The Rural Physiotherapy Teaching Clinic was established to address unmet demand for physiotherapy services and provide students with valuable clinical placement experiences in regional Victoria. Since launching in March 2024, students have delivered more than 200 one-hour appointments under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists.
The impact has been significant, with physiotherapy wait times at Primary Care Connect reducing from 41 weeks to 16 weeks over the first two years of operation.
The clinic operates across Primary Care Connect's Shepparton and Euroa sites, with La Trobe Rural Health School and University of Melbourne students undertaking supervised placements that combine face-to-face and online service delivery. Two experienced physiotherapy supervisors support the program, including an onsite clinician and a remote supervisor who provides clinical oversight and mentoring through a dedicated student-assisted clinic day.
Dr Rachael McAleer, La Trobe Rural Health School Clinical Academic Coordinator said the clinic demonstrates the value of collaborative approaches to rural healthcare.
"The Rural Physiotherapy Teaching Clinic is improving access to care for local communities while giving students the confidence, skills and real-world experience needed to thrive as future physiotherapists," Dr McAleer said.
"By working alongside experienced clinicians in a supportive environment, students are developing capabilities that will help strengthen the rural health workforce for years to come."
The innovative partnership is between Primary Care Connect, La Trobe Rural Health School and the University of Melbourne. The clinic is supported by Murray Primary Health Network and continues to demonstrate how innovative teaching and service models can improve healthcare access while building a sustainable workforce pipeline for rural and regional communities.
La Trobe Rural Health School Research Conference, 2026
Dr McAleer will be presenting at the upcoming LRHS Research Conference in Albury-Wodonga; ‘A Partnership-Driven Student-Assisted Physiotherapy Model Addressing Rural Service Gaps'.
Secure your free tickets here
