Whether it’s feeling burnt out, seeking better work-life balance or simply craving a new challenge, there are many reasons healthcare professionals might consider a career change.
In fact, a 2024 report by Ahpra found that 12 per cent of surveyed healthcare professionals were either unsure about staying in their role or considering leaving with mental burnout and lack of professional satisfaction among the top reasons cited.
If you’re thinking of exploring new options, know that the skills you’ve built in your healthcare role are not only valuable, but highly transferable across a wide range of roles and industries.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the transferable skills in healthcare, look at industries where they may apply and provide practical advice on how to identify and communicate them effectively.
What are transferable skills?
Transferable skills are abilities developed through a wide range of experiences such as work, education and volunteering. These skills can be applied across different jobs and industries and can help you adapt to new roles, even if you lack formal experience in the field.
For example, a nurse transitioning into a project management role might not have formal training in business operations. However, the skills they’ve developed in areas such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork and time management can aid them in successfully managing projects, leading meetings and coordinating teams.
Examples of transferable skills in healthcare
Communication
It’s easy to think of communication as simply talking or writing well, but it’s much more than that. Effective communication involves actively listening, tailoring your message to suit different audiences and being mindful of non-verbal cues such as body language and tone.
This is especially vital in healthcare as ineffective communication can lead to compromised patient outcomes. According to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare, communication errors are a major contributing factor in hospital sentinel events, highlighting just how critical this skill is.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
There are many ways professionals in healthcare build and strengthen their communication skills. Examples include:
- A doctor explaining a complex procedure in simple, jargon-free language to ensure patients clearly understand what to expect
- A nurse actively listening to a colleague and valuing their input during discussions or handovers
- A psychologist using body language, such as eye contact, posture and tone to convey empathy and reassurance
- A physiotherapist speaking clearly and concisely with other team members to ensure critical information about a patient is communicated accurately
- Upskilling through a postgraduate course in healthcare such as the Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Leadership and Management) at James Cook University, which includes a unit called Professional Communication in Healthcare that explores communication strategies across a variety of mediums
Which industries use this transferable skill?
Communication is a skill that’s highly transferable across practically every industry as it’s essential for building relationships, communicating ideas and working effectively with others. Industries that rely heavily on strong communication skills include:
- Education and training
- Business and management
- Marketing, communications and media
- Customer service and sales
Teamwork
Teamwork is especially important in healthcare as individuals must work effectively and collaboratively toward a shared goal to achieve the best patient or client outcomes. Good teamwork relies on clear communication, mutual respect, adaptability and a willingness to take responsibility, both as a contributor and as someone who supports others to succeed.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Healthcare environments rely heavily on teamwork as being part of a cohesive team is essential for delivering high-quality care. It could be developed through:
- Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, which may include doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to work toward a shared goal such as improved recovery outcomes
- A nurse stepping in to support the team during an unexpected emergency or when the unit is short-staffed
- A health promotion officer identifying an error in a public health campaign and proactively informing the team to collaborate on a solution
- An occupational therapist respectfully sharing perspectives, listening to others and contributing to shared decision-making during meetings
- Pursuing a postgraduate course such as Southern Cross University’s Graduate Certificate of Healthcare Leadership, which includes units focused on teamwork and collaboration
Which industries use this transferable skill?
Teamwork is a highly valued skill across countless industries, especially in roles that require cross-functional collaboration, project coordination or group problem-solving.
Here are some industries where teamwork skills built in healthcare can apply:
- Corporate and project-based roles
- Education and training
- Marketing and advertising
- Technology and software development
Critical thinking
Critical thinking involves actively and skillfully evaluating, interpreting and analysing information to make informed judgements and decisions. It requires the ability to ask insightful questions, critically examine potential solutions and approach problems from multiple perspectives.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Healthcare professionals regularly sharpen their critical thinking skills through experiences that require careful reasoning and considered judgement. This might involve:
- A GP reviewing patient histories and current treatment responses to determine whether further diagnostic tests or specialist consultations are necessary to confirm or refine the treatment plan
- A medical scientist critically reviewing laboratory procedures or test results, recognising when previous methodologies or interpretations might have introduced bias or error and adjusting their approach to improve accuracy
- A paramedic attending an emergency scene and needing to quickly gather essential information and decide the most appropriate cause of action
- A nurse observing changes in a patient’s wound and understanding how these changes could impact vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature
- Completing a Master of Nursing (Leadership) with Victoria University and taking units such as Evidence and Research for Practice and Complex Care Coordination that can help sharpen critical thinking skills
Which industries use this transferable skill?
Critical thinking is highly transferable across a wide range of industries, particularly those that rely on complex problem-solving, analysis and decision-making.
Industries where critical thinking is especially valuable include:
- Engineering
- Information technology and services
- Consultancy
- Finance
Time management and organisational skills
Time management and organisational skills involve the ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing demands and use time efficiently.
In healthcare, these skills are essential for maintaining high-quality care, particularly in fast-paced or high-pressure environments where decisions must be made quickly and accurately.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Healthcare professionals often develop strong time management and organisational skills including prioritisation, flexibility and effective management of competing responsibilities, due to the demanding and unpredictable nature of their work.
Examples include:
- A public health officer prioritising their work, such as deciding which community programs to address first based on urgency, available resources and potential impact
- A nurse reorganising their tasks and prioritising them based on urgency and importance
- A pharmacist delegating responsibilities during busy periods, ensuring medications are dispensed accurately and efficiently
- A speech pathologist balancing clinical demands with administrative duties, such as effectively managing appointments, treatment planning and documentation
- A healthcare professional having to balance work and personal responsibilities with a postgraduate healthcare course
Which industries use this transferable skill?
Time management and organisational skills are transferable to almost every industry but are particularly valuable across roles that require coordination, structure and efficiency.
Industries where this skill is especially relevant include:
- Project management
- Event coordination
- Operations and logistics
- Legal services
Leadership
Leadership is about guiding, influencing and supporting others towards a shared goal.
In healthcare, effective leadership is of utmost importance as it shapes team culture and impacts the quality of patient care and overall performance of the organisation.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Leadership skills in healthcare are often shaped by experience. It might be developed through:
- A senior nurse stepping in to supervise and coordinate a team during a high-pressure shift when a nurse unit manager is unavailable
- An occupational therapist mentoring a new graduate, providing guidance, feedback and support in their early practice
- A healthcare manager leading the transition to a new patient management system by coordinating staff training and addressing concerns
- Pursuing a postgraduate leadership course such as the Master of Business Administration (Health) at the University of Technology Sydney
Which industries use this transferable skill?
The ability to motivate others, manage teams, make strategic decisions and guide projects through change is in-demand in nearly every sector. Industries where leadership skills are particularly relevant include:
- Operations management
- Project management
- Human resources
- Education and training
Digital literacy
In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy is an important skill that’s looked upon favorably in most industries and refers to the ability to confidently and effectively use digital tools to evaluate, create and communicate information.
With the rise of electronic health systems, digital tools for patient care and virtual service delivery, digital literacy is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. It not only enhances efficiency but also improves patient safety, data accuracy and access to care.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Healthcare professionals develop digital literacy through interactions with technology and through training designed to help individuals learn how to integrate digital tools into patient care.
Examples include:
- A medical administrator using electronic health records to enter, retrieve and manage patient information accurately while coordinating appointments and referrals
- A counsellor incorporating telehealth into their practice to offer services to clients remotely
- A psychologist using digital tools to conduct research and critically evaluate the credibility of online sources before incorporating the information into clinical decision-making
- Completing a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership from Victoria University, gaining the skills to bridge the gap between clinical practice and healthcare technology
Which industries use this transferable skill?
As workplaces continue to digitise processes, systems and communication, professionals who can confidently use digital tools are in-demand across industries. This includes the ability to navigate platforms, interpret data and communicate effectively in digital environments.
Some industries that look at digital literacy skills favourably include:
- Information technology and services
- Education and e-learning
- Finance and marketing
- Retail and e-commerce
Empathy
Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. In healthcare, it’s an important skill that helps professionals build trust, strengthen relationships and provide care that is emotionally attuned to each individual.
Empathy is especially important when supporting patients or clients through distress, illness or recovery and it can directly contribute to improved satisfaction and health outcomes.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Healthcare professionals regularly find themselves in situations that call for compassion, active listening and emotional insight, all of which help refine empathetic communication over time.
Examples include:
- A psychologist showing empathy while listening to a client share personal challenges, validating their feelings and responding in a way that fosters trust and safety
- A nurse comforting a patient who has received difficult news, offering both emotional support and a calm, reassuring presence
- A physiotherapist adjusting treatment plans and pacing sessions based on a patient’s frustration or fear during rehabilitation
- A senior health promotion officer recognising that a team member is feeling overwhelmed and offers support and help to redistribute tasks to ease pressure
Which industries use this transferable skill?
Empathy is a powerful interpersonal skill that goes beyond healthcare. In any industry where communication, collaboration and human connection are central, empathy plays an important role.
Industries where empathy is particularly transferable include:
- Human resources
- Customer service
- Education
- Marketing and communications
Cultural competence
Cultural competence is the ability to understand, respect and effectively interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. In healthcare, it’s an essential skill that supports equitable care and helps reduce health disparities among different population groups.
How is this skill developed in healthcare?
Cultural competence is developed through reflection and exposure to diverse populations. It’s also supported by ongoing professional development focused on inclusion, equity and culturally safe care.
Examples include:
- A nurse adjusting their communication style and care approach to align with a patient’s cultural norms or language needs
- A public health worker designing a health campaign catered to a specific cultural or linguistic group and involving local leaders to ensure accuracy
- A social worker considering cultural attitudes toward mental health when creating care plans
- Completing a course such as the Master of Public Health Specialising in Global Health Leadership at Victoria University which includes a unit called Culture and Society in Public Health which aids in building cultural competence
Which industries use this transferable skill?
Cultural competence is valued across industries that involve working with diverse communities, clients or teams. The ability to understand and respect cultural differences and adapt accordingly, helps build trust and improves outcomes in a wide range of professional settings.
Examples of industries where this skill is transferable include:
- Community engagement and advocacy
- Human resources
- Hospitality and tourism
- Government and public services
Where can your transferable healthcare skills take you?
Many professionals working in healthcare already possess most, if not all, of the transferable skills listed above. However, depending on your role or healthcare sector, you may have had more exposure to certain skills over others.
To help you explore potential career paths, here’s a breakdown of common transferable skills in a particular healthcare sector along with examples of roles where those skills can be applied.
| Healthcare sector | Examples of transferable skills | Potential career options |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing |
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| Counselling |
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| Psychology |
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| Public health |
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| Social work |
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Identifying and framing your transferable skills
Effectively identifying and presenting your transferable skills is key to successfully exploring new career opportunities. Here are some tips on how to reflect upon your healthcare experience and communicate your skills clearly and confidently in job applications and interviews.
Figuring out your transferable skills
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Reflect on your daily work
Start by reflecting on your day-to-day responsibilities and the skills you use regularly. For instance, nurses frequently communicate with patients, doctors and other healthcare professionals, naturally building strong communication and interpersonal skills.It’s also important to make sure you’re considering all tasks, even those that may seem routine as it could reveal valuable transferable skills. A psychologist conducting client assessments, for instance, is constantly applying critical thinking, interpreting complex information and making informed decisions, all of which are highly transferable to roles beyond healthcare.
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Consider experiences beyond work
Transferable skills aren’t just developed on the job, they can also come from other areas such as further study, volunteering or mentoring.Perhaps you’ve completed a postgraduate course in healthcare leadership, which would have developed your skills in management, strategic thinking and leadership. Or maybe you’ve volunteered at a community mental health organisation and strengthened your skills in communication, empathy and teamwork.
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Build a transferable skills inventory
After identifying your transferable skills, the next step is to build a skills inventory which consists of a simple list or spreadsheet that captures your skills. This will help you in visualising your capabilities and give you a better understanding of what you bring to the table.To do so, you’ll start by listing the skills you’ve reflected on. This includes those used regularly in your role as well as those developed through study, volunteering or other experiences.
Then, arrange them in order of what brings you the most joy or satisfaction. This can help guide your next steps and align your career move with what motivates you. For example, as a social worker, you might find the most fulfilment in building one-on-one relationships, making empathy and communication key transferable skills to prioritise.
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Build evidence of your skills
Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, it’s helpful to back them up with examples. Creating a portfolio allows you to keep track of experiences, feedback and achievements that demonstrate your abilities.For instance, if you’re a counsellor, you could highlight your experience facilitating group therapy sessions to demonstrate your communication and leadership skills. If you work in public health, you might highlight your involvement in rolling out a campaign and how coordinating stakeholders and managing timelines demonstrates transferable skills in organisation, communication and adaptability.
Articulating your transferable skills with confidence
Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, the next step is to confidently communicate them to potential employers.
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Review the role you’re targeting
Start by carefully reviewing the job description for the role you’re interested in. What skills or attributes are they looking for? Identifying this can help you frame your transferable skills in a way that’s relevant to the new opportunity. -
Highlight them in your application
When writing your resume or cover letter, don’t just list your skills, instead, you want to explain how you’ve demonstrated them. For example, a social worker applying for a project manager role might highlight their experience in managing caseloads and leading community initiatives, all of which showcases project management capabilities like planning, stakeholder engagement and leadership. -
Continue building your transferable skills
Even if you already have a strong set of skills, further developing your transferable skills can enhance employability and help you stand out in a competitive job market. Some ways to continue building your skills include taking short courses, attending workshops, or completing a postgraduate degree.
Making the most of your transferable skills
As a healthcare professional, you already possess diverse and valuable skills that are not only essential within healthcare settings, but are also highly sought-after across a range of industries.
If you’re considering a new direction within the healthcare sector, a postgraduate healthcare course may help bridge the gap. GlobalHealth Education’s university partners offer postgraduate courses in psychology, counselling, mental health, nursing, public health and social work to help you get started. To apply, simply select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Book a complimentary professional development strategy call with our Education Consultant.
