Pathways Into Allied Health: Nursing, Physio, Speech Pathology & More

What is Allied Health?

Allied health professionals are an essential part of the healthcare system. They’re the physios helping people walk again, the speech pathologists working with kids to communicate, and the nurses providing critical care. 

Unlike doctors and surgeons, allied health workers focus more on support, therapy, prevention and rehabilitation. Common allied health careers include:

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Speech pathology
• Occupational therapy
• Dietetics
• Radiography
• Paramedicine
• Podiatry

If you enjoy science, working with people and want a career that makes a difference, one of these paths might be right for you.

Entry Pathways into Allied Health Courses

1. ATAR-Based Entry

For most students, the direct route into allied health is through the ATAR-based university offer after Year 12. Many Australian universities offer bachelor degrees in each major allied health field.

Here’s a rough guide to ATAR cut-offs across major universities in Australia:

2. Alternative Pathways if Your ATAR Falls Short

Didn’t get the ATAR you wanted? That’s okay. Universities and TAFEs offer several alternative pathways such as:

• Diplomas (e.g. Diploma of Health Science)
• University preparation or foundation programs
• TAFE-to-university articulation programs
• Transferring into a course after starting another degree (such as Health Science)

You might also be eligible for early entry programs or adjustment factors based on your location or subjects. Check out this article on early entry and scholarships into your dream uni.

Subjects You Should Take in High School

If you're aiming for an allied health course, your Year 11 and 12 subject choices matter. Some degrees have prerequisites, while others will give bonus points for related subjects. 

Subjects to consider:

• Biology – strongly recommended for all health-related degrees
• Chemistry – often a prerequisite for physiotherapy, OT and speech pathology
• Mathematics – at least Standard 2 in HSC or equivalent is typically required
• English – usually compulsory
• PDHPE/Health – useful background, particularly for nursing and physio

📘 Here’s a full guide to picking the best HSC subjects for you!

What Do Allied Health Professionals Actually Do?

Let’s look at a few examples:

• Nurses provide daily care to patients in hospitals and clinics, manage medications and assist in emergency procedures.
• Physiotherapists use exercise and movement to help people recover from injury, surgery or disability.
• Speech Pathologists help individuals improve their communication, language or swallowing abilities.
• Occupational Therapists support people in regaining their ability to perform daily activities after injury or illness.
• Paramedics are first responders, delivering emergency care before a patient reaches the hospital.

Not sure which one’s right for you? You can chat with a KIS Academics tutor currently studying these degrees to get a real-world perspective.

Employment Outlook

Allied health jobs are in demand across Australia. Here’s why this sector is growing:

• An ageing population means more people need care.
• The rollout of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) has created demand for therapists and support workers.
• Chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes and obesity are increasing, leading to a need for long-term rehab and care.

These roles often offer job stability, flexible working hours and the chance to work in both public and private settings.

Final Thoughts

There is no single path into an allied health career. Whether you go the traditional ATAR route or take a detour through TAFE or a foundation program, what matters most is your passion for health and helping others.

If you need help figuring out the right subjects, applying for early entry, or getting tutoring in key science subjects, the team at KIS Academics is here to support you.

Your healthcare journey starts with a single step. Let’s make it a confident one. 

FAQs

What if I didn’t take chemistry or advanced maths in high school?

You may still be able to enter some allied health courses, particularly nursing and paramedicine. For some universities, these subjects may be considered “assumed knowledge”, which means you may be at a disadvantage without prior knowledge on these subjects from high school, but you would still be able to enter such courses. For others with chemistry or advanced maths as prerequisite subjects, you may need to complete a bridging course or start in a general degree first. 

Are there job opportunities for allied health graduates in rural or regional areas?

Yes. In fact, rural and remote areas in Australia often face shortages of allied health professionals. Many universities and government programs offer incentives, scholarships or placement bonuses for students who are willing to work in these areas after graduation. It’s a great way to gain experience and make a real impact where it’s most needed.

📘 Here’s a list of government support/scholarships for healthcare students seeking employment in rural, regional and remote NSW.

What if I don’t know which specific allied health program to study?

This is a common question most students face. One solution is for you to start with a Bachelor of Health Science or Bachelor of Science, then apply to transfer to a more competitive course like physio, speech pathology or OT after your first year. Entry is usually based on your GPA/WAM and space availability.

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for VCE English and Chemistry, Janice Mak. Janice is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law/Commerce at UNSW and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Janice’s profile here and request her as a tutor.