Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Allied Health delivers a broad curriculum covering the core knowledge and practical skills that underpin allied health practice. Typical subjects include human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment and screening, evidence-based practice and health research methods, communication and professional practice, public and community health, health promotion, ethics and cultural safety.

Practical and skills-based units commonly feature simulated clinical workshops, laboratory-based anatomy sessions, multidisciplinary case studies and structured professional practice placements in community, hospital and aged-care settings. The degree emphasises clinical reasoning, interprofessional teamwork, person-centred care and the application of research to practice.

• Foundations of human structure and function
• Clinical assessment and screening skills
• Health research methods and evidence-based practice
• Communication, ethics and professional practice
• Health promotion and community-based care
• Simulated clinical skills and supervised placements

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Allied Health typically requires completion of senior secondary schooling (senior high certificate/Year 12 or equivalent) with demonstrated competency in English. ACU also accepts applicants through alternative pathways including recognised prior learning, bridging programs and a mature‑age entry process. International applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements.

As components of the degree include workplace-based placements, successful applicants will generally need to satisfy additional requirements before placement such as background checks (for example police or working with children checks), up-to-date immunisation records and completion of any prescribed health and safety training.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Allied Health have a range of career options. Many use the degree as a direct pathway into postgraduate professional programs (for example physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology or podiatry) where they undertake professional training and registration. Others enter the workforce as allied health assistants, rehabilitation or disability support workers, health promotion officers, community health workers, clinical research assistants or roles in aged care and rehabilitation services.

The course is designed to build practical skills and workplace readiness, making graduates attractive to hospitals, community health services, private allied health practices, disability service providers and non-government organisations. The degree also provides a foundation for further study in public health, health research and health management.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers an allied health degree with an emphasis on practical learning and community engagement. Teaching is delivered by staff with clinical and research experience and the university provides access to anatomy laboratories, simulation suites and interprofessional learning activities. ACU campuses maintain strong links with local hospitals, community health services and aged-care providers to support supervised placements and employment connections.

The university also highlights small class sizes, personalised student support and a focus on ethical, person-centred care. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in community outreach, clinical simulation and collaborative learning with other health disciplines, preparing them for multidisciplinary practice in a range of health settings.