In This Article
- AI in healthcare: the emergence of new technology
- Is there a need for AI in healthcare?
- The impact of AI in client and patient-centred care
- 14 jobs in healthcare that AI won’t replace
- Resources for health professionals integrating AI into their practice
- Future-proof your healthcare career with online postgraduate study
- Secure your healthcare career in a patient-centred profession
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries across the globe and healthcare is no exception. From diagnostic tools to administrative tasks, healthcare AI is streamlining processes, supporting practitioners and offering groundbreaking solutions to complex medical problems.
However, as AI continues to evolve, many health professionals may wonder if their roles will become impacted or obsolete. To address this concern, we explore whether AI can replace the human touch that defines healthcare professions and the role of humans in patient-centred care. While AI has proven its value in many areas, there are aspects of healthcare that require an empathetic and human-centred approach to be effective.
This article explores the rise of AI in healthcare, its benefits and limitations and 14 healthcare roles that AI can't replace.
AI in healthcare: the emergence of new technology
The advent of AI has helped revolutionise patient care in recent years. The earliest introduction of AI in healthcare can be traced back to the 1960s with the development of two systems, one for supporting clinical diagnosis and the other for assisting in antibiotic prescription. Further advancements continued throughout the 1980s with the emergence of more diagnostic tools, which later served as clinical information banks used as medical data references.
The modern era of AI began in the 2000s and demonstrated AI's potential in analysing complex medical and health data. AI applications have since expanded, with the pandemic further accelerating AI's integration into telemedicine and chatbots, enhancing patient accessibility and health education.
Here are a few examples of how healthcare AI is currently being applied in medicine and various health sectors:
- Predictive analytics: AI can analyse large datasets to predict outbreaks, patient outcomes or treatment efficacy. This is particularly useful in public health initiatives aiming to track communicable disease spread.
- Surgical assistance: Robotics powered by AI assist surgeons by offering precision, reducing recovery times and minimising the risk of human error.
- Natural language processing: AI-powered algorithms assist in processing and analysing large amounts of clinical notes and patient data, helping healthcare professionals make more informed decisions regarding appropriate interventions.
- Wearable devices: The rise of wearable devices is among several health trends involving AI technology. AI can analyse real-time patient data from devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. This information can help doctors monitor patients' health remotely, identify potential issues and develop targeted treatments accordingly.
- Mental health support: AI-powered chatbots and apps are being used to provide mental health support to patients, offering resources and guidance for managing conditions like anxiety and depression.
- Administrative workflow automation: AI helps healthcare professionals with administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing and note-taking, freeing up more time for patient care.
The widespread adoption of these technologies highlights how AI plays an important role in supporting healthcare professionals.
Is there a need for AI in healthcare?
AI in healthcare offers many benefits and faces several challenges for practitioners, patients and the healthcare industry holistically. Balancing the challenges with the benefits of AI is crucial for its responsible implementation in healthcare.
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- Benefits of AI in healthcare
- Addresses skilled healthcare shortages among primary care and allied health professions
- Streamlines work processes and improves diagnostic accuracy for practitioners
- Reduces running costs by automating repetitive tasks in hospitals and healthcare centres
- Allows for greater financial opportunities to train staff or acquire medical equipment
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- Challenges of AI in healthcare
- AI tools cannot replicate empathy or build trust with patients and clients
- Data and privacy concerns related to health information storage and processing
- Need for ongoing regulation and guidelines for responsible AI uses in healthcare
- Economic impacts on job security as AI replaces administrative roles in various healthcare sectors
The impact of AI in client and patient-centred care
At its core, healthcare is about people helping people. It’s about understanding emotions, responding to fears and providing empathetic care in difficult times, which are inherent humanistic traits.
Healthcare providers have a distinct advantage in providing patient-centred care and are integral to the success of patient outcomes. They offer connection on a human level to provide reassurance and emotional support. They also rely on ethical judgement and reasoning to navigate complex situations that require care and sensitivity. Moreover, they deliver personalised interactions by adapting language, cultural understanding and responsiveness to meet each patient’s specific needs, ensuring a compassionate and quality approach to care.
This is why some healthcare jobs will always require humans and cannot be replaced by AI.
14 jobs in healthcare that AI won’t replace
1. General practitioner
What does being a general practitioner entail?
General practitioners (GPs) play a central role in healthcare and are often the first port of call where they provide medical care to patients. They diagnose and manage various health conditions, offering preventive care and developing treatment plans. GPs perform physical examinations, request diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and refer their patients to specialists and other health providers for well-rounded patient care. They cater to a wide range of patients, from children to older patients and can address acute and chronic or complex health conditions. GPs can work in private practice, community health centres and some may conduct home visits to patients. Many GPs operate their own practices, while others work as part of a broader medical and general practitioner team in larger healthcare facilities. This profession is also in the top three highest-paying healthcare jobs in 2025.
Why AI can’t replace general practitioners
The work of a general practitioner involves fostering long-term relationships with patients, providing medical care over many years and supporting patient health throughout various stages of life. GPs must be able to assess symptoms within the broader context of a patient's lifestyle, environment, health history, cultural background and emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, general practitioners are adept at making ethical and complex clinical decisions that require a human touch, such as delivering sensitive diagnoses or deciding on appropriate treatment based on a patient’s circumstances. The critical analysis skills combined with the relational aspects of a GP’s work across a patient’s lifespan make them irreplaceable by AI technology.
Average general practitioner salary: $225,000 per year
2. Paediatrician
What does being a paediatrician entail?
Paediatricians are doctors specialising in diagnosing, treating and managing physical, mental and behavioural diseases and disorders in children, from infancy to adolescence. Paediatricians carry out clinical assessments to determine the nature and extent of their health issues. These may include physical examinations, pathology tests and diagnostic procedures to help make accurate diagnoses and determine appropriate treatments. They can prescribe and administer medications and recommend other therapeutic treatments or procedures. Paediatricians can refer to other specialists, general practitioners or healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
Why AI can’t replace paediatricians
Paediatricians need to ensure that young patients can understand health conditions in simple terms appropriate to their age group and answer questions to reassure them if needed. A paediatrician’s job requires a deep understanding of the complexities of child development, as every child is unique in how they express symptoms, respond to treatments and grow over their younger years. This becomes particularly important when considering the health and developmental differences between a newborn, a growing child and a teenager.
For example, newborn babies cannot communicate verbally, so paediatricians must rely on their clinical and observational skills to effectively assess and monitor cues to identify health concerns. In contrast, school-aged children can communicate but may struggle to articulate symptoms clearly. Paediatricians need to ask the right questions, be patient, use appropriate body language and take a child-friendly approach to the care they provide. Adolescence is also a time of rapid physical, emotional and social change. Paediatricians need to be able to engage teenagers directly and facilitate open conversations about issues surrounding their health or lifestyle that may be impacting their wellbeing. Lastly, paediatricians need to be able to include parents and caregivers, providing clear communication and support as they work together to help younger patients. These qualities collectively enable paediatricians to deliver personalised, patient-centred care, which are important elements that AI can't replace.
Average paediatrician salary: $210,000 per year
3. Paramedic
What does being a paramedic entail?
A paramedic is a highly trained healthcare professional who provides rapid emergency medical care to individuals in urgent and often life-threatening situations. Their primary role is stabilising patients, delivering critical pre-hospital care and transporting them to appropriate medical facilities. Paramedics, also known as ambulance officers, are skilled in a wide range of procedures, from administering medications to treating injuries and managing respiratory or cardiac emergencies. They often work within a team, responding to emergencies in ambulances, helicopters and other specialised vehicles. Paramedics treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. They provide emergency care at the scene of car accidents or catastrophic events like natural disasters. Their work environment is fast-paced and unpredictable, ranging from residential homes to crowded public areas or remote locations.
Why AI can’t replace paramedics
AI cannot replace the role of a paramedic due to the intense, imminent nature of their work and the need for quick, critical decision-making in stressful environments. Paramedics often encounter highly unique and unpredictable scenarios that require an exceptional ability to assess situations, triage care and think on their feet. These skilled professionals combine and apply their clinical expertise, instinctive problem-solving skills and adaptability under pressure. The ability to reassess changing conditions, comfort distressed patients and communicate effectively with families or other medical professionals are equally human-centric components of the job. Paramedics deliver life-saving care to people in situations when every second counts, making them invaluable in emergency care.
Average paramedic salary: $165,000 per year
4. Nurse practitioner
What does being a nurse practitioner entail?
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialised care to patients of varying demographics. They have a broad scope of practice similar to doctors, which means they can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, provide patient education and provide expert nursing care to manage chronic conditions. Nurse practitioners can work in hospitals and private practices, aged care, palliative care, mental health facilities and in various primary healthcare settings.
Why AI can’t replace nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and patient-centred care to their practice. While technology can assist with tasks such as data analysis and electronic record keeping, it cannot replace the human connection, empathy and advanced nursing skills that nurse practitioners provide for their patients. Their advanced knowledge and extended scope of practice allow nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive and nuanced care to patients with complex health needs. They can also adapt to varying work environments, such as in remote area nursing where nurse practitioners are in high demand. Rural and remote areas require nurses with additional skills and expertise who can collaborate with teams, use their available resources and work independently to support isolated communities. The adaptability, experience and advanced care nurse practitioners provide make them irreplaceable by AI.
Average nurse practitioner salary: $140,000 per year
Advance your nursing skills toward a career as a nurse practitioner with the Master of Nursing (Leadership) at Victoria University Online. This course provides nurses with important in-demand skills that are essential to progress to senior nurse leadership and management positions.
5. Sonographer
What does being a sonographer entail?
Sonographers are trained healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology to produce images of the body's external and internal structures. These images support doctors and medical specialists’ ability to diagnose and monitor different health conditions.
Sonographers may assist in monitoring pregnancies and foetal development. They may also help detect conditions such as heart disease, vascular disorders, certain cancers and musculoskeletal injuries. Their role may also encompass performing internal pelvic ultrasounds to detect fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis in women. They play an important role in positioning the patient, explaining the ultrasound process and offering support to ensure patients remain comfortable, particularly during invasive imaging. Sonography is one of the many healthcare jobs that offers good work-life balance and can provide work in diverse medical settings. These may include hospitals, diagnostic imaging centres, outpatient clinics, private practices and specialty facilities like obstetric or cardiovascular clinics.
Why AI can’t replace sonographers
Sonographers use their specialised skills and hands-on experience to make crucial decisions during imaging, taking into account complex presentations within the holistic context of the patient. For example, they may need to spend more time in a specific region, ensuring they capture a clear image of a particular body part to facilitate appropriate diagnosis. They often adjust techniques to accommodate a patient's unique anatomy, medical history or limitations, which AI cannot navigate effectively.
Moreover, the role of a sonographer extends beyond taking images accurately. They are often the initial health providers patients see who help determine a potentially life-changing health concern. This means they play a vital role in providing empathy and sensitivity, especially when working with patients who are nervous, in pain or about to undergo invasive diagnostic examinations. Sonographers need to adapt their approach to each individual, ensuring patients feel understood and cared for during what can be a stressful experience. Whether it's a mother seeing their baby for the first time during a prenatal scan or a patient undergoing an investigation for a serious condition, sonographers play a vital role in offering reassurance as well as delivering technically proficient imaging.
Average sonographer salary: $125,000 per year
To get a start in this rewarding career, consider enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies at the University of Canberra Online. This course delivers the necessary skills to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Medical Ultrasound and is the first step on your study journey toward becoming a sonographer.
6. Psychologist
What does being a psychologist entail?
Psychologists evaluate the many factors influencing human behaviour, including biological, social, emotional and cognitive processes. They apply a range of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis and mindfulness techniques to help individuals manage and overcome mental health challenges. They can diagnose and manage a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and trauma. Depending on their skill set and niche, psychologists can work in private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, government services and non-government agencies.
Why AI can’t replace psychologists
The empathetic connection between a psychologist and their client is at the heart of effective mental health care, which is something that no algorithm or technology can replicate. Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language and tone of voice play a crucial role in building this relationship. Through active listening and mirroring, a psychologist can create a safe and supportive space for the client, fostering trust and understanding. The quality of the client-psychologist relationship is also a key predictor of positive outcomes in psychology. This important connection underscores the value of human interaction in mental health care.
Average psychologist salary: $105,000 per year
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology at James Cook University Online equips you with critical skills to work in the psychology field and other human-centred professions, such as teaching and human resources. It also provides a pathway to the APAC-accredited Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), advancing you toward a career as a registered psychologist.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
7. Counsellor
What does being a counsellor entail?
Counsellors support individuals facing emotional, mental or lifestyle challenges. Their key responsibilities include helping people develop coping strategies, providing a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and guiding clients toward positive solutions. Counsellors often employ techniques like active listening, goal setting and evidence-based counselling practices tailored to a client’s unique needs. They work with a diverse range of clients, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief and trauma. Many counsellors work in private practices, schools, universities, hospitals and community centres. Others provide services in specialised roles, such as career counselling, addiction rehabilitation, family therapy or crisis intervention. The diversity of the counselling profession ensures that services support different populations, catering to the specific challenges that individuals or groups face.
Why AI can’t replace counsellors
Empathy is the cornerstone of the counsellor-client connection, which may enable these professionals to genuinely understand the client’s feelings and experiences without judgement. This emotional attunement helps the client feel heard and validated and encourages openness and honesty, which are essential for meaningful therapeutic progress. Like psychology, the client-therapist relationship within counselling becomes a therapeutic tool, as the bond established serves as a model for healthy relationships and a foundation for recovery. Moreover, the ethical responsibility and discernment required by counsellors to handle sensitive issues with confidentiality and care make this profession uniquely human.
Average counsellor salary: $100,000 per year
Pursue a career in counselling by enrolling in the Graduate Certificate of Counselling at Edith Cowan University Online and gain the critical skills needed to provide counselling services in the digital world. You’ll learn how to support people using a person-centred approach to healing and applying counselling techniques across various modalities.
8. Social worker
What does being a social worker entail?
Social workers support individuals, families and vulnerable community members to enhance their welfare and cope with a range of social challenges. Social workers help individuals facing personal difficulties, mental health struggles, family violence or other health-related issues. They play a crucial role in assisting clients to regain stability by developing and coordinating resources to address their needs. This often involves connecting clients with financial assistance, legal aid or other essential resources. Their work spans a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, government organisations and private practices. Social workers can adopt professional titles that reflect their areas of expertise or the specific groups they serve.
Why AI can’t replace social workers
Navigating complex situations and providing practical support requires emotional intelligence, human warmth and a deep sense of empathy. Social workers are often involved in delicate situations that require being present in the moment with clients during difficult times. These scenarios may include supporting individuals through grief and trauma, assisting vulnerable children or helping clients navigate challenges like finding secure housing or obtaining financial instability. These responsibilities require adaptability, resilience and a profound understanding of diverse human experiences and emotions. Building trust, providing guidance and fostering hope in such challenging situations is at the core of what social workers do daily.
Average social worker salary: $95,000 per year
If a career as a social worker sounds like your next move, consider the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at the University of Canberra Online. This Australian Association of Social Work (AASW)-accredited course also includes two field education placement units to consolidate your skills.
9. Midwife
What does being a midwife entail?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who cares for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery. Their role includes monitoring the health and wellbeing of both mothers and babies, providing prenatal education, assisting during labour and delivery and offering postpartum support to both the new mother and child. Midwives may work with women experiencing normal, low-risk pregnancies as well as those requiring specialised care, often in collaboration with obstetricians. Depending on individual preferences and medical needs, they can deliver care in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centres and patients' homes. Midwives promote natural birthing practices when safe, empowering women to make informed decisions about their care while also being trained to handle complications and emergencies.
Why AI can’t replace midwives
The role of a midwife cannot be replaced by AI as it inherently relies on human qualities like compassion, intuition as well as practical and emotional support. Midwives guide women through one of the most vulnerable and life-changing experiences, providing reassurance, encouragement and a calming presence. Each childbirth is unique and often unpredictable, requiring midwives to adapt swiftly, interpret physical and emotional cues and make quick decisions to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Besides the clinical aspects, midwives foster a bond with their patients, building trust and offering personalised care that resonates on a human level. Empathy and nurturance are essential to supporting women through such an intimate and defining moment in their lives, making midwives invaluable professionals in the healthcare system.
Average midwife salary: $95,000 per year
The University of Technology Sydney Online’s Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health helps midwives develop the skills to pursue senior and specialised roles in this rewarding healthcare field. Midwifery-relevant subject areas include Contemporary Women’s Health Issues and Global Perspectives in Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health.
This postgraduate course is a pathway to further study toward the Master of Women’s and Children’s Health which encompasses broader women’s health topics as well as contemporary approaches to digital health.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
10. Chiropractor
What does being a chiropractor entail?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who can assess and treat neuromuscular and skeletal issues, often focusing on the spine and peripheral joints. Manual techniques such as spinal adjustments aim to reduce pain, improve mobility and support overall wellness. Chiropractors help patients manage conditions such as back pain, joint discomfort, headaches and sports injuries. They also assist people recovering from accidents or managing chronic conditions like disc degeneration or arthritis. They may provide lifestyle advice and exercise to improve overall wellbeing and function. Their goal is to treat symptoms and address the root cause of physical imbalances, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal. Chiropractors work in various settings, including private clinics, wellness centres and sports facilities. They can also collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each individual.
Why AI can’t replace chiropractors
Chiropractic care involves specialised manual adjustments requiring a skilled professional to assess the patient’s posture, mobility and musculoskeletal health. Manual adjustments take years of training and experience to master and are not something AI can replicate. A chiropractor uses their expertise to identify subtle musculoskeletal issues and deliver care based on a patient’s feedback and responsiveness to intervention. This role is heavily patient-centred and chiropractors build relationships grounded in trust, empathy and communication. The human connection and adaptability needed in chiropractic care make it a role that remains uniquely human.
Average chiropractor salary: $95,000 per year
11. Occupational therapist
What does being an occupational therapist entail?
An occupational therapist (OT) helps people of all ages regain independence and improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. They work with individuals who face physical, emotional, developmental or cognitive challenges due to illness, injury or disability. Their role involves assessing each person's unique needs, setting realistic goals and developing tailored interventions to improve skills like dressing, eating, working or socialising. OTs treat a wide range of patients, including those recovering from strokes, children with developmental delays, adults experiencing mental health issues or seniors managing age-related limitations. They often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, nursing homes, workplaces and clients’ homes, providing compassionate, hands-on support.
Why AI can’t replace occupational therapists
Occupational therapy is a personalised and patient-centred role that requires communication, critical thinking, empathy and assessment skills to help an individual’s capabilities and recovery progress. OTs consider physical rehabilitation and emotional and social factors that impact a person’s daily living or work situation. More importantly, regaining independence involves creating an environment of trust and support, something that human connection offers. The ability to interpret subtle cues, adjust therapeutic approaches in the moment and encourage patient motivation in the recovery process are critical components of why occupational therapy is one of many healthcare jobs that AI can't replace.
Average occupational therapist salary: $93,000 per year
12. Registered nurse
What does being a registered nurse entail?
Registered nurses (RNs) are an essential facet of the healthcare system, providing nursing care to various populations and across different healthcare settings. They help assess and monitor patients' health, ensuring they receive the necessary care to support their wellbeing. RNs can care for patients with acute or chronic illnesses, injuries, disabilities or mental health conditions. They can administer medications and work collaboratively with doctors, specialists and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care.
RNs can work in hospitals, aged care facilities, private practices and community health centres. Depending on their area of interest, registered nurses can also pursue further postgraduate studies and specialise in different roles. Examples include critical care nurses, aged care nurses, palliative care nurses, mental health nurses, school nurses, nurse educators and scrub nurses.
Why AI can’t replace registered nurses
Registered nurses are often a patient’s first point of contact in certain healthcare settings, such as emergency care, playing a vital role in providing patient-centred care, comfort and critical decision-making under pressure. Their ability to assess situations quickly and act decisively can make all the difference in a patient’s outcome, especially in high-stress or emergency scenarios. Beyond their immediate responsibilities, nurses are also integral to the continuity of patient care, serving as the consistent thread in a patient’s journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. They foster strong, trusting relationships with patients, offering medical expertise and emotional support, making the connection between nurse and patient one of the most human and essential elements of healthcare.
Average registered nurse salary: $90,000 per year
Victoria University Online’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership gives registered nurses important skills to help transform patient care through technology while building leadership skills to drive digital health innovations. You’ll cultivate digital literacy skills and gain the tools to adapt to and thrive in a technology-driven healthcare environment.
13. Exercise physiologist
What does being an exercise physiologist entail?
An exercise physiologist designs and implements exercise programs tailored to improve individuals’ physical health and mobility. They can help prevent and manage acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries to promote better function and quality of life. They can conduct detailed physical assessments to evaluate strength, endurance, flexibility and mobility. Exercise physiologists also treat individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. They can work in private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practices, fitness facilities or community health centres, collaborating with other health professionals to provide holistic care.
Why AI can’t replace exercise physiologists
This role involves a comprehensive understanding of human movement, detailed assessments and an adaptive approach to meet the specific needs of each individual. Exercise physiologists use their unique expertise and motivational skills to support patients’ needs. For instance, tailoring an exercise program for someone recovering from a knee replacement involves analysing their physical abilities and offering encouragement. Exercise physiologists need to adjust prescribed exercises based on functional capacity and pain levels and monitor their patient’s form to prevent re-injury.
Exercise physiologists educate patients on lifestyle changes and proper at-home exercise techniques, equipping them with tools for long-term physical health. The ability to build trust, communicate effectively and adapt to individual needs affirm the role of exercise physiologists in patient-centred care.
Average exercise physiologist salary: $85,000 per year
14. Remedial massage therapist
What does being a remedial massage therapist entail?
Remedial massage therapists are qualified professionals who use a range of manual therapy techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries. They can conduct clinical physical assessments and refer to other primary care and allied health professionals. They may work with clients with chronic physical conditions or injuries and those seeking preventive care. Remedial massage therapists can work in private practice, health clinics, beauty spas, sports centres and alongside other health professionals in multimodality settings.
Why AI can’t replace remedial massage therapists
This profession is primarily a hands-on job requiring a therapist to deliver massage techniques to clients. It relies on the human ability to interpret subtle physical and non-verbal cues, such as muscle tension within the client or their experience of pain or discomfort. This can vary from each person and a skilled remedial massage therapist adjusts their techniques in real-time, applying the right amount of pressure and targeting specific problem areas based on their client’s immediate feedback and unique needs. The calming presence of a therapist and the healing power of touch help reduce stress, promote relaxation and instil a sense of overall wellbeing. Humans are an essential part of the therapeutic process involved in remedial massage therapy.
Average remedial massage therapist salary: $73,000 per year
Resources for health professionals integrating AI into their practice
For health providers looking to integrate AI into their practice, there is a wealth of helpful resources available for guidance. These resources can include continuing professional development (CPD) courses, webinars and informational material offered through universities, training institutions, governing bodies and professional associations relevant to each healthcare field.
Many online courses that explore AI's role in healthcare cover key topics such as AI tools for assessment and diagnosis, note-taking applications and AI-driven therapeutic tools like chatbots. They also address ethical considerations, data security, future challenges, societal implications and the evolving role of AI in different healthcare settings.
For registered health professionals, the National Boards under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) provide advice on AI use, outline codes of conduct and ensure practitioners continue to meet their professional obligations while integrating AI into their practice.
Future-proof your healthcare career with online postgraduate study
Healthcare AI represents an exciting leap forward for professionals in this industry. AI can support diagnostic accuracy and automate tasks that free up practitioners’ time for what really matters - providing patient-centred care. The role of humans in healthcare remains irreplaceable and jobs that require empathy, ethical thinking and a human touch are in current and future demand.
Pursuing postgraduate study can provide you with the advanced knowledge needed to adapt to stay ahead and remain relevant as the healthcare industry increasingly incorporates AI technology.
Discover several postgraduate courses in different healthcare fields that help you upskill your digital literacy and AI technology expertise so you can continue to provide quality patient care.
Public health, research and management
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online are two courses designed for professionals looking to upskill their digital health literacy in the public health and research fields.
The Graduate Certificate in Public Health focuses on focusing on social, cultural and ethical health perspectives to drive better societal outcomes. The Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics provides students with skills to evaluate and apply health research and data to improve healthcare outcomes in various settings. Both courses include a unit on Contemporary Approaches to Digital Health which supports digital healthcare delivery.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
The Master of Health Services Management from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online is designed for health professionals seeking to advance their skills to lead transformative changes in health and social care. This course has a Digital Health Analytics major with subjects relevant to digital healthcare including Contemporary Approaches to Digital Health, Systems and Service Innovation, Fundamentals of Health Information Management and Fundamentals of Epidemiology.
The Master of Health Services Management Majoring in Quality and Safety from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online is for health professionals aiming to lead improvements in healthcare quality and safety. This course has a Digital Health sub-major with units including, Contemporary Approaches to Digital Health and Fundamentals of Health Information Management that focus on digital innovation in healthcare systems.
Nursing
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership from Victoria University (VU) Online is designed for registered nurses aiming to lead innovation in digital health and improve patient outcomes. Core units such as Nursing Informatics Leadership and Nursing Informatics focus on bridging technology and patient care through advanced informatics systems and practices.
The Master of Nursing (Leadership) from Victoria University (VU) Online is tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance into leadership roles within healthcare. The course also includes a Nursing Informatics unit, which focuses on leveraging digital healthcare technologies to enhance patient care and informatics leadership.
The Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) from Victoria University (VU) Online is ideal for registered nurses seeking to enhance their skills to provide specialised care for older individuals and people with chronic conditions. The course includes the unit Nursing Informatics, which focuses on applying digital healthcare technologies to improve patient care and informatics leadership.
Counselling
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling from Edith Cowan University (ECU) Online is an ACA-accredited postgraduate program designed for professionals in fields like social work, psychology and allied health who want to expand their counselling skills. The course includes subject material covering counselling in a digital world, equipping students to adapt counselling techniques for digital delivery and support across various modalities.
The Master of Counselling from Edith Cowan University (ECU) Online is an ACA-accredited master’s degree with a practical work placement component for professionals in relevant health fields looking to attain advanced their counselling expertise or move into a counselling career. This course includes the unit Counselling in a Digital World, which focuses on providing counselling techniques in the digital mental health care landscape.
Primary health and allied healthcare
The Master of Women's and Children's Health from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online is designed for midwives, nurses and allied health professionals interested in advancing their knowledge of women’s and children’s health to lead and innovate in this healthcare field. This course includes a Health Research major with a unit on Contemporary Approaches to Digital Health, which explores the integration of digital technologies in healthcare to improve outcomes and service delivery for women and children.
Secure your healthcare career in a patient-centred profession
GlobalHealth Education’s university partners have diverse courses in various healthcare sectors. Discover courses in social work, public health, counselling, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health. Plus, each course is delivered online, giving you more flexibility to take on study around your work and personal life.
Explore the range of postgraduate health courses from our university partners, choose one that suits your career goals and speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor for further guidance on the enrolment process. They’re ready to answer questions about postgraduate study, eligibility criteria and how to advance your career in healthcare.
