode study. Graduates are employed in clinical, allied health, community and management roles. Some programs can be taken 100% online. For those that can’t, mixed-mode study is often an option.
Health Specialisations
Counselling
Counselling is a popular study option for people who've worked in community care. Experience builds a knowledge base and helps you know if counselling is right for you.
For professional accreditation, you'll need a Bachelor of Counselling or equivalent degree. Alternatively, if you have a degree, you're eligible for a 2-year graduate diploma.
Counselling programs for professional accreditation include essential face-to-face classes where students learn practical aspects of counselling. Work placements also give students opportunity to interact with counsellors and clients... READ MORE
Health Management
Health managers plan, administer, monitor and coordinate health care delivery. Studying health management develops knowledge and skills for senior administrative and planning positions in hospitals and other health facilities.
To become a successful health manager, Australian universities offer online masters degrees and other postgraduate courses. The courses teach you how to be an effective manager and give you credentials, such as an MHA, to compete for executive jobs.
Programs are available 100% online and are ideal for working professionals... READ MORE
Health Services Management
Health services courses emphasise the achievement of a positive client or patient experience. As well as administrative duties, health managers are charged with ensuring services are accessible, safe and good quality.
This holistic approach to health care is relevant to all sectors, including for medical services, dentistry, allied health, occupational therapy and rehabilitation, community services, counselling and social work.
Health services management courses are ideal for healthcare professionals looking to lead improvement in service efficiency and quality... READ MORE
Healthcare MBA
An MBA in healthcare gives you the opportunity to learn management techniques adapted for the health sector. You gain a leadership qualification designed for jobs in healthcare settings.
MBA in Healthcare Management programs are available to university graduates from any field. Qualifications and professional experience in the health industry may be helpful for getting quick returns on the degree however.
Online healthcare MBA programs allow you to earn your degree while working full-time. Australia's best online MBA courses are accelerated... READ MORE
Mental Health
Mental health is an issue across the health sector, including in counselling, social work, nursing and psychology. By doing an online postgraduate course, you can gain specialist skills within your profession and move into new healthcare roles.
Flexible study options are available where you study 100% online. Online courses are ideal if you want to continue working or you keep a busy home schedule.
You can gain mental health qualifications by completing a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree. Courses teach you how to understand mental health conditions and meet patient needs... READ MORE
Nursing
External nursing courses combine online academic study with hands-on training and work placements. A Bachelor of Nursing degree allows you to become a Registered Nurse.
Hands-on training on campus and clinical placements in the community should be considered when choosing a program. Students spend 800+ hours in healthcare facilities during a 3-year bachelor degree.
A good spread of universities geographically helps with arranging practical nurse training. Australian universities may find it easier to provide places for students in the same state... READ MORE
Nursing Graduate Certificate
For registered nurses, a popular first-choice for professional development is to do a Graduate Certificate in Nursing. The course is typically part of a masters program.
An advantage of the graduate certificate is that you can test a nursing masters program without a great commitment. A graduate certificate is 4 subjects only, and can be completed online in 8 months of part-time study.
Specialisations include advanced nursing, clinical nursing, critical care, mental health nursing, and nursing education. Nurses often major in a field where they already have some experience... READ MORE
Nursing Masters
A Master of Nursing degree can you set up for career advancement or a career pivot into specialised nursing or management and administration.
Specialisations available include advanced nursing, advanced practice, nursing education, emergency nursing, management, and mental health nursing.
With an online Masters in Nursing, you can earn your degree while working full-time. You also have the option to begin your studies with a graduate certificate course, allowing you to test the program before committing to a full masters... READ MORE
You can qualify to be a nutritionist or dietitian by combining online study with practical training. Most of Australia’s major cities have a university or college offering external units as part of a diploma or degree.
A certificate IV, diploma or bachelor degree in nutrition qualifies you for many jobs in the food, health and weight management sectors. To become a recognised dietitian, you need to do a bachelor or masters degree accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia.
Nutrition is a hands-on study area, meaning some parts may have to be done on campus... READ MORE
Psychology
Psychology is a popular study choice among students doing arts, social science and science degrees. Online psychology courses are widely available.
A 3-year psychology degree is just the start if you aim to be a psychology researcher, registered psychologist or clinical psychologist. But it can lead to careers in related fields.
An honours year and postgraduate degree are normally required for professional positions. Because advanced degrees often have a significant clinical practice component, distance education courses are multi-mode (i.e. you attend classes at least occasionally)... READ MORE
Public Health
The health and welfare of the Australian community is the key concern when you work in public health. Postgraduate courses in this field are available online, from graduate certificates to graduate diplomas and masters degrees.
The courses prepare you for senior roles in healthcare and public service. Job title examples are program and policy officer, public health officer, public health nurse, and health promotion officer.
In an online course, you learn to manage community health, studying topics such as epidemiology, health promotion, biostatistics and social perspectives... READ MORE
Social Work
Become a qualified social worker by studying online and attending a university campus occasionally. On-campus attendance is limited to multi-day residential sessions.
The practical side of learning social work requires on-the-job experience. To become accredited, students put in around 1000 hours of work experience. Training includes placements in social welfare settings, which can be near where you live.
A Bachelor of Social Work degree requires 4 years of study and on-the-job learning. If you have a degree, you can do a 2-year Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) program... READ MORE
FAQs
You may be surprised at how many different kinds of careers are available in the broader field of healthcare. Apart from health professionals on the front line, such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists, there are administration, health policy, research and technician roles. Here are examples of careers that typically require a university degree.
- Athletic trainer
- Biomedical engineer
- Clinical psychologist
- Dietitian
- Dentist
- Environmental health specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Exercise physiologist
- Genetic counselor
- Health coach
- Health educator
- Health informatics specialist
- Health policy analyst
- Health services manager
- Laboratory technician
- Medical doctor
- Medical laboratory scientist
- Medical technologist
- Nurse practitioner
- Nutritionist
- Occupational therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physical therapist
- Physician assistant
- Public health administrator
- Psychiatrist
- Radiologic technologist
- Recreation therapist
- Social worker
- Speech therapist
There are several ways you can increase your career opportunities in healthcare:
- Obtain advanced degrees or certifications: Many health careers require a bachelor's degree, but some positions may require a master's degree or higher. Consider pursuing advanced education in your field to increase your career opportunities.
- Gain experience: Some health and medical careers may require or prefer candidates with clinical experience. Consider volunteering or interning in a healthcare setting to gain hands-on experience and make yourself a more competitive candidate.
- Network: Networking can be a powerful tool in any industry, and healthcare is no exception. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and make connections with others in your field.
- Stay up to date on industry trends: Keep abreast of current trends and developments by reading industry publications, attending continuing education courses, and participating in professional development opportunities.
- Be flexible: Consider pursuing positions in a variety of healthcare settings or industries. This can increase your chances of finding a job and can also help you build a diverse skill set.
- Be open to relocation: Depending on the job market in your area, you may find more opportunities by relocating to a different region or country.
- Be proactive: Take the initiative to seek out new opportunities and don't be afraid to apply for positions even if you don't meet all of the requirements. Employers often value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Yes, it is possible to do a health and social care course online in Australia. Many vocational education and training (VET) providers, as well as universities and other higher education institutions, offer online courses in the health and social care field.
Online courses can offer a flexible and convenient way to study, allowing you to complete coursework and assignments at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.
When considering an online course, it is important to research the provider and the course carefully to ensure that it meets your needs and goals. Look for course accreditation, as well as any relevant professional associations that may have endorsed the course. It is also a good idea to check whether the course is recognised by relevant industry bodies, as this can affect your ability to gain employment or advance your career.
There are a variety of Certificate IV courses available in the health field in Australia. Some examples include:
- Allied Health Assistance
- Disability
- Dental Assisting
- Health Administration
- Health Services Assistance
- Leisure and Health
- Massage Therapy
- Mental Health
- Nursing (Enrolled/Division 2 Nursing)
- Nutrition
These courses may be offered by vocational education and training (VET) providers, as well as universities and other higher education institutions. Research and compare different options to find a course that meets your career goals.