Australia’s aging population: why NOW is the time to study aged care
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, we’re getting older!
The stats suggest that the percentage of older Australians has been steadily increasing ever since 1967. In fact, the percentage of people over the age of 65 has skyrocketed from 9% of the population in 1927 to a whopping 15% in 2017.
According to other studies, the number of Australians over the age of 65 is expected to rise even further to 22.9% by 2055.
Along with these stats comes the good news: with Australia’s aging population set to grow in the years to come, there’s never been a better time to study aged care!
A brief summary of Australia’s aging population
Australia’s median population in 1950 was 30 years old.
Today, that number is 37.9 … and by the year 2050, it’s expected to hit 41.8!
Population aging is a natural phenomenon in developed and wealthy countries, and Australia is no exception.
Part of the reason is improved medical science, as well as access to quality healthcare.
Seniors in Australia have access to a world-class health system, provided at low or no cost thanks to Medicare, which has increased life expectancy.
The second reason is low birth rates, with Australian families having fewer children than in the past.
Both of these factors have combined to elevate the average age in Australia. That means more elderly Australians – and of course, that also means greater demand for aged care services and aged care workers!
Why study aged care in Melbourne?
One word: job security.
The demand for aged care workers is climbing ever higher – after what we’ve just told you, can you really be that surprised?
If you’re still not convinced that aged care is a reliable career decision for you, just have a look at this study. To summarise, in 2016 there was 400% more job positions available in aged care than there were applicants.
In fact, the Department of Health believes that in order to accomodate for the aging population, a further 614,000 aged care positions will need to be created by 2050.
With numbers like those, aged care is an industry you’ll want to keep a very close eye on!
There are a variety of positions within the aged care field that are expected to see a significant increase in demand:
- Managers
- Carers
- Registered nurses
- Aged care chef
- Domestic staff
- Case managers
Whether you prefer more hands-on work or more behind the scenes positions, there’s a satisfying, rewarding spot for you in the industry.
Is aged care right for you?
As with any career move, it’s important that you carefully think through your options, and make sure you’re making a career move that you’re happy with before you commit to it.
So, is aged care right for you?
The first question you need to ask yourself before you decide to study aged care is whether you’re going to enjoy it.
In particular:
- Are you a kind, empathetic person?
- Is helping people important to you?
It’s also important that you ask yourself whether you’re comfortable in an environment that can sometimes be high pressure.
No two days are the same working in aged care, but if you’re up for the challenge and love the idea of an ever-changing work landscape, it seems that a career in aged care could be for you!
Like we said – no two days are the same, however here’s a snapshot of what just one day working in aged care may look like!
And now, it’s time for the final question: how do you kickstart your career in aged care?
With Academia’s aged care courses in Melbourne, of course!
Aged care courses in Melbourne
Like with many professions, getting your start in aged care starts with your training and education.
Academia offers courses for students eager to study aged care. Whether you’re about to complete high school, making a career change or looking to advance further in the industry, Academia has an aged care course for you.
Combining theoretical learning with hands-on training and real-world placements, our aged care courses in Melbourne give you all the tools needed to succeed!
Certificate III in Individual Support
Your rewarding career in aged care could start right here with the Certificate III in Individual Support.
You will learn important theoretical knowledge about different medical conditions, mental health as well as your legal duty of care.
This Certificate will also see you participating in workshops, classwork, and practical training exercises. During these workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning, as well as practice using mobility equipment.
In addition, you will be required to complete 120 to 150 hours of work placement, applying your knowledge in a real-world environment.
At Academia, we’re proud of our connections with leading aged care facilities in Melbourne, and will help you find suitable placement.
Upon completion of this course you can find employment as a home care worker, personal care assistant, or community support worker.
Click here to learn more about the Certificate III in Individual Support.
Certificate IV in aging Support
Once you have finished your Certificate III in Individual Support, you will have the option to pursue further study by completing the Certificate IV in aging Support.
This is the natural follow-up to your Certificate, and can help those already in the industry advance even further.
This course will build on the skills you already have, and allow you to better understand how to maintain an individual’s wellbeing and independence.
You will be required to complete 120 hours of work placement.
All of this is necessary to prepare you for more senior roles in aged care facilities, including specialised care or supervisory positions.
Click here to learn more about the Certificate IV in aging Support.
Study aged care with Academia: enrol in our aged care courses in Melbourne today!
Our aged care courses in Melbourne will kick-start your career and help you find employment in one of Australia’s fastest growing industries.
Unlike others, Academia is a mid-sized tertiary institution.
This means that you’ll receive more individualised attention in the classroom from our experienced instructors – you won’t get lost in a sea of students!
Interested in a career in aged care? Get in contact with Academia’s course advisors today – we’d love to chat.
Give us a call on the following numbers:
Alternatively, you can send us a quick enquiry form and we will be in touch.
