2.5 minute read
For years, travel locum work has been a well-known career path for doctors and nurses – but for allied health professionals, career visibility and opportunities have lagged behind.
That’s changing fast! With more allied health practitioners discovering that for those prepared to travel and work where demand is highest locum roles provide lucrative earning opportunities.
So, what’s driving this growing demand for allied health locums? This is due to a myriad of factors, including:
1. Shift in Care
The healthcare industry is shifting towards preventative and rehabilitative care. Ageing populations, chronic disease, and the need to lower hospital readmissions are driving this change. As a result, demand for allied health professionals is rising as patients and health systems focus on early intervention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.
2. Expanded roles and responsibilities within allied health care
The roles of allied health professionals are expanding as healthcare systems adapt to new challenges. Allied health practitioners are taking on greater responsibilities in diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term care. This shift reflects a broader move towards multidisciplinary teams, where physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and other allied health specialists work alongside doctors and nurses to deliver more holistic care.
3. Allied Professional Shortages
Australia-wide shortages in multiple professions can result in services not being viable without ongoing locum support. Some communities may have to do without a podiatrist, speech pathologist or sonographer for an extended period without locums filling the gap.
4. Rural & Remote Recruitment Challenges
Many regional and rural communities face challenges in attracting senior and experienced allied health practitioners to permanent roles. Limited access to education, healthcare, and social opportunities for families often makes it difficult to recruit and retain professionals in these areas.
5. Locum Demand
When a sole allied health professional resigns in a regional or rural team, the impact is immediate. With only one practitioner covering critical services, vacancies can leave entire communities without essential care. This creates an urgent demand for locum staff, who step in to maintain continuity of services and prevent treatment delays. Locum placements have become a vital solution in bridging these sudden workforce gaps.
6. Metro Preference
Many newer allied health practitioners are choosing to begin their careers in metropolitan areas rather than regional or rural communities. Metro locations often offer greater access to professional development, mentorship, and lifestyle opportunities, making them more attractive for graduates. As a result, regional healthcare providers face ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining emerging talent, widening the gap in allied health services outside major cities.
Allied health professionals play a crucial role in providing comprehensive patient care. With increasing needs across various patient populations, allied health roles are more important than ever. How will you choose to spend your career?
Ready to make your impact on remote and rural Australia? Register with Affinity today!