Health pathways

Find your pathway into a health or science career

If you’re considering a career in health or science, Adelaide University Pathways College offers a range of ways to take the first step. Designed to enable students to study regardless of their location, these opportunities can help you explore study options close to home.

From short courses to health careers information, we bring learning and inspiration to local communities so you can explore your options without travelling to the city. When you’re ready to commit, our fee-free pathway programs delivered face-to-face regionally, or 100% online Diploma in Health build the academic skills and knowledge needed to progress into an Adelaide University health degree.

Health Science Ready: A short course with the fundamentals you’ll need to study health successfully

Health Science Ready uses our supportive teaching approach to introduce students to what it’s like to study health at university.

For those considering a future in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, midwifery, or another health career, Health Science Ready is an opportunity to explore health sciences, build confidence, and gain insight into further study options before committing to a degree.

Health Science Ready is designed to help students take their first step, or explore whether a health pathway is right for them. Taught by local tutors and health professionals, Health Science Ready builds awareness and understanding of key concepts found in health programs through interactive workshops.

Whether exploring higher education for the first time, a senior high-school student, returning to study, considering a career change, or investigating opportunities in health sciences, participants will be supported to discover new possibilities and build their confidence.

Why choose Health Science Ready?

This course may be right for you if you:

Are considering a career in a health profession
Want to experience university-style learning before committing to a degree
Are exploring pathways into higher education
Want to build your confidence as a learner
Are returning to study after time away
Have an interest in science, health or helping others.

Wherever you're starting from, Health Science Ready provides a supportive introduction to the world of health science and the possibilities that further study can create.

Course details

Dates: 5 – 30 October 2026

Where: Port Lincoln and Ceduna (Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Playford will be offered from July 2027)

Adelaide University Port Lincoln Study Centre, 86 Tasman Terrace, Port Lincoln SA 5606
Adelaide University Ceduna Study Centre, Decres Bay Road, Ceduna SA 5690

Cost: Fee-free

Format: 2x 2-hour workshops per week, delivered over four weeks.

Who can participate: Anyone interested in health pathways, including senior secondary students (Years 10-12), school leavers, adult learners and community members. No prior knowledge of anatomy, physiology or health sciences is required.

Health professionals rely on a deep understanding of the human body. Throughout the course, you'll be introduced to key concepts in anatomy and physiology and investigate the structure and function of major body systems.

As your understanding grows, you'll connect this knowledge to real health contexts, exploring how the body maintains health, responds to disease, and adapts to changing conditions.

Learning activities are practical, engaging and designed to help you make sense of complex concepts through discussion, collaboration and applied learning.

For many students, the biggest challenge of further study isn't capability. It's confidence.

Health Science Ready provides an opportunity to experience university-level learning before enrolling in a longer program. Through face-to-face workshops and supported independent learning, you'll develop skills in reading scientific information, engaging with learning materials, participating in discussions and communicating your understanding.

You'll be supported throughout the course by Adelaide University staff, who are committed to answering your questions, helping you build confidence and succeed.

For some students, Health Science Ready is a chance to confirm that a future in health is the right choice. For others, it is an opportunity to begin building a pathway towards further study.

Successful completion of course assessments may support future progression into Adelaide University pathway programs, including Foundation Studies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Programs. It may also support applications for selected undergraduate health programs, where other admission requirements are met*.

While the course itself is not a qualification and assessments are optional, it is designed to help you develop the knowledge, confidence and academic readiness that underpin success in future study.

*Information about how Health Science Ready can support your undergraduate health application is provided to students based on their individual circumstances and assessment outcomes from the course.

Health Science Ready flyer

Whether you are planning a future in health or seeking an introduction to human anatomy and physiology, this short course provides a clear and structured foundation.

Download the flyer

Take the first step

Health Science Ready offers the opportunity to explore your interests, develop new knowledge and gain confidence in your ability to succeed in further study. Your journey into health could start here – contact us to register your interest.