Build your career in medicine in Australia: jobs with post-study visa benefits

Are you considering a career in medicine in Australia? If so, now is the best time to take the leap and commit to the journey.

This is because Australia is currently experiencing a chronic shortage of doctors and specialists across the board. As the country deals with rising demands from an ageing population and more job vacancies waiting to be filled, there’s no doubt that plenty of opportunities in the medical field await.

On top of that, you can potentially stay on longer after graduation to seek out employment and accumulate valuable work experience thanks to an updated policy for students.

Why pursue a career in medicine in Australia

For anyone planning to study abroad in Australia, there are policies designed to let you work and establish your career in the country after graduation.

As of July 2023, the government has extended post-study work rights by an additional two years for international graduates with eligible qualifications, to address a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as education, healthcare, technology and agriculture.

The change includes:

• Selected bachelor’s degrees (extended to 4 years, up from 2 years)
• Selected master’s degrees (extended to 5 years, up from 3 years)
• All doctoral degrees (extended to 6 years, up from 4 years)

If you are an international student looking to work in the land Down Under, this is great news because it translates to more opportunities to accumulate valuable work experience there.

Read on for some of the most in-demand careers in medicine in Australia that can allow you to work longer upon completing your studies.

6 medicine careers in Australia to pursue

1. Specialist physician

As a specialist physician in Australia, you will possess expertise in a specific field of medicine, whether it be psychiatry, dermatology or urology.

Your key responsibilities revolve around helping your patients through evaluations, assessments and treatments of their specific conditions.

Depending on your specialisation, you could be working in specific hospital departments or private practices such as commercial and community clinics.

Average annual salary: AU$197,000

Career designation: Specialist Physician (General Medicine) (ANZSCO code 253311)

2. Cardiologist

As a cardiologist working in Australia, you’ll diagnose, treat, manage and prevent disorders or diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Your tasks include performing patient exams, conducting diagnostic testing as well as developing ongoing treatment and disease-management plans.

In addition, you may also sub-specialise in interventional procedures such as balloon angioplasty, echocardiography and electrophysiology.

Average annual salary: AU$200,000

Career designation: Cardiologist (ANZSCO code 253312)

3. Neurologist

To be a neurologist in Australia is to be a highly skilled medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

Your key duties include evaluating patients with neurological symptoms, conducting detailed physical examinations, collecting spinal fluid or other samples and developing treatment plans after identifying problems through neurological tests.

This is a highly lucrative career path in medicine. However, it requires extensive training and education to become a professional neurologist.

Average annual salary: AU$193,000

Career designation: Neurologist (ANZSCO code 253318)

4. Medical Oncologist

As a medical oncologist in Australia, you’ll work closely with patients who are diagnosed with cancer.

On top of diagnosing, you’ll also assess, treat and manage patient care throughout the entire course of the disease – from diagnosis all the way through the recovery or end-of-life care.

The goal of a medical oncologist is to provide the best possible outcome for these patients, either in the form of a cure or palliative care. You’ll be shouldering a significant responsibility that gives you the chance to make a lasting impact in someone’s life.

Average annual salary: AU$195,000

Career designation: Medical Oncologist (ANZSCO code 253314)

5. Paediatrician

If you are good with children or are keen on caring for them, then working as a paediatrician could be a great fit for you because you’ll specialise in caring for young lives – from babies to young children.

Primary duties of a paediatrician include providing general medical care, monitoring development and growth as well as administering immunisations for infants and children.

As a paediatrician in Australia, you will also diagnose and treat chronic conditions, helping to improve the quality of life for your young patients.

Average annual salary: AU$195,000

Career designation: Paediatrician (ANZSCO code 253321)

6. General Practitioner

General practitioners are the bread and butter of the medical industry. If you appreciate working with communities, becoming a GP might be the career path for you.

You will help diagnose and treat the diseases, common illnesses, physiological disorders and injuries of patients. These can be everyday ailments such as flu and fever to more involved situations such as minor surgery or vaccinations.

As a general practitioner in Australia, you will also address patients’ health-related queries and administer or prescribe appropriate treatment according to individual specific needs. This can include continuous care towards the management of your patient’s health.

Average annual salary: AU$209,000

Career designation: General Practitioner (ANZSCO code 253111)

Start now to establish your medicine career in Australia

Australia offers aspiring students a wealth of opportunities to develop a rewarding career in medicine. What’s more, you can now stay longer and develop a strong career bedrock in the country after graduation.

Are you ready to take the plunge and pursue your medical career in Australia? Let us help!

At IDP, our expert team of education counsellors will help you through the entire application process, from course selection to preparing your accommodation.

This means selecting the right course at the right institution and avoiding any pitfalls along the way. We’ll help guide you towards your best decision possible!

Get started with a free counselling session today. Enquire with us or hit the message button to drop us a question!