According to the Bureau of Statistics, the 2016 Census of Population and Housing found that the Health Care and Social Assistance industry was the largest employer in Australia.
Over the last 15 years, employment rates and job security haven’t always been on steady ground, but the healthcare workforce has made the most significant contribution to the nation’s workforce.
It’s not just about quantity though – the healthcare industry is ticking boxes in quality too. The same 2016 Census found that around 75% of workers within the sector hold a post-school qualification. That’s impressively above the national average (around 56% of Australians in 2016), and shows just how well-educated this invaluable sector is.
Australia's heathcare the second best in the world
A recent report from The Commonwealth Fund has found that Australia has the second most highly ranked health system in the world, just behind the UK. They measured many factors to calculate an overall ranking; care process, access, administrative efficiency, equity, and health outcomes – to name a few.
Australia did the best in administrative efficiency and health outcomes (taking out the top spot for both) and came second in the care process.
It’s interesting that the areas in which Australia flourish are quite strongly correlated with the people who make the healthcare system tick along.
Access and equity - where we fell short (placing 4th and 8th respectively) is more systemic, with overarching limitations beyond the control of those on the ground. For the level of care and consequent health outcomes, however, the credit is owed to our nurses, doctors, aged care workers, and allied healthcare professionals.
Make an impact
Overall, it’s clear that the healthcare sector has made a hugely positive impact in many areas, including Australia’s changing attitude towards mental health, the overall quality of care, and the economy. Trends suggest that growth will continue in greater magnitude still, ensuring even more significant change to come in the next years and even decades.
It’s our passion at Southern Cross University to continue to inspire and educate future healthcare leaders, who can complete their degrees feeling equipped to make their mark on the industry.
We have a range of postgraduate degrees for people who work in healthcare and are looking to take the next step in their career. Our 100% online courses feature no on-campus requirements:
• Master of Healthcare Leadership
• Master of Mental Health
• Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
• Master of Mental Health Nursing
• Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
If you want to find out more about what degree is right for you, get in touch with our Student Enrolment team on 1300 863 819.
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