Stay connected
Faculties and schools_
The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health
Develop your skills in rural and remote communities in the Far West of NSW.
Offering a mix of clinical challenges as a result of its remote location, the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health is the perfect place to develop a richer understanding of rural health in a wider social context.
About the school
At the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH), we unite our campuses under the guiding principle of ‘One school, three campuses, many communities and First Nations peoples.’
This reflects our commitment to meeting the unique and diverse needs of communities across the Far West, North and Southwest regions of New South Wales. Each of these communities brings its own set of challenges and strengths, and we are privileged to play a part in supporting these communities.
Our primary focus is creating and delivering successful student placements in rural communities. In collaboration with our university partners and local health sites, we aim to offer high-quality placement programs for students in fields such as medicine, nursing, social work, pharmacy and allied health.
Placements
We offer placements to students completing courses in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, speech pathology, dietetics and nutrition, orthoptics, podiatry, and medical imaging, from universities across Australia.
Students can be placed in any of our regional locations including Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee, Balranald, Dareton, Wentworth, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Lightning Ridge and Walgett. We work to ensure students have high quality accommodation and access to learning resources and facilities.
Visit the BHUDRH placements page for more information on available placements. For more information, contact the Student Coordinator at info@bhudrh.com.au.
Please note: We are not currently accepting elective placement applications or making elective placement offers until further notice.
Research
The department’s research capacity is a vital component of the Far West region's commitment to rural health, with a significant academic network centred in Broken Hill. Our research team focuses on addressing the unique health challenges faced by rural and remote communities, while also contributing to the global health landscape. Through collaborative research initiatives, we aim to deepen our understanding of rural health disparities and improve health outcomes not only in Australia but across the globe.
The department provides comprehensive research training and development opportunities for academics, with an emphasis on exploring innovative solutions to the pressing health issues in rural settings. This robust research framework plays a key role in shaping the future of rural healthcare, both locally and internationally.
Learn more about our research objectives.
For further information please contact Dr Debra Jones, head of clinical school in Rural Health.
Multi-disciplinary FAQs
Embark on your rural adventure today!
Ready to discover the joys and challenges of healthcare in a rural setting? Join us and elevate your learning experience.
Things you need to know before you go:
Our placements offer:
· Comprehensive support: Guidance from dedicated academic and professional teams.
· Diverse practice settings: Across Broken Hill, Wentworth, Bourke and beyond.
· Community engagement: Connections with rural communities and insights into health challenges.
· Cultural experiences: Collaborations with Aboriginal Medical Services and culturally rich organisations.
You can travel by bus, train, or flight, depending on your placement location. Some areas may require a car, as public transport is limited in rural areas.
Free student accommodation is provided, with Wi-Fi and a safe environment. Visitors are asked to find alternative accommodations during your placement.
A small placement coordination fee of $25 per week is charged to students participating in the program.
Yes! The BHUDRH encourages a balanced lifestyle. Our communities offer plenty of recreational activities, including sports teams, local events, and outdoor activities. From annual horse racing events to cultural festivals and community gatherings, there is always something to enjoy.