What is an AHA?
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) work under the supervision and delegation of an Allied Health professional to assist with therapeutic and program-related activities.
AHAs assist professions such as: Physiotherapists | Social workers | Occupational therapists | Speech pathologists. They play a vital role in providing high quality and safe Allied Health services under the Allied Health Assistant Framework.
Who can work as an AHA in Australia?
Working as an AHA is a great option for:
1. Overseas candidates who are fully qualified practitioners in their home country (e.g. OTs, Physios, Kinesiologists, Chiropractors), and are undertaking the Accreditation process to practice in Australia. In fact, some international candidates are opting to work as AHAs rather than becoming an AHPRA-accredited professional in Australia.
2. International students who need flexible work options. Historically, international students could work in Australia for upto 20 hours a week. At the time of writing, this has been temporarily relaxed by the Australian government, so they can work even more.
3. Australian-based graduates who are yet to complete their degree.
In the past, the best role for someone in this position would have been a Physio assistant, for instance. Now you can work as an AHA.
Why are there more work opportunities for AHAs?
There is growing demand for AHAs due to an ageing population, attrition of Allied Health Personnel to international waters or retirement and the growth of NDIS Providers. The pool of new Allied Health personnel who are job-seeking has not grown substantially over the years.
OTs and Physios in particular are in high demand. They can get exhausted or burnt out over time. It can be physically and mentally draining work, and can take its toll on a full-time OT or Physio. AHAs can lighten some of the load.
Since a lot of employers are experiencing intense staff shortages, many are open to hiring AHAs to do remote work.
Where do AHAs fit in?
Take a Physio working under the NDIS scheme, as an example. Once they create an approved rehab plan, it needs to be taught and implemented via an induction. A Physio is needed for all these stages, but once the plan is created, the Physio does not need to be present with the client every time they exercise; someone else can assist the client with their exercises. A Telehealth consultation with an AHA can be set up, so the client can be supervised and assisted remotely.
BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN AHA
It pays well
AHA roles pay really well! Plus, when you work as an AHA you’re getting paid good money to do a real-world job that you’re currently training for. These positions are so valued that you could be earning up to $65k a year as an AHA while you’re a first year student – better than hospitality!
A foot in the door
If you’re a student studying for a particular degree, and/or awaiting your AHPRA accreditation, you could initially be hired by an employer as an AHA. But once you’re fully accredited, you could be hired full-time by that same employer in your area of Allied Health qualification. It’s a great stepping stone.
Flexible hours
AHA work tends to be very flexible, thanks to the growth of the NDIS. After-work, before-work and weekend work are readily available. Many students find that they can even fit work in between lectures and tutorials on weekdays.
HOW TO BECOME AN AHA
1. Firstly, you’ll need to complete the relevant courses or qualifications. In many cases, your degree should qualify you.
2. Go online and register with employers seeking AHA’s such as MABLE. Mable is like the Uber of NDIS. You create a profile, then let the platform match you with clients who are seeking AHAs.
3. Interview with Employers or the clients and off you go!
OR contact us at Medijobs Australia. We can help you find an AHA role that could position you perfectly for your current needs and future career.
It’s a win-win for everyone!
If becoming an AHA sounds like something you’d like to explore, give us a call. We can talk you through exactly what an AHA does, and organise interviews with some excellent employers.
Text us on 0432 412 644 | Call us on 1300 905 373 | Email info@medijobs.com and one of our team will call you back.
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