Diploma of Health

Nursing, naturopathy, sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, biomedical science, osteopathic studies ...there are so many career paths in health.

If you're uncertain about which one is right for you, our Diploma of Health can provide the clarity you need for your future as a health professional.

Graduates can seek professional outcomes in several areas, including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, lab assistants, and case workers. This Diploma is also an ideal pathway towards further study at Southern Cross University and provides guaranteed entry to a range of Bachelor degrees.

This course is offered through SCU College. Additional support through workshops to develop academic and study skills is available to all SCU College students.

Students select a specialisation of study to prepare them for further study in one of the following disciplines: sport and exercise science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychological science, biomedical science, osteopathic studies, naturopathy or nursing.

If you are interested in studying online, please note the following:

• For all specialisations, except for Psychological Science, some units will need to be completed on-campus as they are not available online. Some units also require mandatory on-campus attendance.

Additional points to note:

• The Biomedical Science and Osteopathic Studies specialisations are not currently offered at Coffs Harbour.
• All specialisations are available at the Gold Coast, except for naturopathic studies which is offered in Lismore.
• Check the individual specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered and mandatory on-campus attendance.
• Please note duration of the Diploma of Health may vary depending on unit availabilities. Full-time and part-time duration is indicative only. This also applies if you intend to pursue Bachelor studies. It may for example, take longer than 3 years to complete both the Diploma and a linked 3-year full-time Bachelor degree depending on unit availabilities.

Graduates of the Diploma of Health can seek professional work in a range of health professions including as allied health assistants, personal care assistants, disability support workers, case workers, and lab assistants.

The Diploma is also a pathway into a range of Bachelor degrees. Successful completion of the Diploma of Health guarantees entry and up to 8 units of credit (depending on the specialisation taken) towards a linked Southern Cross Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), or a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Please note duration of Diploma plus a linked Bachelor degree may vary depending on unit availabilities.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Health guarantees entry and 7 units of credit towards a linked Southern Cross degree in Bachelor of Nursing. Please note duration of the Diploma of Health plus a Bachelor of Nursing may take longer than 3 years depending on unit availabilities.

Please note that not all units are offered online in health sciences. Please check the specialisation you are interested in for more details about where the units are offered. Psychological Science is the only specialisation offered entirely online. If you are interested in continuing onto a Bachelor degree, check the individual courses for details about where they are offered.

Graduates who proceed to one of the pathway degrees will have a range of career opportunities in their chosen fields.