The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer expectations. This shift has led to an increase in a diverse range of career opportunities that go beyond traditional healthcare roles.
From creative paths like art therapy to specialised fields like forensic nursing and environmental health, these careers cater to a variety of interests and skill sets.
Whether you’re drawn to research, patient care or creative craftsmanship, here are some fulfilling and unique jobs in healthcare to consider in 2025.
1. Forensic nurse
What does a forensic nurse do?
Some of the roles and responsibilities of a forensic nurse include:
- Providing specialised care for patients of violent crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.
- Collecting evidence from victims and alleged perpetrators of violent crimes through forensic medical examinations.
- Providing consultation and testimony for legal proceedings and presenting evidence in court.
- Assisting with post-mortem examinations and collecting evidence from deceased victims.
Forensic nurses can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, psychiatric facilities and medical examiner or coroner’s offices.
How is forensic nursing a unique healthcare career?
Forensic nursing is a unique healthcare career as it’s a specialised area of nursing that plays an integral role in bridging the gap between law and medicine.
As a forensic nurse, you provide specialised care for victims of violent crimes by providing treatment and emotional support. Additionally, you also play a key role in helping to resolve unresolved deaths by collecting medical evidence and testifying in court.
Some other unique aspects of forensic nursing include having specialised training in evidence collection and injury documentation, working in a diverse range of environments such as correctional facilities and mental health institutions and working closely with stakeholders such as the police, legal professionals and social services.
Forensic nurses make an average of $108,000 annually, though this is dependent on experience and location. Entry-level positions start at $96,000 while experienced forensic nurses can make up to $133,000 a year.
How to become a forensic nurse in Australia
If you have a passion for nursing and a keen interest in crime, a career in forensic nursing could be for you. To become a forensic nurse in Australia, you would need to:
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Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing
The first step to becoming a forensic nurse is getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing or similar. Universities across Australia, including the University of Canberra, offer a Bachelor of Nursing where you will learn the necessary nursing knowledge and skills and also undertake multiple clinical placement opportunities.
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Gain experience in nursing
Most courses will allow you to undertake clinical placement opportunities and gain valuable insight and experience across a broad range of healthcare service providers.
You may also want to take this opportunity to connect with other forensic nurses to see if this profession is right for you. -
Apply for registration
To be a practising nurse, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). You will need to meet a range of mandatory registration standards to become eligible for registration. -
Pursue further studies
Since forensic nursing is a speciality field, you will need to continue your education by obtaining a certification or pursuing further studies in forensic nursing. Some of the courses offered by universities include a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing or a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nursing and Midwifery.
These courses will provide you with advanced expertise and specialised knowledge in forensic nursing. You will gain skills in the preparation of a medico-legal report, providing accurate documentation and giving evidence in court proceedings.
2. Art therapist
What does an art therapist do?
An art therapist focuses on art-making as a technique to improve an individual’s mental health and wellbeing. Some of the tasks and duties of an art therapist include:
- Designing individual treatment plans that consist of counselling, art therapy and psychotherapy techniques.
- Exploring different artistic mediums such as paint, clay and yarn with individuals or groups.
- Preparing for art therapy sessions and establishing goals and objectives with an individual or group.
- Building relationships with clients and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.
Art therapists work in settings such as schools, hospitals, aged-care facilities and rehabilitation facilities.
How is being an art therapist a unique healthcare career?
Being an art therapist is a unique healthcare career as it blends, counselling, art therapy and psychotherapy techniques.
While you will have similar tasks to a counsellor such as creating individual treatment plans and helping clients set goals, you will also be using a variety of mediums and modalities such as drawing and painting to help clients communicate and express themselves.
There is also a growing demand for art therapists in Australia with job growth for art therapists expected to grow by 27.9 per cent in five years.
Art therapists make an average of $84,000 a year, though this is dependent on experience and location. Some of the most experienced art therapists can make up to $100,000 a year.
How to become an art therapist in Australia?
If you’re creative and have an interest in the mental health sector, you might be interested in becoming an art therapist. To become an art therapist, you would need to:
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Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
You will need to complete a degree in art, counselling, art therapy, psychology or a related field. A degree to consider could be a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Canberra where you’ll learn about the latest theory, practice and research in a diverse range of areas of psychology.
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Obtain a master’s degree and complete clinical placement
In order to qualify for membership with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA), you will need to complete an ANZACATA approved master’s level training along with a minimum of 750 hours of supervised clinical placement. -
Register with ANZACATA
Once you have completed the requirements above, you will be eligible to apply for professional membership with ANZACATA and apply for art therapist jobs.
3. Wellbeing manager
What does a wellbeing manager do?
A wellbeing manager is responsible for developing and implementing workplace wellbeing strategies and programs in organisations. This role could be suitable for someone with an interest in both healthcare and business as it combines health promotion with organisational strategy.
Wellbeing managers can come from a variety of backgrounds and work in different settings from healthcare to government and community organisations.
Some of their responsibilities may include:
- Developing strategies to address risk areas and designing and delivering wellness and safety programs and initiatives to promote physical and mental health.
- Offering resources and support and addressing any wellbeing concerns that individuals might have.
- Managing relationships with stakeholders which may include senior leaders, other departments and clinical teams.
How is being a wellbeing manager a unique healthcare career?
Being a wellbeing manager is a unique healthcare career as it focuses on preventive care, holistic support and organisational wellness.
In this role, not only will you be able to work in a wide variety of industries depending on your interest, but you’ll also play an integral part in building a culture of care and wellbeing within the organisation.
It’s also a role that enables you to apply a broad range of skills from soft skills like leadership and stakeholder management to skills from areas such as social work and counselling.
According to SEEK, a wellbeing manager makes anywhere between $125,000 to $130,000 a year. Wellbeing managers are paid the most in New South Wales with an average salary of $130,000 followed by Victoria with an average salary of $125,000.
How to become a wellbeing manager in Australia?
Wellbeing managers typically have an educational background in health leadership, social work or counselling. To become a wellbeing manager, you will need to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
You will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in fields such as health science, psychology or a related discipline. - Gain work experience
Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree, you can work as a wellbeing coordinator to build practical skills and gain industry experience. You can also work in different fields such as healthcare, government or community organisations to discover which area best aligns with your career goals. - Study a postgraduate course
Further postgraduate studies can help develop the skills needed to excel in a wellbeing manager position. Some courses to consider include a Graduate Certificate of Counselling at Edith Cowan University, a Master of Healthcare Leadership from Southern Cross University or a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from University of Canberra.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
4. Embryologist
What does an embryologist do?
An embryologist is a highly trained scientist that is responsible for the laboratory procedures involved in a fertility treatment. Some of their tasks and responsibilities include:
- Communicating with patients at various stages of the fertility treatment process.
- Retrieving eggs from patients and handling them safely and appropriately.
- Performing or assisting with In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and monitoring the development of the embryo.
- Safely storing donated eggs and sperm cells for fertilisation at a later date.
How is being an embryologist a unique healthcare career?
Being an embryologist is a unique healthcare career as you not only get to witness life at its earliest stages but you also play a pivotal role in helping families realise their dreams of parenthood.
As an embryologist, you’ll also require specialised laboratory skills that are specific to this field of scientific work. While you’ll mainly be working in a laboratory, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with patients and help them have a better understanding of the fertility treatment process.
You’ll also work in a close knit team, with cutting-edge technology and be at the forefront of the latest technological advancements and research.
The average annual embryologist salary in Australia ranges from $85,000 to $95,000, though this is dependent on both experience and location.
How to become an embryologist in Australia
To become an embryologist in Australia, you would need to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field
You would need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in science, biomedical science or a similar discipline. - Complete a master’s degree
Courses like a Master of Clinical Embryology will provide you with the specialised knowledge and practical skills needed to work in and manage Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) clinics. - Gain experience in a laboratory setting
After you have completed your degree, you can work as a junior or graduate embryologist and gain experience working in a laboratory setting. - Pursue further certification
Once you have gained work experience, consider obtaining additional certifications to deepen your expertise in techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and blastocyst biopsy. These qualifications can enhance your skills and allow you to pursue more advanced roles such as senior embryologist.
5. Perfusionist
What does a perfusionist do?
Perfusionists assist with operating the heart-lung bypass machine or cardiopulmonary bypass machine during surgery. Their main roles and responsibilities include:
- Monitoring the blood cell count, circulation and vitals of the patient during surgery and assisting with adjusting the machine when required.
- Communicating and coordinating with other members of the surgical team.
- Selecting the most suitable equipment required based on the patient’s needs.
While perfusionists mainly work in heart surgery, there are also other procedures such as isolated limb perfusion, bypass for liver surgery and extracorporeal life support that will also require a perfusionist.
How is being a perfusionist a unique healthcare career?
Being a perfusionist is a unique healthcare career as you are a vital part of a surgical team and are in charge of providing life support for patients during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily substitute for the patient’s heart and lung function.
Not only is specialised expertise required in this technical role but it’s also patient-centred. As a perfusionist, you will also be working within a high-performing multidisciplinary team in a demanding operating room environment.
A perfusionist makes an average of $135,000 per year with perfusionists in Melbourne making the highest average salary of $176,000 per year.
How to become a perfusionist in Australia?
If you are interested in becoming a perfusionist in Australia, here are the requirements:
- Complete a relevant degree
To start, you will need to complete a Bachelor of Science or equivalent. During your degree, it is recommended to study or major in subjects such as physiology, medical science, anatomy and biochemistry. - Complete a Master of Extracorporeal Science
Complete an online Master of Extracorporeal Science at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). This particular degree is currently the only degree recognised by the Australian and New Zealand College of Perfusionists (ANZCP) as an acceptable level of academic knowledge for competency. - Complete a clinical perfusion traineeship
You will need to complete a clinical perfusion traineeship at a recognised training hospital. There are currently eight accredited training institutions across Australia and New Zealand. - Successfully complete the Australian and New Zealand Board of Perfusion (ANZBP) examination
Once you have passed the exam and fulfilled the other requirements, you will be eligible to receive the Certificate of Clinical Perfusion and become a fellow of the college.
To maintain your membership, you will need to complete the continuing professional development requirements and meet the profession’s ethical and standards requirements.
6. Environmental health officer
What does an environmental health officer do?
Environmental health officers help with reducing and mitigating any health hazards caused by the surrounding environment. They can work in a variety of settings from government agencies to public health departments.
Some of their roles and responsibilities include:
- Developing and enforcing policies, programs and strategies related to environmental health.
- Assessing health risks by inspecting and auditing workplaces, processes, public buildings and more.
- Investigating any food safety or public health complaints that may have been filed and managing public health incidents such as disease outbreaks.
- Evaluating and enforcing environmental health policies, programs, legislation and strategies.
How is being an environmental health officer a unique healthcare career?
As an environmental health officer, you’ll be playing a pivotal role in protecting public health and safety.
Unlike many traditional healthcare roles, an environmental health officer focuses on prevention rather than treatment. It’s a hands-on role where you’ll be out and about conducting assessments, inspections and investigating complaints.
In this role, you’ll not only be impacting individual health but also enhancing the wellbeing of populations by creating an environment that’s safe and healthy.
It’s also an interesting role which requires a blend of scientific expertise, investigative skills and the ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
The average annual salary of an environmental health officer ranges from $90,000 to $100,000. Melbourne and Sydney are the locations with the highest average salaries with environmental health officers making an average of $95,000 annually.
How to become an environmental health officer in Australia?
To become an environmental health officer you will need to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Complete your bachelor’s degree in environmental health. It should be a course accredited by Environmental Health Professionals Australia (EHPA). - Become a member of EHPA
Once you have completed your undergraduate qualification, you will be able to apply for membership with the EHPA. - Pursue a postgraduate degree
If you’d like to advance your skills and gain a global perspective in public health, you can consider pursuing postgraduate programs. Through these programs, you will develop specialist knowledge and skills to help you further your career.
Some courses to consider include the Graduate Certificate in Public Health at University of Technology Sydney or Master of Public Health at University of Canberra. These courses are also suitable for individuals from other fields that are considering a career in public health.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
7. Phlebotomist
What does a phlebotomist do?
A phlebotomist assists with collecting biological samples from patients for laboratory analysis and diagnosis. Specifically, they:
- Collect biological samples such as blood, urine, skin scrapes, hair or swap collections from wounds.
- Prepare the samples for testing by ensuring that they are labelled correctly and delivered safely.
- Explain the procedures to patients, answer questions or concerns and ensure that they feel comfortable and at ease.
How is being a phlebotomist a unique healthcare career?
Being a phlebotomist is a unique and rewarding career where you’ll be able to work in a range of settings from hospitals to clinics and laboratories.
Not only is it an important role as you’re collecting blood samples for diagnosis, treatment and patient care, but it’s also a role that will require strong interpersonal skills as you’ll need to communicate with patients to ensure that they understand the procedure or calm them down if they’re feeling nervous.
In comparison to other healthcare careers, the training time to become a phlebotomist is shorter. In just six months of full-time study, you can earn a certification that qualifies you to work as a phlebotomist making it an accessible pathway if you’re looking to quickly enter the healthcare field.
Phlebotomists make an average annual salary of $51,000 per year. Phlebotomists in South Australia make the highest average annual salary with an average of $75,000 per year.
How to become a phlebotomist in Australia?
The path to becoming a phlebotomist in Australia is relatively straightforward, you would need to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree or a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course
The first step to becoming a phlebotomist is to either get a bachelor’s degree in fields such as science, biotechnology or pharmaceutical science or complete a Certificate III in Pathology Collection. - Complete additional short courses
To further enhance your skills, you can also complete additional short courses such as a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques. You may also need to take additional short courses if you will be taking samples other than blood, it would also be helpful to obtain a first aid certificate.
8. Dental technician
What does a dental technician do?
A dental technician helps with creating, modifying and repairing dental appliances or devices. Specifically they:
- Use impressions of the patient’s mouth to make a wide range of appliances such as dentures, mouthguards, splints, removable orthodontic appliances and more.
- Make replacement braces or retainers for a patient using plastic, ceramic or metal materials.
- Assist with repairing appliances such as dentures or other appliances that don’t fit.
- Polish and finish braces or retainers before they are placed inside a patient’s mouth.
How is being a dental technician a unique healthcare career?
As a dental technician, you’ll get to work behind the scenes with advanced technology and materials, creating customised dental appliances to improve the oral health and quality of life of patients.
It’s a unique job that combines technical skills and creative craftsmanship and your work will be varied as you’ll craft everything from crowns and bridges to dentures, implants, mouthguards and more.
If you’re someone who enjoys working with tools and equipment, has good attention to detail and has an artistic flair for form and design, you may be interested in a career as a dental technician.
The average salary of a dental technician in Australia ranges from $75,000 to $85,000 annually. Dental technicians in Sydney are paid the most in Australia, earning an average of $85,000 annually.
How to become a dental technician in Australia?
To become a dental technician in Australia, you would need to:
- Obtain a Diploma of Dental Technology
You can complete a Diploma of Dental Technology through a registered training organisation, TAFE or university. The course will provide you with the specialised skills and knowledge to work as a dental technician in a diverse range of settings. - Expand your skill set with a bachelor’s degree
If you’d like to have more hands-on experience, you can consider pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Technology where you’ll get to further develop your skills and learn from registered and experienced dental technicians.
9. Prosthetist
What does a prosthetist do?
A prosthetist builds, fits and maintains artificial limbs and other devices. They also:
- Examine and assess clients, taking the necessary measurements to create an artificial limb, splint or other related device.
- Provide advice and feedback to other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Test, recalibrate and adjust the device for functional improvement or to increase comfort.
- Carry out repairs and follow-ups with the patient to evaluate the effectiveness of the artificial device.
How is being a prosthetist a unique healthcare career?
It’s a unique career as not only will you be working closely with patients to ensure that they have a device that restores their function and improves mobility, but it’s also a role that requires a good understanding of biomechanics, technology and materials science.
In addition, you’ll get to make a huge impact on someone’s life as you’ll have the opportunity to help people regain their confidence and independence.
As a prosthetist, you will also get to practise across a wide range of health settings from public and private hospitals to rehabilitation facilities, universities and more.
Prosthetists make an average annual salary of $75,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
How to become a prosthetist in Australia?
To become a prosthetist in Australia, you would need to:
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree
Complete a Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics or similar. Currently, all courses offered in Australia are accredited by the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA). - Become a member of the AOPA
Once you have completed your degree, you will need to meet a variety of other certification requirements such as recency of practice before applying for membership with the AOPA. - Apply for jobs
After becoming a member of the AOPA, you can start applying for jobs through platforms like SEEK and Indeed. Job opportunities are also frequently posted on the AOPA website.
10. Medical laboratory scientist
What does a medical laboratory scientist do?
A medical laboratory scientist analyses biological samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. Some of their tasks and duties include:
- Preparing blood, fluid and tissue samples for microscopic examinations before testing and analysing these samples.
- Advising medical professionals on test results and methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
- Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring that it meets quality and safety standards.
- Developing new methods for laboratory testing and applying the latest technology improvements.
How is being a medical laboratory scientist a unique healthcare career?
In this unique career which blends science, technology and patient care, you’ll be working behind the scenes conducting tests on everything from blood to bodily fluids, genetic material and tissues.
You’ll also work with advanced technology and play an important role in detecting diseases, monitoring treatment progress and ensuring accurate results.
If you’re someone with good attention to detail that enjoys problem-solving and working within a team environment, you may enjoy working as a medical laboratory scientist.
Medical laboratory scientists earn an average salary of $70,000 to $75,000 per year, though this can differ depending on location and experience.
How to become a medical laboratory scientist in Australia?
Here are the steps to becoming a medical laboratory scientist:
- Complete a relevant bachelor’s degree
To start, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in medical science, medical laboratory science, biomedical science or similar that is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). - Become a member of AIMS
Once you have completed a degree accredited by AIMS, you will be eligible for the category of graduate member.
If you would like to be eligible for the professional category of membership, depending on the program studied, you would need to complete at least one or two years of postgraduate medical pathology laboratory experience. - Apply for jobs
Once you have received your AIMS membership, you can begin applying for jobs on platforms such as SEEK or Indeed. Job opportunities are also regularly posted on the AIMS website.
11. Case manager
What does a case manager do?
A case manager monitors care and services for individuals that have disabilities, chronic illness or other special needs. Specifically they:
- Provide a variety of services such as developing service plans, providing resources and advocating for clients.
- Work with clients to identify their needs, create a plan and ensure that it is implemented.
- Provide support, guidance and assistance to both clients and their families.
- Maintain accurate records, document client progress, set schedules and report on progress.
How is being a case manager a unique healthcare career?
It’s a unique role as it requires coordination, advocacy and personalised care to help clients access the resources they require or connect them with professionals that can provide further assistance.
As a case manager, you can also work in a multitude of fields from healthcare to social work, aged care, education, community services and more.
This career is well suited to someone that has strong communication and organisational skills, empathy, time management and problem-solving abilities.
A case manager earns between $80,000 to $90,000 per year in Australia, though this is dependent on location, experience and industry.
How to become a case manager in Australia?
To become a case manager in Australia, you would need to:
- Obtain a degree in community services or social work
You can complete a Certificate III in Community Services or consider completing a Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Community Services or similar. - Get a relevant licence or certificate
Depending on the field you’d like to work in, you may require additional licence or certifications. For example,if you’d like to work in the home and community care sector, you may require an ambulance or paramedic qualification. - Get a case management certificate
While it is not required, getting a case management certificate can help with boosting professional credibility. You can get the certificate by completing the Case Management Society of Australia & New Zealand & Affiliates (CMSA) exam and meeting the eligibility requirements. - Pursue further studies
If you’d like to extend and enhance your practical skills, you can consider pursuing a postgraduate degree such as a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from the University of Canberra.
This course is also suitable for individuals that have a bachelor’s degree from a related area of study such as allied health, psychology and counselling.
12. Sleep scientist
What does a sleep scientist do?
A sleep scientist assists with diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders. Specifically they:
- Are responsible for performing a variety of tests with instruments and equipment which may include an oximetry, electrocardiography (ECG) and electroencephalography (EEG).
- Produce high quality data measurements and use this for the interpretation, analysis and reporting of sleep disorders.
- Conduct regular equipment calibration and maintenance testing to ensure readings and variables are reported correctly.
- Provide high quality patient care in a professional and supportive manner.
How is being a sleep scientist a unique healthcare career?
As a sleep scientist, you’ll play an important role in enhancing a patient’s quality of life as you’ll assist with identifying and treating sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia and more.
It’s unique as you’ll not only be working overnight in a dark and quiet setting, but you may also be doing so in a specialised sleep lab.
If you want to make a positive impact on a patient’s sleep quality and have good analytical, problem-solving, technical and communication skills, you may want to consider a career as a sleep scientist.
Sleep scientists make an average of $80,000 annually, though this is dependent on experience and location.
How to become a sleep scientist in Australia?
To become a sleep scientist in Australia, you would need to:
- Complete an undergraduate degree
Complete a bachelor’s degree in biomedical, health science or similar with a physiology component. Some degrees come with a placement component where you can try to get sleep placement experience in an accredited sleep laboratory. - Gain relevant work experience
You can start working as a sleep scientist after you’ve completed your undergraduate degree, however certain roles will require additional certifications such as basic life support and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. -
Get membership with the Australian and New Zealand Sleep Science Association (ANZSSA)
Some jobs may require you to have ANZSSA membership. In order to be eligible for an ordinary membership with ANZSSA, you would need to have at least one year of working experience in the field of sleep science.
Pursuing a unique healthcare career
Each of the careers mentioned above stands out in its own way, offering opportunities that are different to traditional healthcare roles.
These roles also cater to a variety of interests and skill sets, allowing you to find a role that aligns with your strengths and passions while still making an impact in the healthcare sector.
At GlobalHealth Education, we offer a range of online healthcare courses offered by our university partners in counselling, mental health, nursing, psychology, public health, social work and leadership and management.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, feel free to select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
