NSW Health Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship

ProgramPresentation by Tracey Flanagan and

Catherine TownsendNovember 2011

Background

• The NSW Department of Health Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship Program is offered state-wide to Aboriginal students undertaking the final three years full-time study in an approved undergraduate allied health course.

• The cadetship provides financial support while studying and the Cadets are employed in a NSW Public Health Facility.

• The overall aims of the program are to: – Increase the number of Aboriginal people working in the allied health

professions across the NSW Public Health Sector; and – Provide an opportunity for Local Health Districts to assist in improving

Aboriginal health through education and employment.

Cadetship Benefits

• The opportunity to work in their local public hospital or Justice Health facility while completing allied health studies

• An income while studying:– Study allowance of $300 per week (x 40 weeks minus tax)– Book allowance of $500 per semester– 12 week work placement on a full-time salary

• Support and mentoring by professionals (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) already working within the health setting

• The opportunity to experience first-hand employment in a health facility and develop both cultural and allied health links

• The offer of ongoing employment upon successful completion of studies and gaining of registration and/or professional membership of relevant Board or Association

Partnerships

• The program addresses the conference theme of Beyond the Sandpit where partnerships have been developed between the NSW Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts, universities across NSW and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

• The program provides Cadets with supervisors and mentors across a range of clinical settings throughout the term of the cadetship. Cadets are provided with job skills in health facilities across the state.

Profile of Cadets

• There were 4 Cadets at completion of Semester 1, 2011:– 3 x psychology– 1 x nutrition & dietetics

• In Semester 2, 2011 two further Cadets being brought on board (psychology & nutrition)

• Recruitment is currently underway for Semester 1, 2012 with the addition of oral health (therapy/hygiene) and the omission of psychology

Contact Details

FREECALL 1800 855 494or Email:

cadetship@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

Thank you