Date: October 2026
Location: Warwick
University: James Cook University
Field of Study: Physiotherapy

What did you enjoy most about your rural placement?

I loved the variety of patients you see from neurological to musculoskeletal due to the limited specialised services rurally. I also loved the culture and building rapport with these small town country people.
 

Would you recommend a rural placement to other students? Why?

Yes, because you learn much faster by doing a variety of things at once such as going from a patient with cerebral palsy to somebody that sprained their ankle. Also there is experiences outside placement that you don’t get anywhere else such as I went to the polo cross national championships on the weekend.

What are your top tips for students considering a rural placement?

Go out in the community because this helps learn the culture and building rapport. Also try to embrace the diverse caseload as it can be overwhelming at the start but by they end you will have learnt much more.

Any other information or notes you'd like to share?

My educators were great and I would recommend them for all students