Study with the Department of Rural Allied Health

We are meeting rural workforce challenges by attracting students from rural areas, providing them with rural placements, and producing graduates who are proud to build their careers in regional areas.

Our contemporary, evidence-based courses in exercise physiology, occupational therapy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, social work, speech pathology, and sport and exercise science focus on practical skills in rural health and on preparing students for careers that are professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Our postgraduate research degrees, and continuing professional development programs, give health professionals the opportunity to upskill, reskill, advance into leadership roles, or pursue research.

Courses

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY COURSES

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY COURSES

Design and deliver client-centered exercise programs to athletes, healthy people and people with known disease, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and arthritis.

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SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE COURSES

SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE COURSES

Build a career in sport and exercise science. Understand the principles of human movement and study exercise physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology.

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PARAMEDICINE COURSES

PARAMEDICINE COURSES

Build knowledge in paramedic practice for trauma, respiratory, cardiac, paediatric and obstetric management. Get real-world experience through placement opportunities.

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PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSES

PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSES

Launch your career in this dynamic field of health. Learn from industry leaders and world-class researchers, and experience unique industry opportunities with our broad range of partners.

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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COURSES

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COURSES

Develop the knowledge and skills to identify the occupational needs of individuals, groups and communities, and develop strategies using occupational and other theories.

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SOCIAL WORK COURSES

SOCIAL WORK COURSES

Want to make a difference by helping people and communities thrive? With the skills and knowledge you’ll gain from a social work course, you can help build a socially just and equitable society.

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SPEECH PATHOLOGY COURSES

SPEECH PATHOLOGY COURSES

Learn to assess, diagnose and treat people with communication or swallowing disorders. Get experience in a range of settings including hospitals, schools and private practice.

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SHORT COURSES

SHORT COURSES

Real learning. Real skills. Real impact. Advance your career or upskill your team with flexibl, industry-aligned courses that deliver practical, immediate results and fit in with your busy life.

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GRADUATE RESEARCH

GRADUATE RESEARCH

Become a graduate researcher. Join La Trobe's vibrant postgraduate community, help transform the health sector and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

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RISE WITH LA TROBE

RISE WITH LA TROBE

Are you an Indigenous high school student or prospective mature age student? Our RISE with La Trobe Indigenous pathways program prepares you for university study.

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Supportive learning

Our students are taught by knowledgeable and caring academic staff. They learn in a supportive environment where they are encouraged to develop the practical skills and theoretical knowledge they need to graduate with confidence.

With access to our extensive network of rural healthcare services and industry partners, our students can connect with peers, academics and rural health professionals to build new knowledge and practices together.

We actively engage with student representatives, hosting regular forums to stay attuned to the evolving needs of our student cohort. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that students have easy access to our dedicated staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

Students can engage socially through a range of associations, including the La Trobe Rural Health Club. School and campus events also provide students with opportunities to connect with peers across the University, and network with members of their future profession.

Placement experience

Our Work Based Learning and clinical placement programs allow students to use their knowledge and skills in a range of professional settings, preparing them to make valuable contributions to health when they graduate.

Students are equipped with workplace skills and confidence, the chance to develop their own professional networks, and the opportunity to experience what it is like to live and work in rural communities.

They also benefit from our strong partnerships and industry connections in the rural health sector, which span regional and rural Victoria, and border town communities.

We pride ourselves on our close partnerships with local communities and health services, which have led to a range of place-based opportunities in rural and remote health, aged care, disability and other community services.

A global perspective

The Department of Rural Allied Health is globally connected with many international partners. Staff and students are encouraged to take a world view of health and wellbeing.

Many of our staff actively participate in collaborative research projects spanning Asia, North and South America and Europe.

Students have opportunities for short overseas placements, enhancing their learning and personal development.

Additionally, our innovative Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experiences enable students to engage in multicultural classroom learning with peers from around the world. This approach not only builds intercultural communication skills but also nurtures the development of effective global citizens.