Monash University is strengthening the rural health workforce across Gippsland, with a purpose-built course to train allied health professionals who will stay on in the region.
The Bachelor of Allied Health will launch in Bairnsdale and Wonthaggi in 2027 with discipline pathways for local students to become occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists.
The latest data from the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria highlights a sustained high need for more occupational therapists, podiatrists and physiotherapists across Gippsland.
Professor Terry Haines AM, Head of Monash School of Primary and Allied Health Care, said the graduates would fill much needed positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practice, community health centres, schools, social services, aged care, government agencies and disability services.
“The national shortage of allied health professionals is felt most acutely in rural and regional communities,” Professor Haines said.
“By bringing this degree to regional sites in Bairnsdale and Wonthaggi, we will create opportunities for local people who will stay in these communities after graduation.
“We are also hoping to attract new people to the region, who will come to study, embed themselves in the community, and stay on long term.”
Students in the Bachelor of Allied Health will study locally in Wonthaggi and Bairnsdale with the support of Monash University’s School of Rural Health, in addition to clinical placements at health services across the community.
Bayside Health Regional Allied Health Clinical Educator Michelle Barnes said the health service welcomed the opportunity to support more Monash University students to undertake clinical placements in regional communities.
“Wonthaggi Hospital will be one of the clinical placement sites supporting students enrolled in the Bachelor of Allied Health,” Barnes said.
“Clinical placements play an important role in introducing students to the opportunities available in regional healthcare, and we are pleased to have allied health staff who have already expressed interest in being part of their learning.
“This will provide students with a range of practical experiences and showcase the career opportunities we can offer them once they graduate.”
Professor Shane Bullock, Head of the Monash School of Rural Health, said the course is a signal of the University’s continuing commitment to improving the health outcomes of rural and regional communities.
“The goal here is more than just education, we are working to drive long-term changes in health across the whole community,” Professor Bullock said.
“With more than 30 years as a part of communities across Gippsland, we understand the challenges the local health system is facing and are working hard alongside hospitals and other health service partners to put in place medical, nursing and allied health workforce solutions.
“In coming years, as these students graduate and enter the workforce, we expect that it is going to be a game-changer for the entire region.”
