Physiotherapy Rural Immersion Program

Our Rural Immersion Program gives  fourth year physiotherapy students  the opportunity to complete their final year from one of four locations within our footprint! Students can choose from Tamworth, Taree, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie.

Successful applicants will begin their year of study in their chosen location from Trimester 1, 2026.

Spaces are limited at each site and will be awarded based on the quality of application and a genuine interest in working in rural health upon graduation.

Why go rural for your placement?

  • Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning with the advantage of continuous  mentoring from local academics,  access to study centres, and  professional guidance throughout the program.
  • Simulation learning completed at state-of-the-art labs at our local centres.
  • Opportunity to complete clinical placements in diverse rural settings including local hospitals, private practice, community organisations, and regional or rural healthcare services.
  • Experience acute, sub-acute and chronic settings with patients across all stages of life and in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient.
  • Engage meaningfully with local community organisations (such as sporting groups, schools and childcare centres) as part of our professional experiences in rural communities (PERCs) activities.
  • Attend interdisciplinary education sessions.
  • Access subsidised accommodation available across all sites.
  • Connect  with fellow physio students, and other health students completing placements at your chosen location.
  • Immerse yourself in the local community through social mixers and activities planned throughout the year.
  • Opportunity for employment  at the local organisations where you’ll be training.

Program Specifics

Who can participate?
Domestic fourth year physiotherapy students.


How to Apply

To apply for the Rural Immersion Program, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the form below. Once EOIs close all applications will be reviewed and students will be notified regarding their success.


Application Deadline

Applications will close in the second half of 2025, date to be confirmed.


Commencing
Trimester 1 2026


Year Level
4th year


Location
Choose from one of four regional centres including Tamworth, Taree, Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie.


Mode of Delivery
Online


Placements
Clinical placements available at the local hospital, as well as private practices and community organisations within the region, including our sites in Armidale, Inverell or Moree. You’ll have the chance to experience acute, sub-acute and chronic settings with patients across all stages of life and in diverse settings.


Year-Long Accommodation
Subsidised accommodation at our University of Newcastle owned units at $100/week. Private living bursary available if eligible.


Academic Support
Support available from local academic mentors and student support officers.

Keen to learn more?

For more details or any questions, reach out to one of our local academics.


Tamworth

Jacqui Leys, Lecturer - Physiotherapy 
Phone: 02 6755 3502 
Email: Jacqui.Leys@newcastle.edu.au

Luke Wakely, Academic Leader - North West
Phone: 02 6755 3513
Email: Luke.Wakely@newcastle.edu.au


Armidale

Erin Elsley, Associate Lecturer - Physiotherapy
Phone: 02 4055 0835
Email: Erin.Elsley@newcastle.edu.au


Taree

Verity Askew, Associate Lecturer - Allied Health 
Phone: 02 4055 1942 
Email: Verity.Askew@newcastle.edu.au


Coffs Harbour

Daniel Stevens, Associate Lecturer - Physiotherapy 
Phone: 02 4055 1963 
Email: Daniel.Stevens@newcastle.edu.au


Port Macquarie

Kate Currie, Associate Lecturer - Physiotherapy 
Phone: 02 4055 3441  
Email: Kate.Currie@newcastle.edu.au


Submit your EOI 

Keen to start your rural health journey? Submit your EOI here.


Don’t believe us! Find out why our students chose rural for their placements.