Speech pathology student Nathan driven to close the gap in rural healthcare
When CQUniversity student Nathan Herbohn had a chance conversation with a colleague at work, little did he know it would shape the next chapter of his life.
The Rockhampton student, who balances study with full-time work in healthcare, is now in his fourth year of a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) and has set his sights on using his skills to support rural and remote communities across Australia.
Speech Pathology Week 2026, running from 23–29 August, celebrates the profession’s role in helping people of all ages with communication and swallowing difficulties.
CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), offered in Rockhampton, prepares graduates for rewarding careers across hospitals, schools, community health, aged care and private practice. The industry-accredited program equips students with the skills to work with people throughout every stage of life.
Nathan said his journey into speech pathology began unexpectedly.
“I had been working as a cleaner for several years and was looking for a new direction,” he said.
“I was considering another healthcare course when a colleague suggested speech pathology. I thought, ‘Why not?’ and enrolled. That one conversation ended up determining the course of my life for the next four to six years.”
Like many mature-age students, Nathan has navigated the challenge of balancing university, work and personal commitments.
“Managing full-time work alongside study has been hectic,” he said.
“As the course progressed and expectations increased, I realised I needed to take my studies part-time to make sure I was really learning and getting the most from placement experiences.
“It was a difficult decision, but ultimately the right one. I’m here to become the best clinician I can be.”
Now in his fourth year, Nathan says one of the most rewarding parts of the degree is seeing years of learning come together in practice.
“Concepts that seemed complex in the early years are starting to click into place,” he said.
“I’m able to apply some of what I’ve learned in my current healthcare role, and it’s satisfying to see that growth.”
Nathan believes speech pathology is a profession that makes a meaningful impact across the lifespan.
“It plays a significant role in people’s lives from birth right through to end-of-life care,” he said.
“It’s also an important part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, helping people participate more fully in everyday life.”
His passion for rural healthcare was strengthened through Health Workforce Queensland’s GROW Rural program, which gives health students firsthand experience of living and working in regional communities.
The experience reinforced Nathan’s desire to build a career outside major metropolitan centres.
“My goal is to work in a rural or remote community and use the skills I’ve gained at university to make a positive difference,” he said.
“I want people living outside major cities to know they can access quality healthcare close to home, and that there are clinicians who genuinely want to work in rural areas.
“One health professional I met said they chose to go where the need was, not where the want was. That idea has stayed with me ever since.”
Outside of study, Nathan is deeply involved in the local community through the Rockhampton Dragon Boat Club, where he paddles, steers and serves as head coach.
The sport has taken him across Australia and overseas, while also helping him build lifelong friendships and leadership skills.
“Dragon boating has had a huge impact on my life,” he said.
“It’s given me opportunities I never expected and connected me with an incredible community.”
Looking back on his journey, Nathan said simply starting university remains one of his proudest achievements.
“I was never a strong student at school and honestly never thought I’d go to university,” he said.
“Making the decision to begin this degree was a huge step for me, and sticking with it is something I’m very proud of.”
For anyone considering a career in speech pathology, Nathan has a simple message.
“If you choose this path, you’ll have the opportunity to make an honest, positive impact on someone’s life,” he said.
“That’s one of the many ways you can leave your mark on the world.”
Begin your journey into speech pathology like Nathan, with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at CQUniversity's Rockhampton campus.
