Health & Community Careers
A career as a healthcare professional is extremely rewarding. You will contribute to the wellbeing of the community and have the chance to really make a difference in people's lives.
Is a career in health or community work for me?
You're on the right track if your interests include: Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Health or Recreation, Maths, English, Te reo Maori or Social Studies, And your skills include empathy for others, great communication skills, a willingness to commit to study and attention to detail.
Our Qualifications
We have qualifications suitable for those starting out in the healthcare industry, and for those looking to further their professional development at postgraduate level. Our highly regarded programmes combine hands on practice with theoretical work, and increasingly include flexible options for students who live outside of Otago.
If you do not have the requried academic qualifications for Otago Polytechnic's degree or diploma-level programmes in Health, then we advise you enrol in the Certificate in Health.
Where to next?
Could you be a future midwife working in a maternity facility, in self-employment as an educator, in research or in management or advisory roles within the midwifery and health sectors?
Visit our School of Midwifery
Could you be a future nurse, working within hospitals, health centres, community agencies, Public Health, Plunket, rest homes or a variety of other workplaces?
Visit our School of Nursing
Could you be a future occupational therapist, working within hospitals or schools, community support or education groups, in private practice, businesses, education and research or in Primary Health Organisations?
Visit our School of Occupational Therapy
Could you be a future practitioner in the area of social services working in diversional therapy, massage therapy, mental health advocacy, counselling, community work or as a career practitioner?
Visit our School of Social Services
Keen on a career in the health and community sector, but unsure if you're ready to enter a programme in midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy or social services? We can help you develop the academic and English language skills you'll need to study sucessfully.
Visit our School of Foundation Learning
Need more help making your decision? Our careers advisory service can help you plan the programme of study and support you'll need to get going.
Contact our Careers Service
Take me back to the career pathways!
