A new health degree to be introduced by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2009 will help address some of the gaps in health services in inland Australia.

 

CSU health lecturer, Ms Harriet Farquhar, says the Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Science will address the need for highly qualified health workers who can help regional communities to implement integrated health promotions and healthcare programs that meet local needs.

 

“Graduates from this course will be able to support the work of a variety of other medical and allied health professionals. Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation graduates will also work in a range of other positions important to health such as community development officers, care service managers, community liaison officers, rural outreach diversion workers or health administrators,” Ms Farquhar says.

 

“This course was developed after extensive consultation with various parts of the health sector, particularly in regional Australia.”

 

The Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation degree offers a new pathway for careers in allied health and the other health professions such as medicine. This degree provides the basis for entry into more specialist allied health profession courses, such as physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and podiatry which are offered by CSU’s School of Community Health.

 

“Students could complete the health and rehabilitiation degree and then enrol in a postgraduate course in a specialist area in health.”

Study will also be flexible, with all three years offered to students via face-to-face or distance education, as full-time or part-time studies.

 

“We are aiming to tailor the course to the needs and circumstances of our students, especially those with families or those already working in the health sector,” Ms Farquhar said.

 

Age is no barrier, as prospective students can enrol immediately after completing high school or as older students. Students who complete related TAFE studies can also receive some credit for their studies for the degree course. High school leavers can apply through the NSW University Admissions Centre and the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre. Mature age students can apply directly to the University.