Where to Start
So, you’ve decided to look into a career in health – well done, that could be the first step towards something very cool indeed. Now all you have to do is figure out where to start!
Still at school? Make science your thing. Learn it, own it, be it. This is the most important subject for health careers, so if you take at least one Science through to Year 13 (Biology, Physics, or Chemistry) you will be able to apply for most health-related university courses.
As well as Science, though, keep working hard on your Maths and English. These subjects will help you with most university applications, and other useful subjects are Te Reo Maaori, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education.
Ask your careers advisor for more information on what subjects you can take at your school.
Not all health professions need university qualifications, so whether you want to get an education first, study as you go or jump straight into a health career it’s up to you. Look around into what you may be interested in. Ask around as well for information regarding health careers and find what is right for you. There has never been a better time to get into a health career. There are several scholarships available too.
If it feels right for you - do it… So “Whatcha gonna Do?
Health Roles not requiring immediate university study
Clinical (patient contact):
- Anaesthetic Technician
- Cardiac Technician
- Community Health Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Dental Assistant
- Psych Assistant
- Health Promotion Officer
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Peer Support Specialist
- Perfusionist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Renal Technician
- Therapy Assistant (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, other allied health)
Non-Clinical:
- Attendant/Orderly
- Boilerman
- Cleaner
- Clinical Coder
- Clerical/Administrative Staff/ Ward Clerk/Booking Clerk
- Cook/Kitchen Assistant
- Call Centre Operator
- Driver
- Gardener/Groundsman
- Laundry Worker
- Maintenance Worker (electrician, engineer, fitter, carpenter, plumber)
- Mailroom staff
- Medical Records Staff
- Payroll Staff
- Sterile Supply Assistant
- Storemen
- Switchboard Operator/Telephonist
- Technician (Biomedical, electronics, instrument)
Thinking about University?
So you’ve made it through high school – well done! If you are still not sure which health career you’d like to get into, check out the videos below to help you choose your career.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104336606249224
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104336546249230
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104336496249235
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104335852915966
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104335196249365
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104334372916114
You could be like Anaru, our primo social worker helping the South Auckland community, or you could be just like Rio, who is quite possibly the coolest Occupational Therapist in New Zealand.
So go on have a look, there is a health career for everyone at CMDHB.
If you have decided what health career you want why not download the “Health Occupation Summary” for qualification and training information.