New rural scholarships are set to help veterinary students complete clinical placements in regional NSW, as part of a Government plan to address veterinary workforce shortages and maintain a well-functioning veterinary profession to safeguard animal health and manage biosecurity threats.
The Government announced the creation of 94 scholarships for veterinary students at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
The Regional Placement Scholarships Program is providing financial support of between $1,500 and $3,000 for 94 veterinary students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the University of Sydney (USYD), to complete their unpaid clinical placements in regional areas.
According to the Australian Veterinarian Association the veterinary workforce shortage is particularly acute in regional areas, with 44% of advertised jobs left vacant for more than 12 months, compared to 28% left vacant in metropolitan areas.
“Regional NSW has a higher rate of veterinary shortages than the cities and we need to focus on solving that issue with these scholarships. That is critical for maintaining both our livestock industry and our regional lifestyle,” said Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.
“Regional NSW has much to offer young professionals and by supporting these students spend time undertaking their work placements in regional and rural areas we will make a difference down the line.
“Attracting a sustainable veterinary workforce to regional NSW is a priority and so is developing a thriving veterinary profession across the board, and our Government will continue delivering reforms and initiatives to make that happen.”
Vet students are required to undertake at least 52 weeks of unpaid work placement and financial pressures are a significant reason many students drop out.
The Minister said these scholarships are higher for those completing placements in large/mixed animal clinics, that are critical to the agricultural industry. They include:
- $1,500 for a small animal regional veterinary placement;
- $3,000 for a large/mixed animal regional veterinary placement; and
- $3,000 for a Local Land Services regional district veterinary placement.
President of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW, Dr Magdoline Awad said the Board welcomed the initiative.
“Placement costs can be a real barrier for students, especially when they are unpaid and involve travel and accommodation in regional areas. Anything that helps ease that pressure makes a meaningful difference,” said Dr Awad.
“Regional practices give students exposure to a wide and varied caseload, particularly in large and mixed animal work, and that hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing them for everyday veterinary practice.”
