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CAREERS withSTEM

TERM 1, 2026

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health

LE B U DOISSUE R FO

FLICPIENCE S

Smart moves in sports science p4

Health heroes needed p8

Life in the lab

p11

Physiotherapy student CAREERS with STEM.COM EXERCISE + PHYSIOTHERAPY + ALLIED HEALTH + MEDICAL SCIENCE + VOLUNTEERING

Want MORE opportunities to land your dream job in healthcare? Study a degree with more placement hours so you gain real-world experience.

Apply now notredame.edu.au

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ND6999| CRICOS: 01032F

FOREWORD+UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA

e h t r o f e r a p e Pr h t l a e h f o e r u t fu

y day tical skills to a field where ever aly an d an thy pa em y, sit rio cu Bring your ent – and every person – is differ

ibson or WilliathmScGien ProfessHe ces, ad of Heal National me Australia University of Notre Da

That’s because no one pro fession alone can optimise outcomes for pe ople, at an individual level or at a societal level. Healthcare delivery needs a multidisciplinary team approach. A career in health will las t because the need for healthcare in Australi a is only going to increase. With advances such as wearables like smart watches, telehealth and data analytics, it’s also likely to change. We’re reg ularly updating the curriculum at Notre Dame to make sure students are prepared for the future of health. I encourage you to flip thr ough this magazine and take a closer look at the opportunities shaping the future of he althcare, and imagine where your journey migh t start.

SUPPLIED / SHUTTERSTOCK

rsuing a health career, f you’re interested in pu d in people. It’s about you’ve got to be intereste and analytical. being curious, empathetic you’re continually As a health professional, t’s gone wrong? What’s testing hypotheses. Wha you seeing in that the situation? What are human in front of you? sentation. They’re But no patient is just a pre y bring everything a human being, and the unter with you. about them to that enco iotherapist, I could When working as a phys ms and not one of treat 10 acute neck proble same way. Our them would present in the iversity of Notre health students at the Un s-on experience like Dame Australia get hand alth settings. Every day this too, in a range of he tient is different. is different, and every pa n’t necessarily need While it’s helpful, you do background to study to have a strong science iotherapy graduates health. Some of the phys letely different that I’ve seen have a comp e absolutely thrived. background, and they’v d of areas you can There is also a huge sprea d medicine, to go into – from nursing an herapy, occupational medical imaging, physiot logy. therapy and speech patho

Professor William Gibson National Head of Health Sciences University of Notre Dame Australia

you don’t need a strong background in science to study health”

Physiotherapist, private practices

PhD in muscle and tendon pain Aalborg University, Denmark

apy, Master of Manipulative Therne The University of Melbour NATIONAL Head of Professor, UNIVERSITY OF Health Sciences lia NOTRE Dame Austra

Hospital-based physiotherapist

py), Bachelor of Science (Physiothera Scotland Glasgow Caledonian University, ,

HEALTH

HEALTH+SPORT: UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA

s e v o m t r a m S Do you love sport, movement or health? The University of Notre Dame Australia is the perfect place to explore your passion

f you’re passionate about sport, movement or health, the University of Notre Dame Australia can help you turn your interests into a career. Explore what interests you through research projects, industry engagement and exposure to different opportunities. Just like a fast-paced netball game, Notre Dame lets you pivot your studies as you go. Students don’t just learn theory. They apply their skills and build their CVs in placements with sport and medical organisations across the country. All of Notre Dame’s health programs stand out for their personal approach. Think: specialised performance labs and gyms and approachable teachers. Plus, they have campuses across Australia, allowing you to study closer to home. Notre Dame Uni will help you sprint into your future health career! – Jasmine Fellows

Grit and determination

Mitchell Searston

SUPPLIED / SHUTTERSTOCK

Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science student

Bachelor of Exercise + Sport Science, University of Notre Dame Australia

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

Boost your brain

Need a study bo ost? Both M itche ll and An na swear by movement. “Even 10 or 20 m inutes of exercis e ca n completely ch ange how productive you ar e,” says An na. Shor t brea ks – a ru n, cycle, stretch or even a ha nd sta nd – ca n reset your brai n and improve productiv ity.

or third-year sport science student Mitchell, arriving at Notre Dame Uni marked a turning point. After withdrawing from two other universities, plus multiple knee surgeries and a period of drifting through work, he enrolled at Notre Dame determined to take his studies seriously – and immediately felt the difference. “There was always a wall at other unis,” Mitch says. “But at Notre Dame the lecturers are so open and welcoming.” This attitude, he says, is the same across the entire university: approachable staff, personalised feedback and opportunities that go far beyond the classroom. Mitch has already worked with the WA Cricket Association’s senior men’s and women’s cricket programs, delivered conditioning sessions, helped develop training protocols, and designed programs for umpires. Through involvement with the East Fremantle and Perth football clubs, Mitch has stepped into roles few undergrads experience – including acting Head of High Performance! “It was such a surreal experience,” Mitch says. “What you get taught does apply directly into the field.” Next, Mitch plans to progress into Honours. He’s excited to explore research and work alongside mentors who have shaped his confidence, skills and career direction.

Student Intern, WA Cricket

Head of Women’s High Performance, Perth Football Club

Anna Watts

Bachelor of Physiothe / Bachelor of Exercisrapy e Sport Science studen & t

Scien of Exercise + Sport therapy / Bachelorme Austr alia Bachelor of Physioive Da tre No of Un rsity

ce,

Mixing it up

or double-degree student Ann a, studying physiotherapy and sport science at Notre Dam e Uni began with a simple wish: to help people move better. Anna was initially interested in human biolog y, but decided to pursue physio ins tead after a personal experience with injury in Yea r 12. When she attended a Notre Dame open day, Ann a immediately felt comfor table. “I just found the environment so welcoming. They were all willing to talk to me and giv e me as much information as I needed,” she says. Anna say s the staff always have time for her questions. “It’s a ver y evidence-based and high-quality environment. I can’t praise them highly enough.” Work placements have reinfor ced Anna’s passion. Notre Dame’s program ensures phy sio students rotate across musculoskeletal, neuro and cardiorespirator y placement s, building a truly holistic skill set. Anna has completed rotatio ns in aged care, where she loved working closely with res idents, and in a rehabilitation hospital, where she learnt the realities of how multidisciplinar y teams ope rate.

Pick and mix ✔ BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE ✔ CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY ✔ EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE ✔ HEALTH SCIENCES ✔ OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Study health at Notre Dame

✔ PHYSIOTHERAPY

This article was produced in partnership with the University of Notre Dame Australia 5

HEALTH

Change lives. Choose a career in health.

Health education is in our DNA Improve Australia’s regional and rural communities and unlock limitless career opportunities with Charles Sturt.

Why health? As well as being a crucial part of our communities, healthcare is also one of Australia’s hottest job markets. The healthcare and social assistance sector is booming, with a whopping 301,000 new jobs expected in Australia by 2026*. So why not step up to fill healthcare heroes’ shoes, and be in demand too.

Why study health at Charles Sturt? At Charles Sturt, we've been leading the way in rural and regional health education for more than 40 years. And with a network of over 28,000 passionate Charles Sturt health graduates, you'll join a community making an impact across Australia – and around the globe. Study on campus or online, full-time or part-time. Get hands-on in cutting-edge facilities. Learn to master the latest tech and techniques in our state-of-the-art labs, clinics and simulation setups.

Check out our wide range of courses: • dentistry

• occupational therapy

• diagnostic radiography

• oral health

• exercise and sport science

• paramedicine

• food science and nutrition

• pharmacy

• health and medical science

• physiotherapy

• laboratory science (pathology)

• podiatric medicine

• medicine

• psychology

• nursing

• social work

Start small and build your degree

Want more info?

Check out our Undergraduate Certificate in Health Studies. You’ll trial studying health, get a speedy qualification and could gain entry (with credit) into selected bachelor degrees.

Get in touch with our friendly team. We’re ready to talk through your options.

Keen for an early start? Our Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program is for you. We check out your Year 11 results and soft skills, and if successful, you’ll score an offer before your exams!

1800 275 278 csu.edu.au/contacts

csu.edu.au/ med-health

HEALTH+CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

t c a p im l a e r , h t l a e Allied h re independent others lead fuller, mo y iversit to help Here’s what it’s like cupational therapy at Charles Sturt Un lives as you study oc

Bachelor of or Chloe Debono, a third-year student at Charles Occupational Therapy (OT) arie campus, studying Sturt University’s Por t Macqu live fuller, more OT is all about helping people independent lives. of theory and Chloe says the combination Sturt offers rles hands-on learning that Cha makes all the difference. al therapy – using “Our classes focus on practic and dressing aids. We hoists, wheelchairs, walkers simulate real-life Study even have actors in exams to es us for placement OCCUPATIONAL situations, which really prepar te,” she says. THERAPY and being a job-ready gradua Chloe was prescribing occupational ther One memorable moment for ap y and seeing her smile student a client a power wheelchair face. when she felt the sun on her health enough – it’s “I couldn’t recommend allied Sturt you’re suppor ted so rewarding, and at Charles every step of the way!” tage with early entry. Get the Charles Sturt Advan ry. – Karen Taylor-Brown Applications open in Februa cle was produced in

SUPPLIED / SHUTTERSTOCK

chloe debono

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Charles Sturt University

This arti les Sturt University partnership with Char

VET pathways to a healthy salary Check out these VET health pathways! You’ll earn while helping others feel their best

Enrolled nurse

Dental hygienist

that poor Smiles matter! Did you know to heart oral health has been linked Start with disease, stroke and diabetes? III in Dental a 6 to 12 month Certificate status, and Assisting, climb to hygienist You’ll go you could earn over $100K. r pay! hte brig from bright smiles to

Team player? As an enrolled nurse, you’ll monitor patients, give meds and keep daily care running smoothly as part of a healthcare team. To be an enrolled nurse, grab your Diploma of Nursing through a VET provider. With experience, you’ll have steady work and earn up to $82K.

Aged care worker

SHUTTERSTOCK

With our ageing population, Australia’s aged care sector is crying out for workers. One pathway is via a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disabi lity). From there, you can earn a salary of up to $95K. Australia’s elders need you! – Jasmine Fellows

HEALTH

HEALTH+VOLUNTEERING

Aussie opportunities So you’re keen to help out. Now what? Star t by emailing local universities, hospitals or labs with outreach programs that accept high school volunteers. Worst case scenario is they say no. And the best? You’re hired! (Well, maybe one day.) Pop these organisations on your work experience radar…

Give back, get ahead

od vibes – it’s a secret Volunteering isn’t just about go CV weapon to supercharging your

h d rewarding career in healt reaming of an exciting an get to FE TA or wait until uni science? You don’t have to y health-related work tar started! Seeking out volun doors ool is a great way to open while you’re still in high sch ks ure career. And yes, it loo and build skills for your fut – Cassie Steel amazing on your resume!

Australian Red Cross

If you’re under 18 you’re too young to dona te blood, but the charity’s Lifeblood program still encourages high school helpers to lend a hand during fundraiser drives.

Public hospitals

Keen to get real-world experience in a busy public health environment? Hospitals often rely on volunteers (including students) to take the load off staff. A big smile and a willingnes s to chat with patients are musts.

St John Ambulance (NSW)

The perks of putting your hand up On top of giving back, volunteering has some major career benefits: ✔ Getting hands-on experience in real healthcare settings

Cancer Council Australia

Voluntar y roles for students are generally in-demand in the lead up to events or fundraisers like Daffodil Day!

✔ Exploring different roles – everything from medicine to mental health

Headspace

SHUTTERSTOCK

✔ Building confidence and skills

There are loads of opportunities to help out at this national early inter vention mental heal th service. Follow them on socials too!

✔ Meeting mentors who can inspire your next steps

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Join as a youth or cadet volunteer and get hands-on with real first aid, helping at loca l events and learning the same lifesaving skills the professionals use.

HEALTH+TORRENS UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA

MIND, BLOWN!

good job With a Bachelor of Psychological Science you could be applying for jobs like:

helor Science meets compassion in a Bac s ren Tor at e enc of Psychological Sci

•C ommunity health officer • Youth worker •D isability support facilitator •H ealth policy advisor •H uman resources manager •H ealth information manager •R egistered psychologist (with further study)

SHUTTERSTOCK

think, feel and ascinated by how humans a health science act? Welcome to the life of rsity, a Bachelor student! At Torrens Unive can turn your curiosity of Psychological Science skilling you up to into a serious superpower, and become read people, solve problems a detective of the mind. thing from “Psychology covers every aviour,” says Torrens neuroscience to social beh er Day. “The most learning facilitator Jennif nts to bring is a spark important thing for stude and how brains work.” for understanding people in health, education, Opening doors to careers d community services, business, public policy an gree equips grads for the flexible, three-year de thways, with further a range of meaningful pa n on becoming study options for those kee ch psychologists. registered clinical or resear h Torrens has And the best part? Althoug lbourne, Brisbane and campuses in Sydney, Me Psychological Science Adelaide, their Bachelor of s you can log in is 100% online. That mean

Toolkit for life

wherever you (and your wi-fi) are.

Third degree

ople With over 50,000 pe y and log ho yc ps in d employe a – and ali str related fields in Au sin gly rea inc h alt he with menta l ity – it’s ior pr l na tio na a being ployment sa fe to say that em on the e ar ies nit opportu l up for psycholog ica s. ad gr science

At Torrens, online study is immersive, interactive and made with cutting-edge tec h. The uni’s award-winning extended reality (XR) learning tool lets students experienc e what’s happening inside the brain by (virtuall y) stepping inside it. “Our online courses use the digital space to our advantage rather than jus t trying to do traditional learning remote ly,” Jennifer says. “This means interactive ex periences that actually bring the conten t to life.” – Cassie Steel

This article was produced in partnership with Torrens University Australia 9

HEALTH

HEALTH+UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA

E V O M T X E N R U YO

ustry UNI with real-world ind me Da e tr No at s a difference ing ke do ma Learn by er that re ca a r fo u yo e ar placements that prep

een to understand the science of the human body, help people recover and thrive, or make a real difference in health and wellbeing? The University of Notre Dame Australia provides flexible study options to suit your goals. From online diplomas to bachelor’s degrees delivered in purpose-built facilities, check out what each study area offers below…

Study health at Notre Dame UNI

Exercise&sport science % online! Notre Dame offers a diploma that’s 100 Or, pick a bachelor’s degree to: • E xplore what makes athletes tick, from set. performance science to motivation and mind Uni’s • Put theory into practice in Notre Dame . modern exercise labs or spor t, • Open doors to careers in fitness, health cal clini or rapy or to further study in physiothe exercise physiolog y.

Biomedical science cells and • Dive into how the human body works, from genes, to organs and systems. arch tools. • Develop lab skills using diagnostic and rese medical • Build a strong foundation for a career in health. allied or icine research, biotechnology, med

Clinical exercise physiology

Health sciences • Understand what shapes the world of health, from anatomy and psychology, to management and leadership. • Gain real-world experience through placements and projects. • Set yourself up for a career in health policy, education, Indigenous health or allied health.

• Discover how exercise can prevent and manage diseases. • Learn to design safe, effective exercise programs for people. • Get practical experience through placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community settings. • Graduate career-ready as an accredited exercise physiologist.

Walk through the Human Performance Lab, Fremantle Campus, in this video

SHUTTERSTOCK

Occupational therapy

Physiotherapy

get back to everyday • Learn how to help people disability. tasks after injury, illness or psychological and • Understand the cognitive, are delivery. emotional aspects of healthc hospitals, disability • E xperience placements in s. and community health setting a registered as e ctis pra • Graduate ready to occupational therapist.

• Learn how to help people recover movement, strength and fun ction after injury, illness or disability. • Gain real-world experience through clinical placements in hospita ls, private practices and community hea lth settings. • Graduate ready to registe r and practise as a physiotherapist in Australia.

This article was produced in partnership with the University of

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Notre Dame AustRALIA

HEALTH+QUT

Send it to the lab

oskar schnaak

SUPPLIED

a blood test, ave you ever needed to get man and urine test or nose swab? Hu being able to test animal medicine relies on samples for diseases. ent laboratory tests and There are dozens of differ to understand these techniques that are used cialist with a knack for samples – all done by a spe solving puzzles. r of Medical Laboratory Oskar, studying a Bachelo how to become one of Science at QUT, is learning those specialists. e by the variety of He was drawn to the degre s. want to get bored,” he say subjects on offer: “I didn’t rt with a thorough Students in the course sta before looking at more grounding in basic science, biology, biochemistry specialised topics like micro and immunology. hands-on experience, QUT has a strong focus on by practical experience in and classes are backed up ce, Oskar is fascinated by labs each week. For instan blood. haematology, the study of e blood cancers, and “Maybe you learn about som and you actually look at then you come to the lab your own eyes,” he says. those blood cancers with

medical laboratory science student

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, QUT

Love the idea of lab work, and keen to work in health? You might want to study a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at QUT, like Oskar Schnaak

By their third year at QUT, students are able to apply their knowledge to start diagnosing diseases from lab samples, something Oskar finds extremely satisfying and rewarding. “It ties into the real world where you have to do this as part of your job,” he says. Oskar is about to start his fourth and final year of the degree, which involves placements at medical laboratories to get industry experience. If you graduate with this degree, you’ll already feel like a pro! With demand for skilled pathologists increasing, QUT’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science opens the door to a truly fulfilling career. – Ellen Phiddian

we learn tech that prepare us forniwques orking in the real world”

This article was produced in partnership with qut 11

HEALTH

HEALTH+NEXT STEPS

Find your dream job Job kits are minimagazines that help you understand where you can take your health career.

CAREERS

Get your healthy start We’ve got plenty of inspo to help you find your perfect health path

withSTEM JOB KIT ™

OCCUPATIONAL

THERAPIST Make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities by helping them participate in self-care, productivity and leisure

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withSTEM JOB KIT ™

EXERCISE SCIENTIST

Electives checklist ✔ Health and human development ✔ Biolog y ✔ Physical education ✔ Food studies ✔ Psychology

NEXT GEN CAREERS

JOB KIT

Improve the health, performance and participation of people, teams and athletes through exercise, training and advice

PODIATRIST Improve people’s lives by giving them a solid platform for health

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withSTEM JOB KIT

these From professional to funny, an you e giv ts Instagram accoun : lth hea of insight into the world

@ABChealth @doctor.preeya. alexander @nurse.johnn

Wellmania (Netflix) t centres An Aussie comedy-drama tha s around Liv, whose life change re that drastically after a health sca rney. throws her into a wellness jou x) Apple Cider Vinegar (Netfli sie Aus this , Based on true events ng you two drama is centred around ss llne we influencers who advocate for of es typ remedies that ‘cure’ different . ion cancer, misleading a whole nat tflix) House (Amazon Prime or Ne m of tea a ds Dr Gregory House lea entional onv unc diagnosticians in very , do not use Ho ways (note: think like Dr act like Dr House). n Prime) The Pitt (HBO MAX or Amazo llenges Check out these realistic cha in e fac rs rke that healthcare wo in ER l’s a modern-day hospita Pittsburgh, United States.

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NUTRITION SCIENTIST Your recipe for a career helping people connect diet and health

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NURSE

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Be rewarded for your compassion in this future-proof career

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