Published: 01/03/2025
Australia’s Fastest-Growing Healthcare Jobs in 2025
What are emerging roles?
Emerging roles in healthcare are new or rapidly expanding professions that have appeared in the Australian job market in recent years. These roles are growing quickly from a small base due to rising healthcare demands, technological advancements, and policy changes. They often represent new fields of work or specialised areas within existing healthcare occupations.
For skilled migrants, emerging healthcare roles present significant job opportunities and visa pathways. With critical shortages in aged care, allied health, and mental health services, Australia is actively seeking overseas-trained professionals to fill these gaps. Many of these roles qualify for employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482), skilled migration (Subclass 189/190), and regional work opportunities (Subclass 491).
Key Takeaways
| Emerging Healthcare Role | Job Growth (2023-2024) | In-Demand Skills | Visa Pathways for Migrants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Mental Health Worker | 5,200+ job ads in 2022 | Mental Health Support, Case Management | 482 (TSS Visa), 189 (Skilled Independent) |
| Allied Health Assistant | 2,300+ job ads | Patient Care, Physiotherapy Support | 186 (Employer Nomination), 491 (Regional Skilled Work) |
| Music Therapist | 400% job growth (2018-2022) | Music Therapy, Mental Health | 189 (Skilled Independent), 491 (Regional Work) |
| NDIS Support Coordinator | 1,260 employed (Census 2021) | Disability Services, Case Management | 482 (TSS Visa), 494 (Regional Employer-Sponsored) |
| Aged Care Worker | 16% projected industry growth | Personal Care, Aged Care Support | 482 (TSS Visa), 186 (PR Employer Sponsorship) |
Community Mental Health Worker
The demand for Community Mental Health Workers is rising, with 5,200+ job ads in 2022. Growth is driven by increased mental health awareness, government funding, and regional workforce shortages.
Key skills include mental health support, case management, and crisis intervention, making it a strong opportunity for skilled migrants seeking employer-sponsored or regional visas.
Visa Opportunities:
- Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) – Employer sponsorship.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – PR pathway for high-demand healthcare roles.
Allied Health Assistant
The demand for Allied Health Assistants is growing, with 2,300+ job ads in 2022. This rise is fueled by the increasing need for rehabilitation and aged care services, as well as greater task delegation by allied health professionals.
Key skills include patient care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy support, and rehabilitation assistance, making it a promising field for skilled migrants seeking employer-sponsored or regional work visas.
Visa Opportunities:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Direct PR sponsorship.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – High demand in regional Australia.
Music Therapist
The demand for Music Therapists has surged, with a 400% increase in job ads from 2018 to 2022. This growth is driven by the rising recognition of music therapy in mental health care and its expanding role in aged care and disability services.
Key skills include music therapy techniques, mental health support, and emotional well-being, making it an emerging career path for skilled migrants in healthcare and allied health professions.
Visa Opportunities:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – PR for highly skilled healthcare professionals.
- Regional Sponsored Work Visa (Subclass 491) – Strong demand outside metropolitan areas.
NDIS Support Coordinator
The demand for NDIS Support Coordinators is rising, with 1,260 professionals employed in 2021. Growth is driven by the expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and increased funding for disability support services.
Key skills include case management, NDIS plan coordination, and community support, creating strong opportunities for skilled migrants in disability and social services roles.
Visa Opportunities:
- Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) – Sponsorship by disability service providers.
- Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – PR pathway for regional jobs.
Aged Care Worker
The aged care sector is set to grow by 16%, driven by an ageing population and increased government funding. With rising demand for home and residential aged care services, key skills such as personal care, dementia support, and palliative care are essential.
This creates strong opportunities for skilled migrants, particularly in employer-sponsored and regional visa programs.
Visa Opportunities:
- Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) – Fast-track employment for skilled workers
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Permanent residency for experienced careers.
How Skilled Migrants Can Enter Australia’s Healthcare Industry
If you’re a healthcare worker seeking migration to Australia, This Is Australia can help you navigate the visa application process and find the best pathway for your skills and qualifications. Contact us today to explore your visa options and start your journey to Australia!
Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755
Or book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents .
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Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)
This visa, referred to as the TSS visa was introduced in March 2018 to replace the Temporary Work (skilled) subclass 457 visa which was abolished at the same time.
SkillSelect – Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
With the SkillSelect Independent visa, skilled workers can migrate to Australia without a sponsor. It's a points-based system that assesses your skills and experience. You must be under 45 and meet health and character requirements.
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