RMIT University and Medibank have joined forces, working with local health professionals in remote communities to help strengthen Australia’s future healthcare workforce in areas where allied health professionals are in short supply.
Through Medibank’s Building Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Growth and Equity (BRIDGE) program, RMIT students receive financial support to complete clinical placements in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including areas facing health workforce shortages.
The program builds on a successful pilot earlier this year, where physiotherapy students completed placements at Royal Darwin, Alice Springs and Palmerston Regional Hospitals.
Strong results and student feedback have paved the way for expansion across more remote locations in the Northern Territory, rural Victoria and regional Queensland.
Beginning in November, students will undertake five-week clinical placements with support for travel, accommodation and living expenses – removing financial barriers that often prevent students from accessing remote placements.
The program provides students with opportunities to learn from local health professionals and communities, building the practical experience and cultural capability needed to work respectfully and effectively across diverse community settings.
The pilot has already delivered strong workforce outcomes, including for Melbourne student Maddy Quinn, whose Northern Territory placement led directly to a full-time job – demonstrating how BRIDGE is creating clear career pathways while supporting regions experiencing health workforce shortages.
The expansion comes as governments move to strengthen the allied health workforce, including new financial support for mandatory placements from 2027.
Through BRIDGE, RMIT and Medibank are delivering this support to help students gain experience in regions where healthcare staff are urgently needed.
Quotes attributable to Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos, Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President, RMIT University
“At RMIT, we align our learning, teaching and research to deliver measurable impact for society.”
“This partnership program, designed with Medibank, brings together expertise in education and industry to provide equitable student learning experiences and address pressing workforce challenges.”
“Through Medibank BRIDGE, we are strengthening the pipeline of skilled graduates who can learn from remote communities and strengthen health workforce capacity together.”
Quotes attributable to a Medibank spokesperson
“We are proud to partner with RMIT and support allied health students to further their learning and gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in remote communities.”
“These placements provide invaluable real-world experience while creating opportunities to learn directly from multidisciplinary health teams. It is an investment in growing practitioners equipped to deliver more culturally responsive care.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Doa El-Ansary, Deputy Dean, Engagement, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences
“Partnering with Medibank has enabled RMIT students to attend clinical and professional placements to undertake clinical learning while contributing to locally delivered health services and learning from health professionals and communities in remote settings.”
“One of the most encouraging outcomes from the pilot has been seeing students express a genuine interest in returning to work in the Northern Territory or other rural areas and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Quotes attributable to RMIT physiotherapy student and Bridge participant Maddy Quinn
“I gained valuable knowledge and skills that I wouldn’t have picked up in a typical city placement.”
“This placement reinforced my desire to work outside of the big cities and help underserviced areas. It was such an enjoyable experience so when a job opportunity became available, I happily took it.”
