Financial barriers stop young Tasmanians entering health careers
Researcher Ann-Marie Brown found that cost, transport and unfamiliarity with university stop young Tasmanians from health careers.
Ann-Marie Brown found that financial barriers were probably a major barrier. Students worry about paying for university and managing HECS debt.
They also worry about buying uniforms and checks while studying. Transport is another major barrier.
In some areas, limited public transport may require students to move to attend university. Many young Tasmanians don't know how university works.
This is especially true if they would be the first in their family to go. Because of this, most UTAS health students are mature-aged rather than school-leavers.
Meanwhile, the Tasmanian Health Service is short of workers. In 2025, more than 7,600 nursing and midwifery shifts went unfilled.
- 27 college students
- Students interviewed
- More than 7,600 in 2025
- Unfilled nursing and midwifery shifts
- University of Tasmania
- University
Why it mattersTasmania faces a serious health worker shortage. Systems are stopping people who want to work in health. This is making the crisis worse.
AustraliaYoung Tasmanians are missing career paths; the state's health service lacks staff to meet patient demand.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
