Communities across the region will benefit from a program that attracts healthcare workers to rural and regional NSW and supports those already providing excellent healthcare in the bush to increase their skills.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said local healthcare workers wanting to further their careers are encouraged to apply for assistance under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $5 million Rural and Regional Health Career Scholarships Program.
“This is a terrific program which offers nine different scholarships that will support more than 1,100 health workers over the next four years,” Ms Cooke said.
“These scholarships are flexible to the needs of individuals and are available across a range of health professions including allied health, nursing and midwifery, medical and Aboriginal allied health.
“We want our local health workforce to feel supported and provide them with the opportunity to upskill or retrain while staying connected to our community.”
Applications are now open for Nursing and Midwifery, Allied Health and Medical scholarships.
A scholarship to support Aboriginal Allied Health workers in rural areas closed recently after receiving an overwhelming response.
The program is also targeting new workers, with scholarships that can be used to cover the cost of travel and accommodation, childcare, technology and training fees – aimed at making it easier for students to choose to move away from the city.
NSW Health is recruiting regionally based scholarship advisors who will support applicants with career advice and help them choose the scholarships that meet their individual needs.
The Rural and Regional Health Scholarships form part of Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025, a NSW Liberal and National Government initiative outlining immediate priorities and long-term strategies to make regional NSW an even better place to call home.
The scholarships build on the $883 million regional health workforce incentive scheme, announced as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
To apply, visit the Health Education and Training Institute https://www.heti.nsw.gov.au/Placements-Scholarships-Grants/scholarships-and-grants/diploma-of-nursing-rural-travel-scholarship-incentive
