Study experience

Adelaide Rural Clinical School provides clinical health education to students in South Australia’s regions

As a student at Adelaide Rural Clinical School, you will benefit from dedicated supervision and one-on-one interactions with experienced health professionals. The camaraderie among health professional staff in rural towns fosters true interdisciplinary learning and many social opportunities.

Medicine is practiced differently in rural areas—and so we teach it differently. You will need to respond to the varied and diverse needs of rural communities, so our training is similar to generalist or multi-skilled practice. Rather than teaching in discipline-orientated blocks, we have an integrated approach.

You will have the chance to develop your people skills through hands-on consultations with patients who appreciate the opportunity to help out new health professionals. Longer placements open up opportunities for new experiences, including getting a feel for ongoing care.

Support staff within regions are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great learning experience. Our student coordinators can assist you on a wide variety of matters. They know their towns well—the activities, the opportunities and how to make the best of the experience.

While you’re on placement, make sure you seize the chance to explore surrounding areas, find out about new places, meet new people and challenge yourself. In many learning centres you’ll mix with students from other disciplines—so you’ll make friends and build a great network of health professionals.

Student accommodation is free, furnished and includes internet connection. You will also receive a living allowance and support from local staff.

Rural health club

University isn’t all work and no play. Joining the student rural health club is a great way to meet like-minded students interested in a career in rural health. You can participate in social activities which will provide exposure to rural sites in South Australia, rural placement opportunities and rural health careers. You can also participate in activities to encourage rural people to undertake a health degree. Join the rural club to undertake trips to rural and remote areas, barbecues, rural high school visits, cultural awareness training, Indigenous health nights, Indigenous community festivals, guest speaker nights, skills evenings and other social events.

Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA)

As an Adelaide Rural Clinical School student, you may want to join the Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA). It provides many services and activities, including student placement opportunities, support and advocacy, trips to rural and remote areas, barbecues, rural high school visits, cultural awareness training, Indigenous health nights, Indigenous community festivals, guest speaker nights, skills evenings and social events.

National Rural Health Students' Network (NRHSN)

The National Rural Health Students’ Network (NRHSN) national body for student rural health clubs provides a voice for students who are passionate about improving health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. The NRHSN has approximately 9,000 members who belong to rural health clubs at universities throughout Australia. It includes students from medical, nursing and allied health courses and facilitates scholarships, conferences and events.