Health and Medicine
The career-ready placement requirements for students in our health and medicine programs are as follows. Please note that, within these programs, career-ready placement experiences are often referred to as clinical placements.
| Program | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science | Complete 160 placement hours during your program, starting in your second year. |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography), Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine), and Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) | Complete over 40 weeks of placement during your program, starting in your first year. |
| Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) | Complete a minimum of 3980 placement hours during the 5-year program, starting in your second year. |
| Bachelor of Midwifery | Complete a minimum of 1000 placement hours and a minimum of 10 Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) cases during your program starting in your first year. |
| Bachelor of Nursing | Complete over 800 placement hours during your program, starting in your first year. |
| Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics | Complete a minimum of 100 placement days across both the third and fourth year of your program. |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) | Complete a minimum of 1000 hours of placement during your program, starting in your first year. |
| Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy | Complete a minimum of 500 hours of placements during your program, starting in your first year. |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | Complete over 400 placement hours during your program, starting in your first year. |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) | Complete over 1000 hours of placements during your program, starting in your second year. |
| Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine | Complete over 1000 hours of placements during your program, starting in your second year. |
| Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) | Complete 20 weeks of placement during your program, starting in your second year. |
| Graduate Certificate in Midwifery | Complete a minimum of 200 placement hours and 3 Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) cases during your program starting in your first year. |
| Master of Exercise Physiology | Complete a minimum of 360 placement hours during your program. |
| Master of Midwifery | Complete a minimum of 1500 placement hours and 10 Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE) cases during your program starting in your first year. |
| All other postgraduate health and medicine programs | N/A |
Clinical placements allow you to apply theories and concepts in real-world settings, develop professional skills, and embody the values and ethics central to healthcare practice.
Placements occur in a professional setting under the guidance of qualified, experienced healthcare professionals. We work collaboratively with a variety of healthcare institutions including hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and specialised medical facilities. We offer diverse placement opportunities which you may undertake locally within NSW or interstate.
To learn more about the placement options and requirements for your degree, view your Program Handbook or visit the Placement tab at the top of your Program site in Canvas.
If you are completing a health-related degree, a core part of your program will be a placement in an approved health facility. Clinical placements provide valuable hands-on experience in your chosen field. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you will develop a comprehensive range of clinical skills.
There are certain checks and NSW Health clearances you will need to complete before you attend placement that ensures your safety and the safety of other students, staff and patients.
NSW Health verification processes can take 8 weeks or more. It is recommended that you submit your documents well in advance of your proposed placement dates to avoid delays.
You may be able to complete your placement overseas. Check out the opportunities available for your program below.
The Professional Experience Unit (PEU) for the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing can provide advice and support around the following:
- Sonia Online, the placement management system
- Placement opportunities
- Processes and documentation requirements
- Verification requirements for clinical placements
For a full list of placement contacts for health and medicine programs, visit this page.
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.