Program aimed to fast-track Allied Health careers wins national award
CQUniversity is making waves in the education sector with an innovative way of preparing future Allied Health professionals - an approach that has now earned national recognition.
CQU’s Allied Health Workforce Pathway Program (AHWPP), led by Associate Professor Melanie Hayman, has won the 2024 Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, celebrating its success in transforming the way students enter the workforce.
Traditionally, students studying health sciences had to complete multiple years of university study before gaining industry-recognised qualifications, but the AHWPP team saw an opportunity to fast-track career opportunities while students were still learning.
The team, comprised of Melanie, Trudy Jones, Thomas Doering, Davina Taylor, Minka Elliott and Deb Friel, embedded a Certificate III qualification into the first-year curriculum of five units including:
- Allied Health
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Speech Pathology.
The program allows students to graduate from their first year with a nationally-recognised Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance, giving them the chance to work in the industry while they continue their studies.
For those who decide not to pursue a full degree, the qualification provides a direct pathway into the workforce - something that wasn’t possible before.
The AAUT award win, in the category of Innovation or leadership that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or student experience recognises learning and teaching programs and services that make innovative and outstanding contributions to student learning outcomes and the quality of the student experience.
They are awarded to programs and services that have set high standards for learning and teaching activities in Australian higher education institutions.
CQUniversity Vice-President (Academic) Professor Michelle Bellingan congratulated Assoc Prof Hayman and the broader AHWPP team for their dedication to learning and teaching.
“I am delighted that Melanie and her team have been recognised through this prestigious national award,” Prof Bellingan said.
“This is an incredibly dedicated team who go above and beyond in providing the best quality of learning for our students, ensuring that they are well-taught, supported and prepared for their future careers in allied health.”
To make the AHWPP work, CQU’s teaching team mapped course content to align with Certificate III requirements and it is now the first university in Australia to integrate a VET qualification across multiple health degrees in this way.
“CQUniversity is proud to be a dual sector University and award-winning initiatives of this nature speak to the strength of integration between higher education and vocational education,” Prof Bellingan said.
“Students now gain practical skills earlier, improving their confidence and employability. More importantly, those who may not finish their degrees still walk away with a qualification that allows them to work in the allied health sector - addressing Australia’s ongoing workforce shortages.”
The groundbreaking initiative has positioned CQU as a leader in curriculum innovation, and the university is now sharing its approach with other institutions.
Prof Bellingan said today’s AAUT win was a testament to CQUniversity’s commitment to providing real-world opportunities for students and strengthening the allied health workforce.
“This is not just an award-winning program - it’s a game-changer for the future of healthcare in Australia.”
