School of Allied Health

Work integrated learning

Allied health professionals work with people of all ages to optimise participation in their daily lives.

When you study with us, you'll go beyond the theory. Many of our courses have a work integrated learning component where you will be able to apply your skills in the real world through professional experience with some of our many partners, or in our own health clinics. Under the guidance of experts in their fields, you'll deliver health services to students, staff and the wider community.

Type: Embedded observational placement
Units: OTHY100, OTHY104
Location: Metropolitan and rural public and private hospitals, private practices, schools, community health services, mental health services, disability services, aged care.

Type: Community engagement
Unit: OTHY201, OTHY204
Location: Schools, community organisations, services, disability services.

Type: Simulated professional practice placement
Unit: OTHY207
Location: On campus one-week simulated placement in vocational rehabilitation.

Type: Professional practice placement blocks
Unit: OTHY303, OTHY307, OTHY401/OTHY407H
Location: Metropolitan and rural public and private hospitals, private practices, schools, community health services, mental health services, disability services, aged care.

Type: Placement/health clinic (Brisbane only)
Units: PHTY402-407, PHTY411-414 (Honours)
Location: Metropolitan and rural public and private hospitals, private practices, schools (Brisbane only), partnerships with St Vincent’s Health Network, Macquarie Health Group.

During your studies you will take part in two professional practice experiences of 500 hours each, totaling 1,000 hours of field education, as required by the Australian Association of Social Workers.

We have many services and agencies that we partner with to deliver learning opportunities, including government and non-government organisations, social enterprises, and private practice. There are also opportunities in rural, remote, and international settings.

You can expect to be placed in diverse and innovative contexts, such as community development, direct practice with services users, and project or research on policy advocacy initiatives.

You will be placed in two settings. You must complete one direct (client-facing service) and one indirect or mixed (project, policy or research) placement in health, mental health child protection and safety, aged care, refugee and asylum seeker support, homelessness, youth, education, and so much more, depending on the local community needs. Some of these placements will be based at the agency itself. Others may be a project from the agency that you complete as part of a project hub.

Type: School and early education-based speech pathology practice
Units: SPHY203, SPHY207
Location: Schools, kindergartens and childcare centres

Type: ACU Health Clinic
Unit: SPHY305, SPHY410, SPHY412
Location: On campus

Type: External professional practice placement
Unit: SPHY305, SPHY410, SPHY412
Location: Various metropolitan and regional settings in hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation facilities, private practice clinics, schools, special schools, and residential aged care facilities.

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