As we hit the midpoint of 2025, Australia’s healthcare job market remains highly active, with strong demand for both clinical and allied health roles. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, healthcare and social assistance is still the largest and fastest-growing industry in the country, with employment projected to increase well into the 2030s.
New graduates entering the field now will find a system that is adapting to several forces:
An ageing population driving demand in aged care and chronic disease management
Increased investment in regional and remote healthcare services
More funding for public hospitals and community health programs under state and federal initiatives
Expanded use of digital health and telehealth platforms post-COVID
This creates a strong landscape for those seeking healthcare jobs for new graduates, especially in roles such as assistant in nursing (AIN), graduate registered nurses, radiographers, sonographers, and allied health clinicians (including physios, OTs, and dietitians).
Healthcare is one of the few sectors where graduates can step into meaningful work immediately after finishing their studies. Below are some of the most accessible and high-demand entry-level healthcare jobs for new graduates in Australia:
Assistant in Nursing (AIN) – A common starting point in aged care, hospitals, and disability services. Often used by students or new grads pursuing nursing registration.
Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) – Public and private hospitals across Australia offer annual graduate RN programs, typically starting mid-year and early year. These offer rotations, mentorship, and guided clinical development.
Radiographer – Qualified diagnostic radiographers (with AHPRA registration) are in demand, particularly in imaging clinics and regional health services.
Sonographer – New graduates who’ve completed accredited ultrasound programs are entering one of the most specialised and high-paying areas of healthcare.
Allied Health roles – Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, social workers, and dietitians are highly sought-after, especially in NDIS, aged care, and community rehab sectors.
Some employers also offer transition programs for graduate allied health professionals, helping new clinicians develop confidence and competence within multidisciplinary teams.
Healthcare employers in Australia are hiring new grads based on a mix of technical qualification and work-readiness. Whether you’re applying for a role as an AIN, RN, radiographer, or in an allied health discipline, here’s what you’ll need:
Clinical placement experience – Employers expect new grads to have completed practical placements, ideally in diverse settings like hospitals, aged care, or community health.
Registration and compliance – Most clinical roles require AHPRA registration, along with police checks, NDIS Worker Screening Check, and up-to-date immunisations.
Soft skills – Strong communication, cultural competence, and a collaborative mindset are must-haves in today’s patient-centred care environments.
Technology proficiency – From using electronic medical records (e.g., Best Practice, Cerner) to performing digital imaging procedures, being tech-savvy is a plus.
Flexibility and regional mobility – Willingness to relocate or work in rural/regional areas can significantly boost your employment prospects and access to graduate placements.
This is especially true for graduate radiographers and allied health clinicians, where urban positions are competitive, and rural health services often offer better access to full-time, permanent roles.
Tips for Landing Your First Healthcare Job
Applying for healthcare jobs for new graduates in Australia is competitive, but there are plenty of opportunities, especially if you approach the job search strategically:
Apply for structured graduate programs early – Most public hospital graduate nurse programs open 6–9 months in advance. Allied health and imaging employers often have similar timelines.
Be regionally open – Explore NSW Health’s rural incentives, QLD’s Remote Area Nurse program, or Victoria’s community health graduate schemes. Rural jobs often come with relocation support and professional development funding.
Tailor your resume and cover letter – Align your skills with the specific needs of the role. If applying for a radiographer job, emphasise imaging modalities and clinical exposure.
Highlight placement outcomes – Be specific about where you did placements, what you learned, and how you contributed. For example, “Completed 120 hours at a regional radiology centre using GE CT and MRI systems.”
Network with your supervisors – Many graduates receive job offers through preceptors or clinical educators. Don’t hesitate to ask about job openings before your placement ends.
Most importantly, check job boards like HealthJobs, Seek Healthcare, and your state’s health careers portal (e.g., NSW Health Careers, SA Health Jobs) for AIN, RN, and allied health listings.
One of the most exciting aspects of working in healthcare is the career progression potential. Most healthcare jobs for new graduates act as gateways to specialised roles or leadership opportunities. Here’s what career growth might look like:
AIN to RN to Nurse Practitioner – Many AINs study while working, progressing through enrolled nursing and into registered nurse roles, eventually specialising or advancing into nurse practitioner status.
Radiographer to Advanced Modality Specialist – Graduate radiographers often develop into CT, MRI, or interventional radiography experts within 2–5 years, especially in hospitals or tertiary centres.
Sonographer to Clinical Educator or Vascular Specialist – Ultrasound professionals can deepen their skill set or take on teaching and training roles.
Allied Health Clinicians into Team Leads or Private Practice – Physiotherapists, OTs, and speech pathologists often move into managerial roles or set up private clinics after gaining experience.
Graduate RNs into Clinical Nurse Consultants or Nurse Unit Managers – With experience and postgrad study, RNs can move into senior clinical or operational roles.
There’s also strong demand for clinicians willing to train in mental health, indigenous health, aged care, and rehabilitation fields, all offering stable employment and impactful work.
Sleep is often viewed as optional in today’s busy world, but science tells a different story. Quality sleep is as essential to survival as food, water, and oxygen. While many
READ MORE
Sitting for hours in front of a computer is a reality for millions of workers worldwide. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in three adults spends
READ MORE
Walking often gets dismissed as “too easy” to count as real exercise. Walking can seem almost outdated in an age where high-intensity interval training, gym memberships, and wearable fitness technology
READ MORE
The phrase “sitting is the new smoking” has become a wake-up call for millions. While most people are aware of the dangers of smoking, far fewer recognise the risks tied
READ MORE