About us

The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health aims to improve the health and well-being of people in regional, rural, and Indigenous communities. We support students and staff through placements and learning in Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Medical Radiation Science, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Speech Pathology, and Social Work.

Our Research Strategic Directions focus on:

• Improving rural health
• Enriching student experiences
• Shaping graduate destinations
• Supporting the health workforce

The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program. The RHMT program encourages students in the medicine, nursing, and allied health professions to pursue a career in rural practice by providing opportunities for students to complete part of their studies in rural locations.

The RHMT also aims to improve the health and wellbeing of regional, rural, and Indigenous communities within the New England, North West Slopes and Plains, Upper Hunter Valley, Manning River, and Mid-North Coast regions of NSW. In addition, it supports continuing professional education and research opportunities for local health professionals.

The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health covers a substantial area in NSW as shown on the map below. We support allied health, nursing, and medicine students from all Australian universities to complete rural placements within this region.