A new clinical school for nursing and midwifery students in southern NSW is being hailed as the first of its kind in the state.

The Minister for Small Business and Regional Tourism and Member for Monaro, The Hon. John Barilaro, MP, opened the clinical school at Cooma Hospital on Friday 21 November.

The new Cooma Nursing and Midwifery Rural Clinical School is a joint venture involving Charles Sturt University (CSU), Southern NSW Local Health District and the University of Wollongong (UOW).

Head of the CSU School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health in Wagga Wagga, Professor Karen Francis said the school will help secure a workforce that responds to patient health needs now and in the future.

"Ultimately, the Clinical School aims to advance the clinical knowledge and skills of the nursing workforce in NSW, particularly in a regional and rural setting.

"It is another opportunity for a health service and universities to work together in the education of nursing students and the continuing professional development of nurses.

"In addition to attracting more students to the Cooma district for clinical practice, the School will lead to the development of research programs focussed on the nursing profession.

"We want a highly skilled health workforce in rural settings such as Cooma."

Head of UOW's School of Nursing and Midwifery, Associate Professor Angela Brown, believes it will provide an excellent opportunity for nursing  students. 

"The School will deliver face-to-face mentoring for staff and students, with access to information and learning materials and opportunities for research relating to patient outcomes," she said. 

CSU's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate health degrees on campus and by distance education with a focus on nursing.