FAQs
1. How many traineeships are available?2. Can I undertake the training part-time?
3. Do I have to do a rural placement and, if so, where will I be located?
4. Is financial assistance available when completing a rural placement?
5. Is employment guaranteed at the end of the training?
6. I meet most of the Program’s entry requirements, should I apply?
7. I don't have a Master of Public Health degree, is my qualification acceptable as an equivalent?
8. I have almost finished my Masters Program, should I apply?
9. What is health related work experience?
10. All of my work experience has been overseas, does this matter?
11. I’m not a permanent resident of Australia, but I have a temporary work visa, can I still apply?
12. When will the traineeships commence?
13. I have 3 years of part-time work experience, should I apply?
14. I have almost 3 years of work experience, should I apply?
15. Do I have to pay course fees?
1. How many traineeships are available?
Usually 4-6 traineeships are advertised each year, subject to funding.
2. Can I undertake the training part-time?
No. The training is available on a full-time basis only.
3. Do I have to do a rural placement and, if so, where will I be located?
All trainees are required to undertake a 6-month placement in a rural area. While rural placements vary each year, placements may be available in the following rural areas of NSW: Albury, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Goulburn, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Shoalhaven, Tamworth and Wallsend.
It is also possible to seek recognition of prior learning for the 6 months of rural experience required by the Program. Trainees who have worked in rural public health organisations can apply to have this experience considered instead of undertaking the rural placement. Recognition of suitable rural experience does not affect the total duration of time spent on the Program.
4. Is financial assistance available when completing a rural placement?
It is the responsibility of the Trainee to identify suitable accommodation in the rural area, however, financial assistance is provided to meet many of the costs associated with completing a rural placement.
5. Is employment guaranteed at the end of the training?
No. The Program provides assistance with finding employment upon completion of training, but ultimately it is the trainee's responsibility to find a job.
6. I meet most of the Program's entry requirements, should I apply?
No. Applicants must meet all of the stated entry requirements.
7. I don't have a Master of Public Health degree, is my qualification acceptable as an equivalent?
Only postgraduate qualifications at a Masters level or higher, with a significant public health component will be considered. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of study in the areas of epidemiology and biostatistics and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
8. I have almost finished my Masters Program, should I apply?
You should only apply if your university is able to confirm your eligibility for the award of your Masters degree before the closing date for the positions.
9. What is health related work experience?
This includes a broad range of experience, for example: clinical experience, health research, development of health policy, health administration, planning and development of health services; health promotion; occupational health and safety.
10. All of my work experience has been overseas, does this matter?
While there is no requirement to have health related work experience in Australia, you are required to demonstrate an understanding of the Australian healthcare system.
11. I'm not a permanent resident of Australia, but I have a temporary work visa, can I still apply?
No. All NSW government employees are required to be permanent residents or citizens of Australia.
12. When will the traineeships commence?
Successful candidates usually commence work approximately two months after recruitment is completed. A later start may be able to be negotiated following the offer of a traineeship.
13. I have 3 years of part-time work experience, should I apply?
No. You must have at least 3 years of full-time equivalent (FTE) health related work experience. That means if you have been working half time (less than 3 days per week), you would need at least 6 years of experience.
14. I have almost 3 years of work experience, should I apply?
No. You must have at least 3 years of full-time equivalent (FTE) health related work experience.
15. Do I have to pay course fees?
No. The professional doctorate is a research degree and does not attract course fees.