Occupational Therapy

1st Year: Introduction to OT practice (2 week placement)
2nd Year: General OT practice placements (2 x 4 week placements)
3rd Year: Mental health/psychosocial placement (6 week placement)
4th Year: Selective placement (12 week block)

Overview

The UDRH has directly and indirectly supported rural Occupational Therapy (OT) student education initiatives since 2002.

About the Practice Education Placements

The UDRH program supports occupational therapy students undertake rural practice education placements across the New England and Taree regions. Practical support includes subsidised modern accommodation, mostly in walking distance of hospitals in Tamworth, Armidale, Taree and Moree as well as town facilities. UDRH accommodation is self contained with broadband access and at any given time accommodates students from a range of health disciplines. The UDRH also provides library facilities and access to specific OT resources including international OT journals and current practice publications in Tamworth and Armidale.

A range of rural practice education placements are offered by Occupational Therapists in Tamworth, Armidale, Taree and smaller rural centres including adult rehabilitation, paediatrics, mental health and specialist placements. Placements may be available in a range of facilities from Rural Referral Hospitals to District Hospitals, Community Health Centres and other government or non-government agencies. Practice education placements in small rural centres with sole OT practitioners can give students invaluable experiences of the rural and remote generalist/specialist practice role.

Placements range in length from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. The New England region of Northern NSW boasts friendly country atmosphere, beautiful vistas and plenty of rural living experiences. The Mid North Coast offers great beaches, the beautiful Manning River and the historic town of Wingham to name a few attractions.