Physiotherapy
Not sure where you want to work after graduation? A rural placement with us lets you try out the wide variety of different options that exist within the field of physiotherapy. You’ll also have opportunities to engage in community activities, such as teddy bear hospitals for primary-school students and rural outreach clinics, alongside students from other health disciplines.
Going rural with us gives you a competitive edge on your CV. You can undertake multi-week rural placements within our NSW geographical footprint or apply to go rural for your entire final year in Tamworth, Taree, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie.
Studying rurally gives you access to a diverse mix of patients, placement opportunities and health presentations. The Department of Rural Health staff are incredibly supportive and provided many educational opportunities.”
Alasdair (middle), Physiotherapy
Top reasons physiotherapy students choose rural:
- Year-long Rural Immersion Program
- Close academic support
- Opportunities to engage with the local community
- 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 Manuel.
Year-long Rural Immersion Program
Year-long physiotherapy program for fourth year students, available in four locations across our footprint.
Our Rural Immersion Program gives fourth year physiotherapy students the opportunity to complete their final year of study from Tamworth, Taree, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie. For students interested in experiencing our other sites, there is also the opportunity to undertake a placement in Armidale, Inverell or Moree throughout the year.
Complete all face-to-face teaching and simulations sessions at our local education centres while gaining hands-on experience at placements in diverse rural settings including the local hospital, private practice, and community organisations. When you’re not on placement, you’ll continue to complete your normal course work from your rural location.
Our students will have access to close academic support, interprofessional and professional experiences in rural communities (PERCs), and subsidised accommodation.
Learn more about our Rural Immersion Program.
Are you a University of Newcastle student interested in a short-term rural physio placement?
2nd year physio students can complete their placements anywhere across our footprint.
Choose to complete a placement with the Department of Rural Health and receive mentoring from local academics, access to local study centres, and the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary engagement experiences.
Plus, received subsidised accommodation during your placement block and become part of thriving rural community.
Check out our footprint here.
If you're considering a rural experience, make sure to select “rural placement” in SONIA to express your interest.
Placement availability may vary, and final allocations depend on multiple factors.
Studying at another university but completing a physio placement within our footprint?
Register your placement with us to unlock support such as academic mentoring and potential financial assistance. All students from external universities must upload proof of placement when registering. This can be a placement confirmation letter from your university.
Check out our footprint here.
Once your rural placement is confirmed through your university’s portal, register via our placement portal to access community and accommodation support.
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.
More information
Tamworth/Armidale
Dr Luke Wakely
Phone: + 61 2 6755 3500
Email: luke.wakely@newcastle.edu.au
Jacqui Leys
Phone: + 61 2 6755 3500
Email: jacqui.leys@newcastle.edu.au
Coffs Harbour
Daniel Stevens
Phone: + 61 2 4055 1960
Email: daniel.stevens@newcastle.edu.au
Inverell
Naomi Marks
Phone: +61 2 6773 0123
Email: naomi.marks@newcastle.edu.au
Port Macquarie
Kate Currie
Phone: + 61 2 4055 3441
Email: kate.currie@newcastle.edu.au
Taree
Verity Askew
Phone: + 61 2 4055 1942
Email: verity.askew@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.