Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health could be a good choice for you if you like variety because it covers all aspects of health care. You could find yourself working with individuals, families and communities, and sometimes alongside health professionals like doctors, nurses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers might work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health organisations, Aboriginal Medical Services, Aboriginal Health Services and a range of hospital and health services. In some areas you’ll be able to get a job with a Certificate III qualification, but in others employers may prefer you to have a Certificate IV qualification.

It is important that you identify as either Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to go into these courses and careers because you will need to be able to show (and give evidence) that you identify, are, and are accepted in the community where you live or did live, as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Below is an example of a pathway that gives you some options you might want to look at if you either want to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health work by getting a taste, or get started in a job in health. Everyone has their own journey. Where you start and where you end is up to you!

You can complete a Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice to become a Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner.

For career opportunities within Mental Health or Alcohol and Other Drugs, there are a range of qualifications to select from including:

• Certificate IV in Mental Health or Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Diploma in Mental Health or Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs