Frequently Asked Questions
Applying to 'go rural'
Curriculum
Vaccinations & Clearances
Accommodation
Travel
Applying to 'go rural'
When do I volunteer for my Rural Clinical Year at the School of Rural Health?
Stage 2 Sydney Medical School students are able to apply after the Discovery Bus Tour. A notice will be posted on the Medical Program Bulletin Board, asking all Australian students to indicate whether they wish to attend the School of Rural Health.
If you apply, you will need to indicate which campus and which attendance option you prefer.
Stage 1 Sydney Medical School students are not eligible to apply for SRH.
Can I visit the School of Rural Health before I apply?
Each year, we run a Discovery Bus Tour for Stage 2 Australian students enrolled at Sydney Medical School; to give them an opportunity to visit our campuses, talk to staff and current students, and get a feel for the towns.
What are the School of Rural Health's attendance options?
Australian Sydney Medical School students can attend SRH for a Rural Clinical Year during Stage 3 of their course. Students attend for either:
- Terms A, B, C and D; OR
- Terms E, G, H and I.
A small number of places of additional places are usually available in Term F (Elective) and Term J (Pre-Internship).
What happens if requests for campuses or attendance options are uneven?
Students may be asked to move to another group but this will be discussed with SRH as enrolments are finalised.
I'm enrolled at Sydney Medical School as an international student, can I study at the School of Rural Health?
Not for the standard 32 weeks that make up a Rural Clinical Year.
You may be able to undertake an Elective at the School of Rural Health but you would be responsible for any associated costs.
Curriculum
Which Stage 3 curriculum blocks are available at the School of Rural Health?
All of the required Stage 3 Blocks, including Pre-Internship, are available at our Dubbo and Orange campuses.
For a full list of available Blocks, and for more information about each of them, visit the Curriculum section of this website.
If I'm accepted at the School of Rural Health but my Community Block is completed through my metropolitan clinical school, do I still have to do a rural placement in my Community Block?
Yes.
Vaccinations & Clearances
What do I do about vaccinations?
All students need to forward certified copies of their vaccination and serology records to SRH. A person of good standing may certify the copies (eg lawyer, doctor, professor, tutor).
Vaccination records will be checked by the Greater Western Area Health Service Risk Management Unit (GWAHS RMU). If the records are in order, GWAHS RMU will issue a compliance letter to the student that will be sent to SRH. If the records are incomplete the student will be contacted.
Students WILL NOT be able to attend any hospitals in the GWAHS region unless they have a compliance letter from GWAHS RMU.
Do I need to bring a copy of my Criminal Record check clearance card with me?
Yes. If your Criminal Record check has not been sighted by SRH staff, you will not be able to attend any hospitals in our region.
You should always have your Criminal Record Check clearance card on your person when you are on clinical placement.
What if I have lost my Criminal Record check clearance card?
If you cannot locate your NSW Department of Health criminal record check clearance card, you need to write a letter requesting a copy of your clearance card stating your name, SID, date of birth and send to:
Employment Screening and Review Branch
Locked Mail Bag 961
North Sydney
NSW 2059
Phone: 02 9391 9800
You need to include payment of $33 (cheque or money order made out to NSW Department of Health) and a self-addressed envelope for the return of your replacement clearance card.
You are unable to collect this clearance document in person.
Accommodation
What accommodation costs will I incur at SRH?
Students pay a key deposit that is refunded on departure and return of the key. Accommodation is currently free of charge to Medical Program students.
What do I need to bring with me?
Students are asked to bring their own doona, pillow, towels and sheets. If you like listening to music, bring your own CD or MP3 player.
Can I bring my partner/family?
Students may elect to bring partners/families but be aware that we have a limited ability to provide accommodation for couples and families.
Can I bring my pet?
No.
Travel
Who pays for student travel to the School of Rural Health campuses?
Students incur the expense and seek travel reimbursement on arrival at their School of Rural Health campus. Students may claim the student concession rail/bus fare to whichever campus they are going according to the School of Rural Health Travel Policy.
How are travel expenses reimbursed?
Students are given an SRH Travel Policy Reimbursement form to complete & sign. Staff at the Orange and Dubbo Campuses will complete a Request for Cheque on student’s behalf which will be sent to Sydney with the Travel Reimbursement Form. If the University has your banking details the money will be deposited into your account. If the University does not have banking details, a cheque will be forwarded to your address.
What about when I return to my metropolitan clinical School on completion of my Rural Clinical Year?
Before you leave SRH, you will need to complete another SRH Travel Policy form for travel between your rural campus and Sydney.
What if I take my car on rural placement?
Students will still receive travel reimbursement equal to the cost of one student concession rail/bus fare according to the School of Rural Health Travel Policy.
How long does it take to receive travel reimbursement once forms have been submitted to the University?
An average of 8 to 12 weeks.
Does the School of Rural Health pay for travel between Campuses or between regional centres?
Any travel for educational purposes between campuses is reimbursed. Again, students incur the expense and seek reimbursement on their return to their home campus. It is advisable to keep original petrol receipts if driving in remote areas as sometimes there is no rail service and travel costs will need to reimbursement with receipts.
During my Rural Clinical Year, can I return to my home for weekends and holidays?
Students are encouraged to spend as much time as possible at their rural location and to get to know the area well. However, you are at the School of Rural Health for long enough to provide opportunities to return home for weekends and holidays. SRH will not reimburse students for personal travel.