Sunshine Coast Health Institute

Students with an interest in health fields from years 10-12 attended a Careers Day at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute on Friday. Pacific students were one of only a few schools invited to attend on the day to learn about the scope of career opportunities across allied and health professional roles based at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The Sunshine Coast Health Institute is a partnership between USC, Griffith University, TAFE and the hospital and provide training opportunities to students enrolled in various health courses across both the University and TAFE.

Students watched a mock video sequence of an emergency patient arriving by helicopter at the hospital and the extent of health professions who are involved throughout this patient’s journey into emergency, theatre operations, intensive care, rehabilitation and discharge. Health professionals currently working within these roles also spoke to the students about their jobs, why they chose to work in that field and the pathways they took to enter that profession. Paramedics ran students through the basics of CPR awareness using their simulated dummies showing the messages the heart was sending to the brain.

The tertiary providers spoke to students after the session regarding future study and pathway options. A key message from the day was that there are always pathways into the health fields, even if you are not a top academic student, and that essential skills include the ability to work as a team and to communicate clearly. Some of the study options available on the Sunshine Coast include: Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Paramedic Science, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Dietetics and Nutrition, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science, Bachelor of Social Work, Diploma of Nursing, Certificate IV in Allied Health, Certificate III in Health Services Assistant, Certificate III in Individual Support and many more. Students can study a Certificate III in Basic Health Care at Pacific Lutheran College during the senior phase.

Mrs Natasha Purcell, Careers Counsellor