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Stepping into rural healthcare
3 October 2024
Testing the waters with a rural placement
Learning in rural communities can be a transformative experience, offering unique insights into healthcare in rural and remote Australia. It is also an opportunity for metro students to test the waters, living and working in a rural setting with the support of staff, host sites, clinicians and of course, the friendly community members.
Jaime Cheng recently graduated as an Occupational Therapist from The University of Sydney. During an 8-week placement at a primary school in Far West NSW through The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, she expanded her clinical skills and gained firsthand experience with the diverse needs of rural patients and communities.
Jaime reflects on the impact of her placement, “I thoroughly enjoyed my placement and because of this opportunity, I believe it has helped shape me as a well-rounded health practitioner.”
Jaime Cheng in Far West NSW
Her positive experience led Jaime to accept a role in Broken Hill after graduating, where she will apply the skills, she gained from her rural placement
“I am excited to move to Broken Hill since I had such a positive experience from my placement. I had a supportive supervisor, affordable accommodation and was surrounded by friendly people. I am looking forward to exploring the Australian landscape and history of the area,” Jaime adds.
The decision to pursue a rural placement can be daunting for students however, Jaime encourages fellow students to embrace the opportunity.
“Be open and give a rural placement a try. Explore the local towns, connect with other students and go on road trips – there is so much to see!”
Sunset in Far West NSW
The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH) offers rural placements in the Far, North and Southwest of New South Wales for undergraduate and postgraduate students in all health courses right across the Far West of New South Wales, from Wentworth in the south to Bourke in the north and everywhere in between.
Whether its gaining clinical experience, understanding diverse patient needs or exploring the Australian landscape, rural placements offer a comprehensive learning environment.
Why not test the waters and give a rural placement a try?
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