Physiotherapy

Year-long Rural Immersion Program

Our year-long program lets University of Newcastle students undertake all their placements while based in and around Tamworth, Taree, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie. When you’re not on placement, you’ll continue to complete your normal course work from your rural location with close academic support at every step.

Our students will have access to close academic support, interprofessional and community engagement activities, and more.

Valuable community connections

Your rural physiotherapy placement will give you community, clinical and interprofessional learning opportunities to help your resume stand out from the crowd. From attending talks with local healthcare professionals, to teaching primary-school students about health and physical activity, there are plenty of chances to put your learning into practice.

Some of our physiotherapy placement options include:

• Rehabilitation
• Acute care
• Musculoskeletal ​
• Emergency Department
• Paediatrics ​
• Transitional aged care
• Private practice​
• Women’s health​

Funding support

You may be entitled to a scholarship or grant to assist your studies, such as Health Education and Training scholarships or the University of Newcastle’s Betty Josephine Fyffe Rural Health Scholarships. To find out more, talk with your university on application.

How to apply

Year-long Rural Immersion Program: Please email luke.wakely@newcastle.edu.au to express your interest.

Short-term rural placements: University of Newcastle students should nominate “rural placement” in SONIA to show your interest in pursuing this option with us. However, please keep in mind that your placement option will be determined by multiple factors, including availability. Each university has its own placement portal. If you are studying at another university, please consult your university for more information.

Once you have your rural placement, you must register with us via our placement portal to access community and accommodation support.