7 March 2018

According to research undertaken by TAFE NSW, Australia’s largest education provider, the demand for trained Medical Administrators is expected to grow by over 50,000 new positions within the next five years. Elim Humphries moved from Bega Valley to Albury while completing a Certificate IV in Allied Health online with TAFE Digital and took on work placement with Albury Wodonga Health.

Mr Humphries said, “I have qualifications in aged care, public safety and emergency medical services, which provided me with the foundation to advance my career in allied health, an industry I am passionate about.”

When enquiring about the course, Mr Humphries explained that he is dyslexic and sought permission to use specialist software for reading and writing. “Every time I had an issue when working on assessments and projects, the TAFE NSW support team quickly gave me the advice I needed to complete all units within specified timeframes,” he said.

Mr Humphries has recently joined 13 Cure as a driver/chaperone for after-hours doctors, which combined with his qualifications and work history, gives him the opportunity to help people regain a level of independence via community rehabilitation services. “I drive doctors to call-outs and assess the environment before the doctor commences consultation. When necessary, I step in to help the doctor if he needs an extra pair of hands.”

The practical training helped Mr Humphries understand Allied Health Assistance in a community rehabilitation context. “I was able to connect the dots with work I also currently do for St John Ambulance and previous experience with State Emergency Service and Royal Fire Service,” said Mr Humphries. “We are dealing with people who have physical, mental and emotional needs and are able to provide them with the ongoing support required to regain independence and appropriate medical treatment.”

When Mr Humphries commenced studying with TAFE Digital, he was juggling work, caring for his parents and trying to spend quality time with his partner, who was working night shifts at the time. “On top of that we were planning our wedding,” said Mr Humphries. The couple relocated from Bega Valley to the Albury Region shortly after their wedding for Mr Humphries to start his work placement at Albury Wodonga Health in November 2018.

“I had such a good experience studying with TAFE Digital that I am already researching my next level of study in Patient Transport, which I will also do online,” enthused Mr Humphries.

Mr Humphries is proud of his heritage with the Wiradjuri people of Central New South Wales, mixed with the Walsh bloodline of the Snowy Mountains people.

Media contact: Bonny Gunn, TAFE Digital Media Business Partner. Mobile 0417 134 048