Allied Health Careers
Allied health professionals are vital members of the healthcare team. They’re not doctors or nurses, but they support patients' physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. This includes roles like physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and more. In rural areas like the Pilbara, allied health workers often travel to remote communities, work across different settings, and form strong bonds with patients.
Example Roles in Allied Health
Physiotherapist
Helps people recover from injury, surgery, or illness by improving movement and reducing pain through exercise, massage, and education.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Assists people of all ages to regain independence in everyday tasks—like dressing, cooking, or returning to work—after injury, illness, or disability.
Speech Pathologist
Works with children and adults who have difficulties with speech, language, swallowing, or communication, including those caused by developmental delays or stroke.
Dietician
Helps individuals and communities make healthy food choices to prevent or manage health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Podiatrist
Treats foot and lower limb problems, including injuries, nail issues, and diabetic foot care—especially important in remote communities with limited access to specialists.
Social Worker
Supports people going through tough times—whether it’s mental health challenges, domestic violence, housing issues, or family crises.
Radiation Therapist
Treats cancer and other conditions using targeted radiation. Works closely with oncologists to plan and deliver treatments safely.
Medical Imaging Technologist
Operates X-ray, MRI, and CT machines to help diagnose injuries and diseases. In remote areas, they're often a crucial diagnostic link.
Audiologist
Diagnoses and treats hearing and balance issues. Works with children, adults, and the elderly, and plays a key role in early intervention and aged care.
Phlebotomist
Collects blood samples for testing. Plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions. Entry-level, and great for getting started in healthcare.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are medicine experts who help people use medications safely. In remote areas like the Pilbara, they play a key role in checking prescriptions, giving health advice, and supporting chronic disease care. They often work in pharmacies, hospitals, or Aboriginal Medical Services.
Pathways to an Allied Health Career
There are two main types of allied health careers:
-
University-qualified professionals (e.g. physios, audiologists, OTs)
-
TAFE or certificate-level technicians and assistants (e.g. phlebotomists, allied health assistants)
In High School:
-
Focus on English, Biology, Health, Maths, and Chemistry.
-
Do work experience in aged care, clinics, or community health.
-
Join health or STEM programs if your school offers them.
University Pathways:
-
Most professional roles need a Bachelor’s Degree (3–4 years), such as:
-
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
-
Bachelor of Audiology or Speech Pathology
-
Bachelor of Radiation Therapy
-
Bachelor of Medical Imaging
-
Bachelor of Dietetics or Nutrition
-
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
-
Bachelor of Social Work
-
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
-
-
Courses available at Curtin, ECU, Notre Dame, Murdoch, and some via online/rural delivery.
-
Rural/remote entry and Indigenous support available.
TAFE/Certificate Pathways:
-
These shorter courses (usually 6–18 months) prepare you for work in hospitals, pathology labs, or aged care.
-
Certificate III/IV in Pathology Collection (Phlebotomy)
-
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
-
Certificate IV in Audiometry
-
-
TAFE WA and registered training organisations (RTOs) offer these across regional WA.
Indigenous Pathways:
-
Students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander can access scholarships, mentoring, and Indigenous student centres.
-
IAHA (Indigenous Allied Health Australia) offers student networks and support across many allied health fields.
Approximate Salaries
Rural roles may include bonuses, subsidised accommodation, and travel support.
Physiotherapist
Approximately $65,000 - $110,000 per year
Speech Pathologist
Approximately $65,000 - $110,000 per year
Podiatrist
Approximately $65,000 - $115,000 per year
Radiation Therapist
Approximately $70,000 - $120,000+ per year
Audiologist
Approximately $65,000 - $110,000 per year
Pharmacist
Approximately $70,000 - $130,000+ per year
Occupational Therapist
Approximately $65,000 - $110,000 per year
Dietician
Approximately $65,000 - $105,000 per year
Social Worker
Approximately $70,000 - $110,000 per year
Medical Imaging Technologist
Approximately $70,000 - $130,000+ per year
Phlebotomist
Approximately $50,000 - $75,000 per year
-
Rural and remote bonuses can include:
-
Higher base pay
-
Relocation support
-
Government incentives (e.g. HECS-HELP debt reduction)
-
Paid accommodation or travel allowances
-
-
Public vs private: Public health roles tend to have consistent pay scales and entitlements. Private sector or contract roles (especially in imaging or podiatry) can offer higher earnings but may lack benefits.
-
Career growth: With extra qualifications or leadership roles (e.g. team leader, clinical educator), salaries can exceed $120,000 – $140,000+, especially in imaging, therapy, or management positions.
