• Charles Sturt hosted Careers in Health Info Night in Dubbo on Wednesday 19 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Potential students heard about all available healthcare career options during an information session by Charles Sturt University in Dubbo on Wednesday 19 March.

The Careers in Health Info Night was designed to explore health careers for current high school students, TAFE students, parents, carers, career advisers, mature age students and career changers.

It showcased pathways to reducing the ongoing skills shortage of healthcare practitioners in regional, rural and remote areas, in contrast to metropolitan areas.

The information session connected prospective students with industry healthcare professionals so they can learn about the different health disciplines and potential career opportunities.

Attendees heard from leading healthcare professionals from careers including social work, psychology, nursing, paramedicine, exercise physiology/exercise science, medicine, occupational therapy, speech pathology, pharmacy, mental health and podiatry.

Executive Dean of the Charles Sturt Faculty of Science and Health Professor Megan Smith said she was hoping prospective students could find their dream healthcare career at Charles Sturt.

“We want to connect prospective students with all their options so they can make informed decisions about their futures,” she said.

“Training students in the regions and keeping them in the regions after they graduate is a high priority of the University so we can continue to strengthen regional workforces with locally trained talent.”

Each session included a ‘day in the life’ of a healthcare professional, with each clinician speaking for approximately five minutes.

A mini-industry expo was then held for attendees to network and speak with professionals from Western NSW Local Health District, Marathon Health, headspace, TAFE NSW Dubbo and other regional healthcare employers.

Marathon Health Practice Lead - Mental Health Workforce Development Ms Zora Todoroska said they were proud to be part of this initiative.

“We are proud to support the next generation of health professionals by providing innovative workforce pathways that allow students, graduates and experienced practitioners to develop vital skills and experience at all stages of their career journey,” she said.

“A career in health, whether in primary health, allied health, or mental health, is not only rewarding, but will help make a real difference to accessing services in regional NSW.”

Charles Sturt also showcased its facilities and services, including Charles Sturt Future Student engagement, First Nations support, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health student support, information on accommodation, scholarships, student services and the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program.

This event was held at Charles Sturt in Dubbo on Wednesday 19 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.