The Rural Clinical School welcomes enquiries from students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The major focus of the RCS is medical education and the School is one of three Clinical Schools delivering the last two years of the University of Tasmania's medical undergraduate degree program. Other Clinical Schools are in Hobart and Launceston.

More information for Medical Students and Frequently Asked Questions

Innovations in program delivery will be implemented in 2009 and beyond to cater for increased medical student numbers at the RCS. Timetables will focus CBLs, tutorials and formal learning into particular weeks of each clinical attachment, to give students more uninterrupted clinical time in the remaining weeks. This approach to timetabling was introduced in 2008 for final year students and received very positive feedback.

The RCS will be aiming to maintain the distinctive features of the rural medical undergraduate program - good student:patient ratios, enhanced opportunities for small group teaching and more hands-on experience. Students also benefit from the broad and varied clinical experiences available in rural and remote medical practice with remote medical practice an integral part of the final year program.

Students also have the opportunity to be involved in research while studying in the region. Enquiries should be directed to the Professor of Rural Health, Professor Judi Walker, in the first instance.

Given the shortage of health professionals in rural areas, students are valued as an integral part of the health care team and have opportunities to develop the skills necessary to be safe and competent interns and junior doctors. Similar experiences may not be as easy to access in larger metropolitan facilities.

• More information about the MBBS Undergraduate Rural Clinical Program

The Rural Clinical School has excellent facilities including a Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre . A strong student support program includes high-quality subsidised student accommodation and scholarships specific to RCS students.

Students also have the opportunity to be involved in research while studying in the region. Enquiries should be directed to the Professor of Rural Health, Professor Judi Walker, in the first instance.

Former RCS students have achieved outstanding results since graduating. Among them are Dr Clare McArthur and Dr Josh Piercey, who were both judged by their seniors and peers to be "Intern of the Year" at the Royal Hobart Hospital at the end of 2005 and 2006 respectively. Recipients of this prestigious award are voted in by fellow doctors, clinical nurse managers and allied health staff, and so the award marks the respect they have earned from their colleagues "on the job." The award acknowledges clinical excellence as well as good communication and teamwork skills.

At 2008 graduation ceremonies, former RCS student Naomi Jeram was awarded the coveted GE Clemons Prize for the student judged as most strongly exhibiting the qualities of humanity, conscientiousness and devotion to the profession of Medicine. At the same time, Josephine Stringer, who spent Year 5 at the RCS, was awarded a prestigious University Medal.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• 2009 Timetable 
  

Information for High School and College Students

Students with an interest in a future health career can find more information about health science courses at the Faculty of Health Science's website. Information about the North West Health Careers Camp for Year 10 students and Year 9 Health Careers Workshops will be advertised through the News and Events section of this website, and through schools in the Cradle Coast region. Dates and details are being confirmed.