Meet Jodie, one of our Allied Health students!

Wednesday, 28 August 2024

As a part of our Youth Spotlight feature, we had a chat to Jodie, one of our Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021) students to hear about why she decided to study Allied Health and what her favourite thing about studying is!

With aspirations to enter the health sector, Jodie chose this course to explore the broad opportunities within the field and gain valuable hands-on experience. After hearing about how broad this course is from her careers advisor, Jodie decided that TAFE was the right pathway for her and enrolled in Allied Health Assistance in 2024.

Jodie attends classes on campus two days a week, on Mondays and Tuesdays. A typical day includes a mix of theory and practical sessions, allowing her to apply what she’s learned in real-life scenarios. “We usually do one unit in the morning, then have a lunch break, then another unit in the afternoon. It isn’t all theory; we usually do a prac through the day which gives us a break but also helps us link theory to practice and get some experience with real-life situations,” she says.

One of Jodie’s favourite aspects of working in the Allied Health sector is the ability to help a wide range of people and collaborate with professionals across different disciplines. “There are so many people that get involved for one client and can support them to improve their overall health,” Jodie notes.

In addition to her studies, Jodie is gaining industry experience through her current role as a receptionist at a chiropractor’s office. This role provides her with valuable insights and guidance for her future career. “It is valuable to be able to talk to them about my future; they give me some guidance which is really helpful,” she shares.

Jodie is also completing 120 hours of placement as part of her course, with hands-on experience at Chiltern Rehabilitation Centre. During her placements, she’s responsible for implementing exercise plans with clients, performing objective measurements, and working closely with health professionals. “This experience has given me confidence on how to work with clients. I also get the opportunity to learn directly from health professionals who are open to me asking a lot of questions,” she says. Later in her course, Jodie will complete a three-week placement with Ramsay Health in Albury.

Outside of her TAFE studies, Jodie is actively involved in sports. She swims for Albury Swim Club, plays water polo for Albury Sharks, and plays soccer for Wodonga Diamonds. She also values spending time with friends and family.

Looking ahead, Jodie plans to pursue a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in Bendigo. She hopes to secure a job as an Allied Health Assistant while studying to continue gaining experience in the health sector.