Health academics from the WA Centre for Rural Health joined colleagues from across Australia in Broken Hill for a national seminar focused on Longitudinal Integrated Placements for nursing and allied health students.
Hosted by the Australian Rural Health Education Network and the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health, the event brought together representatives from 15 UDRHs to reimagine rural student placements.
The seminar highlighted a shared commitment to preparing graduates for successful rural practice through extended placements that foster deeper community engagement, cultural responsiveness, and interprofessional collaboration.
WACRH Director Professor Sandra Thompson praised Broken Hill UDRH’s leadership in reshaping rural training models.
“It’s not a quick fix, but we must move beyond short-term placements. Students need time to understand the strengths of rural communities and experience the satisfaction of delivering care where it’s most needed,” Professor Thompson said.
Long placements allow students to live and work in rural communities for extended periods, building the skills and relationships essential for long-term rural careers. These placements are seen as a key strategy to address workforce shortages and improve health outcomes in remote areas.
Senior Lecturer Kathryn Fitzgerald noted WACRH’s long-standing commitment to extended placements.
“We’ve offered longitudinal placements in some disciplines for over a decade. This seminar confirmed we’re on the right path and strengthened our resolve to expand opportunities across the Midwest and Pilbara,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
Ms Fitzgerald emphasised the importance of matching students to the right location and stage of training.
“We’re redesigning our placement model to identify where we can offer more longitudinal opportunities in partnership with local health professionals and communities. Our goal is to support students in developing the clinical and professional skills needed for rural health careers.”
The Broken Hill seminar reinforced the collective vision of Australia’s UDRHs: to build a future-ready rural health workforce that is well-prepared, community-connected, and responsive to the unique needs of rural and remote regions.
Photo caption: WA Centre for Rural Health allied health and nursing academics with ARHEN CEO Joanne Hutchison at the LIP Seminar in Broken Hill.