Nursing
Want to combine adventure, travel and study? A rural placement with us lets you explore some of NSW’s most beautiful communities, while gaining interprofessional skills and career support, like exclusive job webinars and more.
Our nursing students learn in a wide variety of speciality areas, from medical and surgery wards, to community and mental health. Most short placements are between two and eight weeks. During this time, you’ll also participate in cultural training, social and community engagement activities, such as working with Indigenous communities and perinatal support groups.
Rural placements are a great experience. You get the chance to learn to practice with the assistance of an intricate and diverse multidisciplinary team who assist students to provide patients with the best care and treatment they possibly can."
Brittany, Nursing
Top reasons nursing students choose rural:
- Greater patient access and small-group learning
- Community engagement activities
- Nursing Collaborative Program opportunity
- Subsidised student accommodation*
*Students can access free accommodation in Moree or apply for subsidised accommodation at one of our other main locations. Read more about student accommodation in our Student Orientation Manual.
Study in Place Program
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse (EEN) to Registered Nurse (RN) pathway program for EENs based in the Tamworth region and surrounding areas.
The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health is proud to announce the launch of the Study in Place Program!
The program will commence Semester 2, 2025 (Monday, 21st July 2025)
Study in Place is designed for:
- EENs in the Tamworth region and surrounds looking to advance their qualifications and transition into registered nursing without the need to relocate.
- Second year nursing students interested in completing the remainder of their studies from Tamworth - perfect for students originally from the region and looking to return, or students who are simply curious about the rural experience.
Study in Place integrates online and face-to-face learning with laboratory and simulation sessions at the Tamworth Education Centre (TEC), as well as dedicated professional mentoring.
UAC applications are now open! Applications for Semester 2 commencement close late May-Early June. Limited spots for the program available, so apply early to secure your place.
Rural Immersion Program
Year-long nursing program in Tamworth for third year nursing students.
The University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health has launched its Rural Immersion Program for nursing students! The program will give third year nursing students the opportunity to complete their third year of study in Tamworth, including all laboratory and simulation sessions at the Tamworth Education Centre (TEC).
Nursing Collaborative Program
Wish all your placements could be in the one spot? The Nursing Collaborative Program makes it easy for University of Newcastle nursing students to complete all their second and third-year placements in Tamworth or Armidale so you don’t have to move around throughout your degree. Gain a deeper experience of rural life and health, and invaluable connections for your future. Depending on the hospital, other locations may also be available. You will be notified via SONIA when you can apply and the process required.
World-class facilities
You may have opportunities during your placement to attend additional learning activities using our world-class facilities. These include state-of-the-art simulated learning environments outfitted with computerised manikins and advanced medical equipment.
Some of our nursing placement sites include:
- Armidale Private Hospital
- Barraba Multi-Purpose Service
- Tamworth Hospital
- Tenterfield District Hospital
- Guyra Multi-Purpose Service
- Inverell District Health Service
- Associated Community Health Centres
- Manning Base Hospital
- Mental Health (both inpatient and community settings)
Funding support
You may be entitled to a scholarship or grant to assist your studies, such as rural undergraduate scholarships, undergraduate clinical placement grants or Aboriginal undergraduate scholarships. To find out more, talk with your university on application.
How to apply
Rural placement block: University of Newcastle students can nominate their desired placement locations through their portal, “SONIA”. Each university has its own placement portal. If you are studying at another university, please consult your university for more information.
Nursing collaborative program: Email uondrh-placements@newcastle.edu.au to express your interest.
Once you have your rural placement, you must register with us via our placement portal to access community and accommodation support.
More information
Tamworth
Jessica Billett
Phone: +61 2 6755 3500
Email: jessica.billett@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.