263 Allied Health Science Professionals
263 Allied Health Science Professionals
Conduct and utilise diagnostic tests and operate equipment to assess and treat illnesses and disabilities, provide health and nutritional therapy and advice, dispense and administer pharmaceuticals, and detect, manage and treat hearing and vision problems and diseases.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
2631 Medical Radiation Practitioners
Operate X-ray and other radiation producing and imaging equipment for diagnostic, monitoring and treatment purposes under the direction of Radiologists and other Medical Practitioners.
Sonographers are excluded from this unit group. Sonographers are included in Occupation 263531 Sonographer.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
263131 Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Prepares and administers radionuclides or radiopharmaceuticals to detect, diagnose or treat diseases, using specialised imaging equipment.
Registration or licensing is required.
Alternative title
- Nuclear Medicine Scientist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals or radionuclides to patients for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
- Operates and performs quality control on imaging equipment, including positron emission tomograpy/computed tomography (PET/CT), PET/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI), Gamma Cameras, single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) cameras and bone density scanners
- Produces and analyses diagnostic images to identify abnormalities or diseases
- Maintains detailed records of patients' procedures
- Adheres to safety standards for the appropriate use, storage and disposal of radioactive materials
- Provides patient education and instructions regarding imaging procedures and preparations, and provides patients with assistance during procedures
263132 Radiation Therapist
Operates high energy X-ray and other radiation and electron generating and monitoring equipment to administer radiation treatment for medical purposes.
Registration or licensing is required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Administers radiation therapy to patients using complex equipment, according to prescribed treatment plans
- Collaborates with Medical Oncologists and other Health Professionals to develop individual treatment plans that provide the greatest effect on disease, with minimal effect to healthy tissue
- Monitors patients closely throughout treatment to ensure comfort and addresses concerns
- Explains procedures to patients and families about radiation therapy procedures and potential side effects
- Ensures radiation therapy equipment is properly maintained and calibrated
- Keeps up to date with advancements in radiation therapy technology and techniques
263133 Radiographer
Operates X-ray and other medical imaging equipment to produce images for medical diagnostic purposes.
Registration or licensing is required.
Alternative titles
- Diagnostic Radiographer
- Medical Imaging Technologist
Specialisations
- Mammographer
- Medical Radiation Scientist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Operates a variety of imaging equipment such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, nuclear scans and ultrasound, to produce diagnostic images
- Ensures patient safety and comfort during imaging procedures
- Positions and adjusts patients and selects appropriate image techniques and settings to achieve optimal image quality
- Evaluates images for technical quality and accuracy
- Collaborates with Radiologists and other Medical Practitioners to interpret and analyse imaging results
- Prepares findings for Medical Practitioners to interpret for medical diagnostic purposes
2632 Nutrition Professionals
Apply the science of food and human nutrition to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and human populations, and to help prevent and treat various illnesses and diseases.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
263231 Dietitian
Applies the science of food and human nutrition to promote health, prevent and treat illness and disease, and to optimise the health of individuals, groups, communities and populations.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Nutritionists are excluded from this occupation. Nutritionists are included in Occupation 263232 Nutritionist.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Assesses the dietary needs of individuals and groups, and develops customised dietary plans
- Provides individualised nutrition advice to people with a range of health conditions
- Explains the relationship between food and health to attain and maintain people's health
- Plans menu options and manages the preparation of special meals or diets
- Provides guidance on food selection and preparation to individuals and groups
- Monitors and evaluates the progress of individuals on dietary plans
- Maintains accurate and confidential records of people's health when following dietary plans
- Provides primary, secondary and tertiary health care in settings that include hospitals and palliative care facilities
263232 Nutritionist
Integrates, disseminates and applies knowledge drawn from the relevant sciences to enhance positive effects of food on the health and wellbeing of human populations.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Dietitians are excluded from this occupation. Dietitians are included in Occupation 263231 Dietitian.
Specialisation
- Clinical Nutritionist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Plans, implements and evaluates public health nutrition policies, programs and initiatives
- Assesses the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, and develops customised nutrition plans such as dietary modification and supplementation, to promote health and prevent, or support the remediation of, illness or disease
- Explains the relationship between nutrition and health to attain and maintain people's health
- Conducts research on the relationship between nutrition and health
- Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of nutrition plans
- Provides guidance on food selection and preparation to individuals and groups
- Develops and delivers nutrition education materials and presentations
- Provides primary and secondary health care in settings that include community health centres and specialised clinics
2633 Optometrists
Perform eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular and other abnormalities, ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribe lenses, other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
263331 Optometrist
Performs eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular and other abnormalities, ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribes lenses, other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases.
Registration or licensing is required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Performs eye examinations and vision tests to assess visual acuity, detect abnormalities and diagnose refractive errors
- Evaluates and manages ocular diseases and conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration
- Prescribes and fits contact lenses and other optical aids to improve vision
- Provides education to patients on eye health and proper eye care
- Collaborates with other health care professionals to manage systemic diseases with ocular manifestations
- Administers and prescribes therapeutic treatments and medications to treat eye diseases, superficial injuries and conditions
- Performs minor surgical procedures such as removing foreign bodies from the eye
2634 Pharmacists
Apply in-depth knowledge of medicines and medication management to ensure the safe use of medicines, and optimise health outcomes by contributing to prescribing, dispensing, administering, monitoring and evaluating medicine therapy.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
263431 Community Pharmacist
Dispenses prescribed pharmaceuticals to the public, educates customers on health promotion, disease prevention and the proper use of medicines, and sells non-prescription medicines and related goods in a community pharmacy.
Registration or licensing is required.
Alternative title
- Retail Pharmacist
Specialisation
- Compounding Pharmacist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Reviews prescriptions and patients' medicine histories to ensure optimal dosage, methods of administration and drug compatibility before dispensing
- Prepares or supervises the preparation and labelling of liquid medicines, topical medicines and other medications to fill prescriptions
- Provides guidance to patients on medications, drug incompatibility, contraindications and lifestyle measures to prevent and assist with management of medication and medical conditions
- Supplies non-prescription medicines, and diagnostic and therapeutic aids
- Maintains records of the supply of prescription medicines, controlled drugs and other restricted substances
- Advises prescribers on therapeutic suitability, drug incompatibility and contraindications of medicines
- Stores and preserves vaccines, serums and other drugs subject to deterioration
- Prescribes and administers medications and treatments within the scope of pharmacy practice compounds, and manufactures medicines when preparations are not available
- Supervises and coordinates the work of pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns and pharmacy sales assistants
263432 Hospital Pharmacist
Prepares, dispenses, reviews and monitors medication of individual patients, and provides medication-related advice to patients in a multidisciplinary team of Health Professionals to deliver safe, patient-centred care in a hospital or clinical setting.
Registration or licensing is required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Obtains medication histories, reviews inpatient charts and medication action plans, and administers and prescribes medications to ensure quality use of medicines
- Provides medication information to doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, patients and carers
- Facilitates the safe continuity of medication management and counselling to patients and carers on discharge from hospital
- Performs medication monitoring and adverse drug reaction management
- Collaborates with Health Professionals to develop medication management plans, including partnered pharmacist medication charting
- Maintains records of the supply of prescription medicines, controlled drugs and other restricted substances
- Supervises and coordinates the work of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns
- Stores and preserves vaccines, serums and other drugs subject to deterioration
- Participates in research, education, quality improvement activities, peer review and interdisciplinary ward rounds and meetings
- May compound and manufacture medicines when preparations are not available
2635 Sonographers
Examine patients and operate ultrasound equipment to acquire, interpret and selectively record anatomical images, physical data and real-time physiological information.
Cardiac technicians are excluded from this unit group. Cardiac technicians are included in Occupation 263932 Cardiac Physiologist.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
263531 Sonographer
Examines patients and operates ultrasound equipment to acquire, interpret and selectively record anatomical images, physical data and real-time physiological information.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Cardiac technicians are excluded from this occupation. Cardiac technicians are included in Occupation 263932 Cardiac Physiologist.
Specialisations
- Cardiac Sonographer
- Vascular Sonographer
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Makes adjustments to patient position, and operates and adjusts ultrasound equipment using appropriate settings to obtain optimal diagnostic images
- Analyses images and reports on findings for Medical Practitioners to interpret and provide diagnosis
- Explains procedures to patients, answers questions, and ensures safety and comfort throughout the examination
- Maintains and calibrates ultrasound equipment to ensure accuracy and quality of images
- Adheres to safety protocols and infection control measures during ultrasound procedures
2639 Other Allied Health Science Professionals
This unit group covers Allied Health Science Professionals not elsewhere classified. It includes Audiologists, Cardiac Physiologists, Diabetes Educators, Neurophysiology Scientists, Orthoptists and Respiratory and Sleep Scientists.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
263931 Audiologist
Provides diagnostic assessment and rehabilitative services for the non-medical management of hearing loss and balance function disorders.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Performs a range of assessments to measure hearing, auditory, balance and neural function, and tinnitus
- Interprets test results and provides recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation
- Prescribes and fits devices and aids such as hearing aids and other hearing assistive devices
- Provides support and guidance to individuals affected by communication difficulties in relation to ear and hearing health
- Collaborates with other hearing and Health Professionals in the application of implantable devices
263932 Cardiac Physiologist
Provides a range of clinical, technical and scientific services to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Cardiac sonographers are excluded from this occupation. Cardiac sonographers are included in Occupation 263531 Sonographer.
Alternative titles
- Cardiac Scientist
- Cardiac Technician
- Cardiac Technologist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Prepares patients and performs non-invasive cardiac tests and procedures
- Monitors and records cardiac output and blood flow during cardiac catheterisation procedures
- Assists with cardiac procedures such as balloon pump insertion and structural heart procedures
- Conducts comprehensive ultrasound examinations of the heart to assess overall anatomy and function of cardiac chambers, valves and large vessels
- Assists doctors during surgery by programming and testing pacemakers, defibrillators and heart rhythm monitors
- Offers technical support, advice, and recommendations to Health Professionals involved in managing cardiac device patients
- Works with doctors during electrophysiology studies to set up the diagnostic and interventional equipment
- Measures various heart signals, performs diagnostic protocols and creates maps of the heart to identify arrhythmia
- Operates equipment required for cryo and radio-frequency ablation
- Provides long-term follow up to ensure optimal performance of cardiac devices
263933 Diabetes Educator
Provides advice and delivers clinical diabetes education to people living with or at risk of developing diabetes.
Registration or licensing is required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Provides advice and education on the management of diabetes and diabetes-related complications
- Advises patients on proper use, safety and side effects of diabetes medication
- Educates patients on blood glucose monitoring
- Provides lifestyle and dietary modification advice to help support diabetes management
- Works collaboratively with other Health Professionals to implement strategies to prevent negative outcomes from diabetes
263934 Neurophysiology Scientist
Conducts routine and advanced neurophysiological investigations to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Undertakes neurophysiological tests for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders
- Interprets neurological referrals and tailors the procedure accordingly
- Collaborates with other medical and Health Professionals in the provision of neurological diagnostic services
- Maintains accurate and detailed records of procedures and test results for neurological patients
263935 Orthoptist
Diagnoses and manages eye movement, binocular vision disorders and ocular diseases, through orthoptic therapy and other non-surgical management for ocular conditions.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Assesses visual function, binocular vision and eye alignment
- Interprets diagnostic testing of visual function and detects eye disease
- Diagnoses eye movement and binocular vision disorders related to childhood strabismus or acquired through stroke, traumatic brain injury or other causes
- Prescribes and provides orthoptic therapy and other non-surgical management for those with eye movement disorders
- Prescribes glasses and low vision aids
- Provides visual rehabilitation for patients with low vision, including education and support with orthoptic and ophthalmic conditions
- Provides pre-, peri- and post-operative care for ophthalmic patients, including assisting in ophthalmic surgery and minor procedures
- Works collaboratively with Ophthalmologists to manage eye disease
- Coordinates and implements vision screening programs
263936 Respiratory or Sleep Scientist
Conducts lung function tests and sleep studies to support the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory and sleep disorders, in consultation with other medical professionals.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Performs routine and complex lung function tests, and overnight sleep studies and daytime tests to assess respiratory or sleep disorders
- Interprets and analyses respiratory function and sleep test data to provide accurate and timely reports
- Collaborates with other medical professionals to develop treatment plans based on test results
- Measures and evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions
- Calibrates and prepares equipment used in the performance of respiratory function and sleep tests, and maintains equipment to optimum hygiene standards
- May assist in the development and implementation of respiratory and sleep research projects
263999 Allied Health Science Professionals nec
This occupation group covers Allied Health Science Professionals not elsewhere classified.
Skill level: 1
Occupations in this group include:
- Melanographer