From the classroom to the community: How rural placements are shaping future health professionals.

Student placements play an important role in preparing the next generation of health professionals. They give students the opportunity to apply what they learn at university in real-world settings and develop the practical skills needed to work with people across the healthcare system. In rural communities, mental health placements provide valuable learning experiences – however, opportunities like these are often limited.

In 2023–2024, researchers from the Three Rivers Department of Rural Health at Charles Sturt University partnered with staff from Stride’s LikeMind team in Orange and Wagga Wagga to explore the impact of a rural community mental health placement. The study examined how both students and health professionals experienced the placement, and how it supported student learning.

Researchers spoke with 12 students and five staff members from five mental health organisations, including Stride, through one-on-one interviews.

From these interviews, four key themes emerged.

1. Entering the growth zone: Both students and staff initially felt uncertain about the unfamiliar setting. However, with a clear purpose and a supportive environment, they were able to learn together in meaningful ways.

2. Positive shifts in learning: Both students and staff experienced positive changes in their confidence, attitudes and understanding throughout the placement. Staff reported reflecting more deeply on their own practice, while students identified gaps in their knowledge and developed stronger skills and confidence in supporting people experiencing mental health concerns.

3. Direct contact creates authenticity and impact: Spending time with people using mental health services helped students better understand the realities of mental health experiences in rural communities. By listening and observing in a safe and supportive environment, students were able to challenge their assumptions and develop greater compassion.

4. Professional investment and returns: Staff saw supervising students as an important way to support the future mental health workforce. Rural placements benefited everyone involved. Students built skills and confidence, while staff had the opportunity to reflect on their work and reconnect with why they chose this profession.

Overall, the findings show that well-planned mental health placements in rural settings can make a real difference. Placements that offer strong support, clear guidance and meaningful contact with people using rural community mental health services help students build confidence, strengthen their skills and feel better prepared for their future careers.

You read the abstract of the conference presentation here, titled ‘Disruption and transformation: Experiences of a rural community-based mental health placement.’