Department of Rural Health

The Department of Rural Health provides professional health education and research training in a rural context. Based at Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley, we have major nodes at Ballarat, Echuca and Wangaratta and associations with nearly 40 smaller towns in rural Victoria.

Providing a rich in academic, social and cultural experience and excellence and equity in Rural Health through education, research and engagement.

Meet our Head of Department and Executive Team

Study

With the highest teaching evaluations in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences The Department of Rural Health is proud to offer our coursework and short course programs to our leaders and future leaders.
Meet Our Students

Meet The Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) students studying across rural Victoria. Learn about their stories and journeys towards advancing their medical studies.
Student Accommodation

The Department of Rural Health manages student accommodation in Ballarat, Benalla, Echuca, Mansfield, Mt Beauty, Bright, Myrtleford, Numurkah, Shepparton, and Wangaratta.

Our Programs

The Department of Rural Health is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health's Rural Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Program. Take a look at the key programs in the Department below.

Latest news and events

The Department of Rural Health teaches courses on campus in Shepparton, Ballarat, Echuca and Wangaratta. Find out more about the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway), Specialist Certificate in Empowering Health in Aboriginal Communities and First Nations pathways.

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Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway

Designed for students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are committed to professional training, the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) supports both the personal and professional development, and aims to produce high quality medical professionals who can thrive in complex environments and be the leaders of change.

Specialist Certificate in Empowering Health in Aboriginal Communities

The Specialist Certificate in Empowering Health in Aboriginal Communities offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals, who have worked in and community settings, an opportunity to gain a university qualification based on your work experience. This course empowers you in your place of work, allowing you to study and work within your community.

Student resources

Student Accommodation

The Department of Rural Health manages student accommodation in Ballarat, Benalla, Echuca, Mansfield, Mt Beauty, Bright, Myrtleford, Numurkah, Shepparton, and Wangaratta.
Student Support

Students completing rural placements face a range of unique stressors and challenges. Fortunately there are a variety of support services available to access across rural campus locations and Parkville.

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences courses

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, we have something to suit your needs and schedule. With the highest teaching evaluations in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences we are proud to offer our coursework and short course programs to our leaders and future leaders.

The Department of Rural Health is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health's Rural Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Program. Learn more about the Department's programs below.

Rural Clinical School

The Rural Clinical School (RCS) is located across four large centres in country Victoria, Ballarat, Echuca, Shepparton and Wangaratta, teaching the Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) to students across 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year.

The RCS provides students with a variety of interesting clinical experience in rural settings, equipping them with clinical skills and knowledge to propel their careers.

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University Department of Rural Health

The University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) is one of the designated programs of the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program. The UDRH works with local health services and communities across northeast Victoria and the Grampians region to expand the health workforce, increase access to services for consumers and improve quality of care.

The work of the UDRH focuses on Student Placements, Aboriginal Health and Research.

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First Nations Health

The UDRH supports Aboriginal students undertaking a range of courses – from the Specialist Certificate in Empowering Health in Aboriginal Communities (delivered by the UDRH team at Shepparton); through to the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Health in Rural Communities, Master of Public Health and PhD. UDRH also supports students studying nursing programs at GOTAFE and La Trobe University in Shepparton (in partnership with ASHE).

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Going Rural Health

The Going Rural Health program supports students in rural learning experiences through accommodation and financial support, develops multidisciplinary resources, provides training for health professionals and undertakes rural health research within regional communities.

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Goulburn Valley Regional Training Hub

The Goulburn Valley Regional Training Hub (GVRTH) is located in Shepparton with a footprint that stretches from Echuca to Wangaratta. The Hub supports medical students, junior doctors, clinics and health services within the region by providing training opportunities, career development, mentoring and community networking events.

The Hub provides support in attracting and retaining medical professionals by showcasing regional medical careers and lifestyle benefits.

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Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health

The Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health (CERSH) aims to provide Victorians with access to quality sexual health care, information and support that is tailored to their individual needs.

CERSH continues to develop sustainable strategies by building collaborations and partnerships between agencies, services and individuals.

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