10 careers in preventative health: explore roles that help build a healthier future

Preventative health careers allow healthcare professionals to make a meaningful impact on an individual and broad scale. Australian Government data shows that almost half of Australians have one or more chronic diseases that could be prevented, which means career opportunities to make a difference are robust.

If you're looking for a rewarding career path with a focus on disease prevention, health education and improving the overall wellbeing of Australians, a role in preventative health could be ideal for you.

This article explores 10 careers in preventative health and how each role promotes a healthier future for individuals, communities and Australian society. We also cover the current preventative health initiatives that are a priority in Australia and how postgraduate study can equip you for a role in preventative health.

10 preventative healthcare careers to pursue

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Preventative health is a diverse field, with roles spanning across the public health sector, allied health field and in primary healthcare. Here are ten rewarding careers that focus on preventative health.

1. Communicable disease analyst

What influence do communicable disease analysts have on preventative health?

A communicable disease analyst helps protect the public through disease monitoring and analysis of pathogen transmission routes. These professionals may investigate diseases such as influenza, HIV or measles. They collect data from various sources, identify patterns and provide this information to government advisors and health authorities, who can develop response and mitigation measures. These may include vaccination programs, case reporting and contact tracing to contain disease outbreaks and prevent their spread.

What is the long-term impact of their work?

The long-term gain of a communicable disease analyst is vital to the health of individuals, communities and populations. The analysis of disease trends helps refine public health strategies and policies. Their work informs the creation of more effective vaccination programs, pandemic preparedness plans and public education campaigns. A communicable disease analyst can directly help reduce the incidence of infectious diseases, which can help save lives, reduce healthcare costs and lower hospitalisation rates.

Does a career as a communicable disease analyst interest you?

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease is a unique postgraduate course with a focus on communicable diseases. This course equips you with the skills to address infectious disease threats with strategies for prevention and effective outbreak response, encouraging better health outcomes for people across diverse settings.

2. Epidemiologist

What influence do epidemiologists have on preventative health?

These public health professionals investigate disease origins, patterns and impacts on health within a designated population. They can examine communicable and non-communicable disease patterns to identify risk factors for causation. Alongside this, they may conduct on-the-ground field investigations in disaster areas. Epidemiologists gather and analyse important information using statistical analyses and confer with public health, government agencies or research institutions, who can then develop policies for prevention, screening programs or interventions.

What is the long-term impact of their work?

The long-term impact of an epidemiologist's work is significant. Their research and reporting provide a foundation for managing public health emergencies, preventing future disease outbreaks and informing healthy policies with clear evidence from population health data. Understanding what causes and potentiates diseases, whether it may be obesity, cancer or influenza, can protect people’s health and prevent illness on a large scale. An epidemiologist’s role has a real-world benefit on life expectancy, quality of life and reducing the downstream costs of disease management.

Have you thought about a career as an epidemiologist?

UTS Online’s Master of Public Health can propel your career with advanced knowledge and skills to excel in the public health field. You’ll be equipped with the necessary expertise for a variety of positions, including epidemiology to help protect population health on a local, national or global scale.

3. Environmental health officer

What influence do environmental health officers have on preventative health?

Environmental health officers assess the safety of public spaces by identifying and managing hazards that may affect our health. These include workplaces, restaurants and publicly shared spaces. They may be involved in ensuring workplaces are compliant with occupational health and safety rules according to relevant jurisdictions. Environmental health officers will also assess food safety, water quality and pollutants, including light, air and noise. They serve an important role in protecting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities from toxicants, harmful chemicals and hazards that can cause chronic disease, illness or injury.

What is the long-term impact of their work?

The role of an environmental health officer chiefly serves public health and safety. They are proactive in enforcing regulations, educating businesses, schools and the general public on how to stay well and safe in shared spaces. The prevention of foodborne diseases, water contamination and injury from hazardous materials, chemicals and equipment plays a direct part in preventative healthcare. Their work helps decrease preventable illness and injury linked to environmental causes.

4. General practitioner

What influence do general practitioners have on preventative health?

General practitioners are an integral part of Australia’s healthcare system. They play a role in providing important preventative care for patients through health check-ups, vaccine administration, education and screening. In some cases, patients see one general practitioner over many years, which gives them the opportunity to build a trusting relationship and understand their patients’ unique health needs in detail. They can identify risk factors for disease development and facilitate early interventions for patients, which helps protect their health.

What is the long-term impact of their care?

The immediate and ongoing relationship that general practitioners have with their patients means they can provide essential support, referrals, monitoring and care. They can help coordinate personalised care plans with other health providers, ensuring a holistic approach to their patients’ overall physical and mental health is achieved. They are often the first point of call for patients who are interested in being proactive about their health and disease prevention. This level of care helps improve patient health literacy, outcomes and quality of life.

5. Community health nurse

What influence do community health nurses have on preventative health?

Community health nurses are registered nurses who provide care to people outside of hospital settings and may work in community health centres, schools, mobile clinics and provide in-home care to members of the community. They can offer diabetes management support, healthy lifestyle advice, provide childhood vaccinations and nursing care to young families and new parents. Their role promotes preventative health by improving healthcare accessibility and empowering patients to be more informed about their health and management options.

What is the long-term impact of their care?

Nurses who work in community care can help people manage both acute and chronic conditions without the need to visit a hospital. This means that community care nurses have a positive impact on patients, as they improve their health literacy and encourage proactive engagement in their own health. The personalised care they provide, including health screening and monitoring, medication management and lifestyle advice, means patients can enjoy better health and are less likely to be hospitalised, which helps reduce Australia’s healthcare system burden.

6. Dietitian

What influence do dietitians have on preventative health?

Dietitians provide expert dietary and lifestyle advice to support a variety of health needs for people. They are trained in food and nutrition, can assess dietary needs and create personalised plans for clients so they can achieve their health goals. Dietitians can work with a niche client group, such as pregnancy care, sports nutrition or weight loss as well as providing general dietary support to clients. As many chronic conditions are linked to poor diet and lifestyle habits, dietitians play an important role in preventative health, offering tailored advice for optimal health.

What is the long-term impact of their support?

A dietitian can work holistically to support their client’s health, addressing the root-cause of certain health conditions and their relationship to food. Examples of these conditions include type 2 diabetes, obesity or heart disease. The long-term impact of their support is the overall reduction in these conditions through education, working with multidisciplinary teams and providing individualised health advice. This has downstream benefits, including longer life expectancies and reduced financial and resource burden on healthcare services.

7. Psychologist

What influence do psychologists have on preventative health?

Approximately half of Australia's adult population will experience a mental health challenge and accordingly, psychologists can play a key role in preventing mental health decline and supporting people with their mental health. They can provide a safe, judgement-free space for people to seek help for various mental health issues before they escalate into unmanageable problems. Psychologists can equip clients with tools to improve coping skills and provide support with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. They also work closely with a variety of health professionals for comprehensive client care.

What is the long-term impact of their support?

Psychologists contribute to reducing the burden on healthcare services and providers by offering frontline support to people struggling with mental health concerns. Some of these conditions may be life-threatening for clients. However, with the right support and early intervention, psychologists can help people build resilience, gain emotional stability and improve their quality of life, which has a rippling benefit on families, communities, workplaces and society.

Are you interested in a psychology career?

Explore James Cook University (JCU) Online’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) course. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, these APAC-accredited postgraduate courses provide a pathway to a career as a psychologist.

8. Physiotherapist

What influence do physiotherapists have on preventative health?

Physiotherapists examine and treat people with musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. They can provide tailored treatment and advice for a range of acute or chronic conditions that affect movement and physical function. They play an important role in injury prevention through exercise and strength building, while providing general health and fitness advice. This means people can enjoy being active while gaining a better understanding of movement mechanics to keep up with their movement and fitness goals, which supports overall better health outcomes.

What is the long-term impact of their treatment?

People who receive treatment from a physiotherapist can benefit in a range of ways. They can achieve better mobility, promoting movement as a form of preventative medicine as it combats the effects of sedentary lifestyle habits that are associated with many chronic conditions. Moreover, the ability to move independently and can promote people’s independence as they age. Physiotherapists keep people active through targeted treatment and education, empowering clients and promoting a better quality of life.

Are you considering a career as a physiotherapist?

If you have a background in medicine, rehabilitation, human movement or public health, you may be eligible for a Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) program, which provides a pathway to physiotherapy in just two years of full-time study.

9. Child and family health nurse

What influence do child and family health nurses have on preventative health?

Child and family health nurses provide nursing care to children and their families and play a vital role in preventative health. They deliver essential nursing care with a focus on the early detection of various health concerns that may impact children and their families. They can provide infant and early childhood vaccines, monitor child development and support parents with their emotional health and wellbeing. These nurses help build confidence in parents and help ensure children get the best possible start in life.

What is the long-term impact of their support?

Early intervention and support for parents and young children provides a foundation for long-term good health. Nurses can identify any developmental issues or delays, refer to other healthcare providers and offer reassurance and guidance to parents during this important life stage. Addressing any concerns early can help prevent future problems from developing or worsening over a child’s lifetime. Their work supports strong parent-child bonds and healthy family dynamics, which are foundational to lifelong mental and physical wellbeing for the entire family unit.

10. Pharmacist

What influence do pharmacists have on preventative health?

Pharmacists are an important part of Australia's healthcare system. While they are experts in pharmaceutical medications, they can also support communities by providing services and education on disease prevention. They may offer free blood pressure checks, health advice and can offer treatment for minor health issues that may reduce the need to see a primary care physician.

What is the long-term impact of their support?

The long-term impact of pharmacists is the improvement of health outcomes and the prevention of disease progression. They take the time to review any contraindications or interactions with other medications, ensuring the medications they provide are safe to administer. In some Australian states, pharmacists have an expanded scope of practice, in which they can prescribe certain medications and treat minor ailments. This means people can access medical care when they need it and reduces pressure on other primary care providers, such as general practitioners and the broader healthcare system.

What is preventative health?

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Preventative health is an approach to healthcare that focuses on illness prevention, early detection, education and treatment.

The World Health Organisation defines prevention as ‘approaches and activities aimed at reducing the likelihood that a disease or disorder will develop in an individual, interrupting or slowing the progress of the disorder or reducing disability’. In strategic terms, prevention can be categorised as an approach that prevents a disease, slows its progression or minimises its impact on the individual.

These preventative levels are as follows:

Primary prevention: This aspect of health prevention aims to prevent diseases before they occur. Examples of this are vaccination programs, nutrition and exercise awareness, smoking cessation campaigns and the use of seatbelts while driving.

Secondary prevention: This includes early detection strategies and interventions to stop or reduce a disease’s progression. Examples of secondary prevention are health screenings, pathology tests and medical check-ups, which can help identify risk factors for disease onset.

Tertiary prevention: This level of prevention places a focus on managing or mitigating disease complications to reduce the long-term impacts on the individual. Examples of this include chronic disease and diabetes management, rehabilitation support, lifestyle changes and medication adherence to prevent future recurrence or worsening health conditions.

Why is preventative health important?

Preventive health serves a purpose for individuals, communities and society as a whole. The main goal of prevention is to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of an entire population, through healthcare access, education, community involvement and broader policy development.

Individual benefits

For individuals, prevention means a reduced disease onset and better quality of life. If you’re someone who regularly exercises and eats a healthy diet, you’re less likely to develop certain chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. This means you’re more likely to enjoy everyday activities with energy, without pain or discomfort and without added risk of developing further illnesses or complications, such as liver disease, stroke, peripheral neuropathy or vision loss.

Community benefits

On a community level, preventative health creates a more resilient and productive population. For instance, people that have access to community health services, vaccine clinics, free or low-cost fitness classes or blood pressure screenings at local pharmacies may have an advantage to maintaining their health.

Communities with these resources may benefit from a greater level of protection from communicable diseases and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease due to the proactive engagement in physical activities and preliminary screening. Staying healthy allows local schools and businesses to function and vulnerable community members to stay safe and well.

Society benefits

For a society, the focus on prevention provides better long-term outcomes in various ways. Health prevention measures keep more people in the workforce, reduces the burden on the healthcare system and lowers overall healthcare costs.

Every dollar invested in preventative health has the potential to save future costs in treatment. Preventing chronic disease, promoting policy development, prioritising healthy lifestyle education and providing equitable access to healthcare services can help ensure Australia’s healthcare system is not under pressure with preventable disease burden and is resourced to support those with emergency and unavoidable medical needs.

What sectors do preventative healthcare professionals work in?

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Hospitals

Public and private hospitals employ a range of healthcare professionals who can make a tangible difference in preventative health for patients. Examples of these include allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Infection control nurses and specialists, diabetes educators, nurse practitioners and pharmacists are also immensely valuable in supporting the health and wellbeing of patients, empowering them to make healthy choices for the long term.

Private practice

Professionals operating a private practice or working in a clinical setting provide important care to clients or patients in a variety of ways. The one-on-one or group clinical care offered allows practitioners to support their clients or patients with preventative therapy, education, treatment and counselling services. Professionals in this space include dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrists, dentists, psychologists, counsellors and general practitioners.

Government departments

Preventative healthcare professionals in government settings can help drive systemic change through policy development and oversee the implementation of health regulations to support healthier populations. Many professionals with a public health background are employed by local, state and federal government agencies as well as international public health organisations. Examples of professionals in this sector include health promotion officers, environmental health officers, policy advisors, workplace safety officers, epidemiologists, disaster risk reduction specialists and sustainability officers.  

Non-profits and NGOs

Non-government organisations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations are other sectors in which healthcare professionals can make a lasting impact in preventative health. These organisations can support under-resourced areas, vulnerable populations and crisis-affected regions both in Australia and globally. They may be responsible for the implementation and provision of essential services like vaccination programs, clean water, communicable disease control, welfare support and education on healthy living. Examples of professionals working in this domain include social workers, policy development analysts and advisors, health promotion officers as well as medical practitioners such as doctors, surgeons and allied health professionals.

Research and academia

Research institutions and universities provide a platform for health researchers and scientists to play a role in healthier futures. Studying disease trends and how they impact populations, the discovery of new medications and treatment options for chronic diseases and the role of climate change in sustainable futures are all fields in which preventive health professionals can thrive. Examples of roles in research in academia include biostatisticians, epidemiologists and data analysts, who help drive healthcare innovation and inform policy changes for long-term improved health outcomes.

Why consider a career in preventative health?

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A career in preventative health is about proactive care and long-term improvement for people and larger populations. Here are some reasons to consider this career path:

Adopt a root-cause approach

A key reason why this area of healthcare may appeal to you is because you’ll be able to take a root-cause approach. You’ll be able to address the reasons why people become unwell, help them recover and stay well in the long term. Whether it’s education on good nutrition, exercise, support with mental health issues or health research, you’ll have the chance to empower and educate people to take control of their health, which can be incredibly rewarding.

For example, a dietitian can provide tailored support to someone seeking help with weight loss. These professionals are highly trained in diet analysis and can identify nutrient deficiencies, lifestyle habits and the root cause/s or aggravating factors that may be impacting their weight. The support and tailored advice that a dedicated dietitian provides their client helps equip them with the tools and knowledge to make healthier choices so they can achieve their health and weight loss goals.

Create a broad impact

A career in preventative health can open doors to opportunities that make a large-scale impact, improving the lives of communities or wider populations. If you're interested in being influential at a policy development or advisory level, you could spearhead strategies for law reform and develop health guidelines that support better health outcomes across communities for generations to come. You could also work in population health research, with your work helping to prevent illness before it even begins.

For example, an epidemiologist who analyses health data on influenza trends may identify a rise in cases in a particular demographic or vulnerable group, such as children or older people in a localised region. They’ll be able to coordinate with local health departments and advise on appropriate preventative health measures, such as awareness campaigns and vaccine rollouts to any high-risk areas. This could lead to a reduction in cases, hospitalisations and associated health issues within these groups and the wider region.

Pursue in-demand healthcare roles

Many preventative healthcare roles are in high demand across the country, particularly as chronic disease rates continue to rise. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, chronic conditions cost the healthcare system approximately $82 billion in 2023. Moving toward a prevention-focused model can improve cost-effectiveness, while attracting skilled and innovative professionals who can take a holistic approach to health improvement.

For example, over the next five years, physiotherapy has a projected job growth of 28.7 per cent, while general practitioners, nurses and environmental health officers are projected to increase by 10.2 per cent, 13.9 per cent and 15.9 per cent, respectively. These roles are among some of the most in-demand healthcare jobs and play an important role in preventative healthcare.

Enjoy diverse career paths

Careers in preventative health span a variety of niche areas and sectors. You have a vast opportunity to begin your career in one field and use your transferable skills to make a difference in another role. Or, you can pursue senior, management or leadership roles in healthcare. This flexibility allows for professional growth and advancement, which can also promote greater job satisfaction over the course of your career.

For example, a psychologist working in private practice, providing preventative care and support to people with their mental health may seek opportunities to explore other non-clinical or clinical roles to diversify their career. They might explore roles in social work, academia, research or government roles. With a strong psychology background, they bring valuable knowledge and insights on human behaviour that could support mental health prevention strategies in many settings.

What preventative health initiatives are a focus in Australia in 2025?

In the 2024-2025 federal budget, the government announced a $1.3 billion investment toward a ‘fit and healthy Australia’, highlighting the current prioritisation of preventative health for today and the future. This funding, in combination with several nationwide health improvement strategies, is due to drive positive change and health outcomes in a range of ways.

The National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 is an Australian Government initiative with a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of all Australians across each life stage through preventative strategies. The broad goals of this initiative are to ensure that all Australians have the best start in life, can live in good health for as long as possible, have equitable access in priority populations and investments in preventative health measures are increased.

For 2025, some key health areas have been outlined in this strategy in partnership with existing initiatives, including:

• Reducing tobacco and e-cigarette use: In conjunction with the National Tobacco Strategy 2023-2030, stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns have been implemented with the aim of curbing smoking and vaping, particularly within younger age groups.
• Encouraging healthier diets: An ongoing health concern for Australia is the obesity epidemic. As such, the National Obesity Strategy 2022‑2032 highlights important measures to promote healthy eating, such as clearer food labelling, reduced exposure to unhealthy foods and improved affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods.
• Increasing physical activity: The promotion of elite and community sport for longevity and improved health is another national focus, with enhancements to transport, community spaces and town planning to make it easier for people to be active throughout all life stages.
• Higher cancer screening rates: National screening programs for breast, skin, cervical and bowel cancer allow for early detection, intervention and protective measures, such as healthy lifestyle changes and improved sun safety.
• Enhanced mental health and wellbeing: Mental illness services and initiatives continue to be a focus for improvement, with the aim to build resilience, reduce stigma and promote health-seeking behaviour for mental health conditions.

Difference between preventative and curative health

While each approach is valuable to Australia’s healthcare system, there are different goals, patient types and professionals involved in both preventative and curative health.

Curative health aims to treat existing diseases and injuries, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment and recovery, while preventative health aims to stop them from developing in the first place and encourages healthy behaviours, risk assessment and long-term wellbeing.

Below is a breakdown of some different elements of each healthcare approach:

Postgraduate courses for preventative health careers

If you’re considering a preventative health career, postgraduate study can provide an ideal pathway. Courses in public health and nursing can equip you with the knowledge to excel and play a meaningful role in preventing illness, encouraging recovery and promoting a better quality of life for the people you help.

Public health postgraduate courses

If you’re interested in communicable disease control, epidemiology, health promotion or environmental health, then a postgraduate course in public health can help launch your career. A qualification in public health can lead to jobs in government sectors, research and global health positions abroad.

Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Public Health delivers a strong foundation in public health theory and practice, which is ideal for people with a background in health or any field. You’ll cover important core subjects, including Foundations of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1, Public Health in Practice and Culture and Society in Public Health. This online course focuses on building essential knowledge to improve public health outcomes in many demographics and sectors. You may pursue a variety of roles, such as public health researcher, community development officer and health educator.

University of Canberra (UC) Online’s Master of Public Health is a comprehensive course for professionals passionate about making a tangible difference in public health policy, with skills in a range of areas. You’ll learn about environmental health, sociology, urban planning, nutrition, epidemiology, health promotion and international health to drive change for a healthier future. You can tailor your studies with one of three streams: Community Nutrition, Health Communication and Global Health to pursue various roles within public health, including epidemiology and environmental health.

Nursing postgraduate courses

If you’re a registered nurse looking to build your expertise to pursue a preventative health career, there are several courses that can set you on your path. You’ll be at the forefront of providing preventative care through early screening, intervention and education in community health settings.

Courses in child and family health nursing, such as Federation University’s Graduate Diploma of Health (Child and Family Health Nursing) and Master of Health (Child and Family Health Nursing) is for registered nurses and midwives in Victoria looking to upskill in child and family nursing.

These courses provide you with the necessary skills and practical experience required to be successful in child, family and community care nursing. You’ll be equipped to support the needs of families and children, with core subjects such as Child and Family Health Assessment, Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and Infant and Child Nutrition. A practical component offers an important community-based learning experience for you to hone your skills in a real-world setting.

Similarly, RMIT University's Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health Nursing is for midwives and nurses seeking advanced practice roles in community health. You’ll be prepared for roles in maternal and child health nursing in a variety of settings. This course equips you with skills in cultural sensitivity, advanced assessment and mental health nursing to provide preventive and proactive care to children and families.

UTS Online’s Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health suits nurses and midwives interested in community and child and family health nursing. This course includes core subjects such as Foundations of Child and Family Health, Growth and Development in the Younger Child and Family and Community Health in Practice. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in family health centres through partnerships with leading industry experts. Equip yourself with advanced evidence-based skills on family-centred care to support long-term health in children and families.

The University of Newcastle’s Master of Nursing (Health Improvement) is a face-to-face postgraduate course, also offered online, for registered nurses aiming to advance their career in leadership, policy development and advanced practice. Specifically, this course is for nurses interested in driving systemic change to improve health outcomes over a range of settings.

This course has important core units and a wide range of electives with a focus on public health systems and knowledge. You can tailor your learning toward preventative health with your choice of three specialisation courses from six options. Examples of such courses include Project Planning and Management, Quality and Safety in Health Care, Chronic Disease and Injury Control, and Global Health Systems and Policy. Electives in Biostatistics, Clinical Epidemiology, Ageing and Health, Infection Control and Foundations of Health Promotion provide a unique opportunity to advance your expertise in a preventative health niche.

Build your future in preventative health

A career in preventative health is an opportunity to shape a healthier future for Australians. You can help address the root causes of illness, educate and empower individuals and support communities to live healthier lives. If you are ready to advance your career and make your mark in preventative health, explore a postgraduate course in the fields mentioned above today.

At GlobalHealth Education, we partner with respected universities to offer postgraduate healthcare courses in a range of fields. We also showcase courses from various respected Australian universities.

Discover courses in various healthcare fields, including psychology, nursing, public health, health leadership and management, counselling, social work and mental health. Transform your healthcare career and enquire today.