Health

There are a wide range of occupational areas within the health sector, with the most common being medical practice, nursing, pharmacy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Health professionals are found in private practice, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centres and other public and private organisations. Demand for health services professionals is growing due to population changes, an increase in diet and age-related health issues, and New Zealand graduates taking their expertise overseas.

Most health care in New Zealand is conducted in the mainstream public health system. However, increasingly many people also incorporate techniques used by those working in the allied or complementary health fields.

The level of education required in the professional health services industry varies with different occupations. For many professions, graduates must gain registration with a relevant board before being permitted to practice. For example, physiotherapists must register with the New Zealand Physiotherapy Board. In some cases a year at least of clinical practice is required before registration is possible. Entry into some specialised fields requires postgraduate study and further examinations or registration processes.

Outlook

There is a shortage of medical practitioners, nurses and other health professionals throughout New Zealand. Approximately 1,200 nurses graduated from undergraduate programs in 2007, but there is still a lack of young people entering training. There is a shortage of every kind of doctor in New Zealand and job opportunities are greater than ever before. A report by the Clinical Training Agency in February 2005, found that New Zealand has almost 300 specialists fewer than recommended by international standards. Specialist fields with major shortages include psychiatry, emergency medicine specialists; anaesthetists; radiation oncologists and therapists and rehabilitation specialists.

The health status of New Zealanders has a major influence on demand for doctors. The ageing population is putting growing pressure on the health system. The increase in age-related disabilities, mental illness, diabetes, and some cancers and infectious diseases have all contributed to the increasing demand for medical services.

Significant stats
  • Nursing is the largest occupation in New Zealand’s health system, with 45,771 nurses holding Annual Practising Certificates in 2007
  • 3,307 physiotherapists held Annual Practising Certificates in 2005
  • Maori doctors made up 2.6 per cent of medical practitioners in 2005
  • Specialists make up the largest group of medical practitioners accounting for 34 per cent of the medical workforce in 2005
  • Females comprised 93 per cent of the registered nursing workforce in 2007 (Nursing Council of NZ).
  • The number of full-time employees (FTEs) employed in industry covering hospitals, nursing homes, aged accommodation and other community care agencies has risen well above overall national employment gains in the last 15 years. As a result the industry’s share of the workforce has grown from 3.7 to 4.5 per cent. Health professionals, nursing and midwifery is the largest occupational group, representing
  • 31 per cent of the industry workforce.

Statistics sources: Nursing Council of New Zealand; www.nzhis.govt.nz; Medical Council -- NZ Medical Workforce Survey 2005

Except where indicated, this profile is based on edited extracts from www.careers.govt.nz