The Rural Clinical School in Shepparton is adjacent to Goulburn Valley Health (GV Health). GV Health is an acute and extended care facility which provides Surgical, Medical, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Intensive Care and Psychiatry services as well as extended care and regional services. It has two smaller sites at Rushworth and Tatura with acute and aged care beds. GV Health provides community services that complement its inpatient role, such as Hospital in the Home (HitH), diabetes education, continence and aged care assessment, home based nursing and allied health.

The Rural Clinical School Shepparton is also home to the University of Melbourne's  Doctor of Medicine (Rural Pathway) with a state of the art teaching and learning centre and dedicated course facilitators.

Students have the constant support of dedicated Clinical Education Facilitators in the medical, surgical and emergency departments at GV Health and access to the Clinical Skills Lab with its high fidelity simulation equipment. Small group sizes create opportunities for one on one interaction with clinicians and the development of meaningful relationships between students and clinicians.

Living in the onsite accommodation provides easy access to the Rural Clinical School, GV Health, Shepparton Medical Centre and Clinical Skills Lab – no chance of being late to class!

Fast Facts

  • Goulburn Valley Health has over 280 beds
  • Approximately 32,000 patients seen by the Emergency Department annually
  • Goulburn Valley Health Clinical Streams include: Child & Adolescent Health, Community Care, Emergency Medicine , General Medicine, Mental Health, Residential Aged Care, Surgical, Sub-Acute  (encompassing Allied Health) and Women's Health
  • Two hours from Melbourne
  • Students have access to the Goulburn Valley Health Library which offers a loan collection of approximately 5,000 books and 1200 journal titles
  • The Shepparton Medical Centre is the first purpose built teaching clinic in Australia and was developed to support the Rural Clinical School
  • Wireless computer access throughout the Clinical School and accommodation

Frequently asked questions

  • The Rural Clinical School in Shepparton is in the centre of the Goulburn Valley and works closely with Goulburn Valley Health, one of regional Victoria's largest healthcare services. This partnership provides students with exposure to a broad range of clinical learning opportunities across hospital, community, and primary healthcare settings.

    Shepparton offers an inclusive and vibrant regional lifestyle, with a diverse community and a wide range of cultural, sporting, and recreational activities. As a major healthcare, education, and service hub for northern Victoria, it provides an excellent environment for students to develop their clinical skills while gaining valuable experience in regional healthcare.

  • Address: 49 Graham Street, Shepparton Victoria 3630

    • By car (from Melbourne)
      • The school is approximately a 2 hour drive north from Melbourne via the Hume Freeway (M31) and Goulburn Valley Highway (A39).
    • By train
      • Regular V/Line train services operate between Melbourne and Shepparton, making travel convenient for students, staff, and visitors.
      • From Shepparton Railway Station, the Rural Clinical School and GV Health are a short taxi, rideshare, or local bus trip away.
    • By bus
      • V/Line coach services connect Shepparton with Melbourne and surrounding regional towns.
      • Local bus services within Shepparton also provide access to the GV Health precinct and surrounding accommodation areas.

  • Every day can be different, depending on the term the students are undertaking. Students rotate through wards, theatres and specialist and general practice clinics. Students spend time on the various wards with dedicated Clinical Education Facilitators (CEFs) and are integrated into the team working with consultants, registrars and interns. Many of the clinics provide students with the opportunity for one on one consultation with patients. Students also attend tutorials, lectures, seminars, grand rounds and clinical skills sessions.

  • The Department of Rural Health offers a range of accommodation options in our footprint.. These facilities are designed to support students undertaking short or long-term placements in rural and regional communities.

    Learn more about the Department's student accommodation

The school provides the best hands on learning and support environment and everyone knows who you are – it makes a big difference. Katie Pilkington – Shepparton Rural Clinical School Student 2010