Meet four grads who have found their calling in allied health
Considering a career in healthcare but worried about the super-high ATAR required for medicine? Or maybe you’re not sure what you want to do? Keep reading! With a qualification in allied health you could have just as much impact on improving people’s lives as a doctor or nurse. Regardless of whether you work in a hospital or a private practice, your skills will always be in high demand.
We caught up with four people following this pathway with courses from Edith Cowan University (ECU), a specialist in allied health education.
#1 Hayley Millen, medical imaging student
Hayley came to learn about sonography in probably the worst way – as a patient needing regular scans! But when an ultrasound led to her dad being diagnosed with a condition that needed emergency surgery, Hayley decided this was the career path for her.
“They saved my father’s life and so I said: ‘I’m going to do this’.”
Now underway with a Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science at ECU, Hayley has access to an industry-leading sonography lab in Western Australia. And she has already done a work placement where she sat alongside a sonographer.
“You see the full range of what they actually do. Many people think ultrasound is all about babies, but it might be scanning open wounds of people with muscle issues.”
Hayley says the course has also allowed her to study at home when required. And she’s committed to seeing her studies through so she can become a sonographer. “All the unit coordinators are really helpful, they’re very open, give you good feedback and are very supportive.
“When I finish my bachelor’s I’m planning to take an extra year to complete a grad dip to be accredited with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry and become a fully qualified medical sonographer,” she says.
What I love about allied health: “Almost anyone can consider a career in it and there are so many pathways to get there.”
Hayley’s study and career pathway
- Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science, ECU
#2 Jordan Heath, exercise physiologist
Jordan wasn’t initially sure what he wanted to study at uni, so he applied for a few different options. That move worked out for Jordan, who now loves his career as an exercise physiologist.
“I knew that I enjoyed sport, particularly football, and at the time ECU was running an AFL-based exercise science degree specialising in player analytics and performance,” Jordan says.
Once at ECU, Jordan found he loved the hands-on element of exercise physiology, which allowed him to work with a wide range of people – from elite athletes to people in aged care.
Jordan initially wanted a career that paid well, but now he also stresses the importance of doing what you love. “The money will come so long as you do well at what you do, and to do well at it you have to love it.”
What I love about allied health: “No one day is the same, there’s such a range of things to do.”
Jordan’s study and career pathway
- Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation), ECU
- Occupational health technician, Kinnect
- Exercise physiologist, Exercise for Life
#3 Sophie Peters, occupational therapist
At school, Sophie knew she wanted a career helping people, but she wasn’t sure exactly how to do it.
“I started studying nursing but quickly realised it wasn’t for me after a practical placement,” she says. At the time, Sophie had a few friends studying occupational therapy (OT). She thought it sounded practical and varied, so she made the switch at ECU and hasn’t looked back since.
“I was out on placement from first semester, first year and this hands-on training is so beneficial to your development and experience as an OT,” Sophie says.
Now, as a senior OT in the burns unit at the Perth Children’s Hospital, Sophie gets to help people every day. “We work with children who’ve been admitted to hospital and children who require care in the burns clinic,” Sophie says.
What I love about allied health: “Working with an incredible team of people who all have a common goal of wanting the best outcomes for our patients.”
Sophie’s study and career pathway
- Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), ECU
- Occupational therapist, Therapy Focus
- Occupational therapist, Perth Children’s Hospital
#4 Shayna Bauer, exercise physiologist
Unsure of what to do when she finished school, Shayna discovered exercise physiology at an ECU Open Day.
“As a kid I remembered seeing people doing rehab on TV and so I’d always been interested in it,” Shayna says. “I liked the idea of helping people and seeing both their physical and mental wellbeing improve over time.”
Now, Shayna gets paid to help people as an accredited exercise physiologist working with clients of the National Disability Insurance Scheme – a job that involves lots of travel. “I drive to houses, gyms, pools, wherever they want to meet me, and then spend about an hour with each participant a day,” Shayna says.
“Showing up every day is really important so the participant knows someone is going to be there to help them.”
What I love about allied health: “You’re there to help and be a part of their life, not just jump in with a quick fix like a doctor might.”
Shayna’s study and career pathway
- Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation), ECU
- Clinical exercise physiologist, Exofit Training Systems
- Practicing exercise physiologist, Better Rehab
This article was originally published in Careers with STEM: Health 2025, and was produced in partnership with Edith Cowan University.
RELATED:
