Course specific information

A nursing student in a blue shirt stands in a lab looking out the window and smiling at Southern Cross University Lismore Campus

Work integrated learning in your course

Many of the health courses here at Southern Cross University involve work integrated learning (WIL). This term is used to describe a range of approaches that integrate theory with practice in supervised real-world environments, including practicum, professional practice, field education, simulation, labs and placement.

In order for you to attend WIL, there are various requirements you must adhere to, which vary depending on your course.

For information regarding your course requirements, including fit to practice obligations, further details about WIL (hours and dates) and what to expect in terms of the types of the various settings you may experience throughout your studies, refer to your specific course information below.

WIL attendance variation application

We acknowledge that there may be circumstances that require you to seek an adjustment to the timing and/or location of your WIL, or result in you being absent from WIL. To request adjustments or to formalise any record of absence, you must submit a WIL Attendance Variation Application (AVA) online in Sonia > Forms tab.

Applications should be submitted as early as possible and prior to allocations. All applications require factual and corroborative evidence to support the application and in some instances, students who are applying on medical grounds may also be required to submit a medical clearance letter from their doctor.

Questions?

Further information about WIL, including support for students with disability, costs associated with travel, accommodation and more can be found on our Frequently asked questions page.

Course requirements

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 140 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning provides invaluable work experience in health and research facilities, such as pathology or research labs.

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL: 

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card N/A

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, and well groomed.

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 514 hours of work integrated learning (WIL).

  • Exercise Prescription and Delivery - includes 14 hours of telehealth WIL (2 hours x 7 weeks).
  • Professional Preparation - 140 hours of WIL in 3rd year (completed across the year)
  • Work Integrated Learning in Clinical Exercise Physiology I (double-weighted) - includes 180 hours of WIL in industry. This learning takes place in the first half of the final year of study (over 20 weeks)
  • Work Integrated Learning in Clinical Exercise Physiology II (double-weighted) - includes 180 hours of WIL in industry. This learning takes place in the second half of the final year of study (over 20 weeks)

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Scrub pants - full length - either elastic or non-elastic hem - see example Black
Shoes Leather lace up shoes (as per laboratory standard) - clean and polished - this can be leather sneakers - see example Black
Outerwear Plain jumper, vest or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed. Long hair must be tied back neatly or secured in a professional manner. Clothes must be in good condition. Discernible rips, tears and holes are not permitted.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies)

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 116 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will be in the forms supervised simulation and clinic placement (both internal and external).  

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies)

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

WIL external to SCU

 SCU Student ID

Category Item Column 3
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Full length medical scrub pants - see example Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black (no other visible colour)
Outerwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA
WIL at SCU Health Clinic

SCU Health Clinic Student Uniform Policy

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Community Welfare

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 400 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning is conducted as supervised on-the-job training which is completed at two separate organisations in different fields of practice so that you gain diversity of experience.

  • Field Education I – includes 200 hours with a minimum of three days per week attending WIL. *
  • Field Education II – includes 200 hours with a minimum of three days per week attending WIL *

*Students are required to seek approval to enrol by submitting a Unit Approval Request online through My Enrolment.

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Community Welfare

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however students must dress according to the site requirement - generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing, potential for SCU student ID card to be worn as your form of identification.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Counselling

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 200 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning involves direct face-to-face counselling through individual and/or group work in services within a community or welfare agency such as:

  • Youth
  • Aged care
  • Jobs Services Australia providers
  • Disabled care
  • Alcohol and other drugs counselling

Clinical supervision throughout WIL is conducted by a qualified Clinical Supervisor. 

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL will be available from September 2024, with the first WIL scheduled from 2025.

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however you must dress according to the agency/site requirements – generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Health Science

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 52 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning provides a range of focusses so that you are exposed to different community and profession focused settings, an observational health care setting and diverse patients at SCU Health Clinic.

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Health Science

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health polo Blue
Bottom Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that covers toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Midwifery

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of work integrated learning (WIL) to meet the practice requirements as a registered midwife. This learning will provide you opportunities to;

  • Attend antenatal and postnatal assessments/visits with women
  • Provide direct care to women during labour
  • Assist women during birth
  • Support women and their babies with diverse needs across pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postnatal period

An overview of professional learning, including student placement experiences, the way practice learning is supported, assessment of professional practice and student responsibilities can be found in the Midwifery Practice Guide - 2024.

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Midwifery

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL: 

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that covers toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Navy or Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Nursing

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 840 hours of work integrated learning (WIL) which are conducted as supervised clinical placements. This learning will provide nursing experience in public and private hospitals and health agencies. You may attend in areas such as;

  • Residential aged care
  • Critical care
  • Paediatrics
  • Rural and remote settings
  • GP clinics or community health settings
  • Mental health (may include drug and alcohol and corrections)

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Nursing

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Nursing, Enrolled Nurse Pathway

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 640 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will provide nursing experience in public and private hospitals and health agencies. You may attend in areas such as;

  • Residential aged care
  • Critical care
  • Paediatrics
  • Rural and remote settings
  • GP clinics or community health settings
  • Mental health (may include drug and alcohol and corrections)

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Nursing, Enrolled Nurse Pathway

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL: 

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card Na

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 1000 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will build clinical skills in settings that may include:

  • Hospitals
  • Community health
  • Disability services  
  • Mental health services
  • Schools
  • Work environments
  • Aged care
  • Private practice

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL: 

WIL external to SCU
Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Tailored pants or knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel. Shoe soles must be black/navy/brown (not white) Navy or Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA
WIL at SCU Health Clinic

SCU Health Clinic Student Uniform Policy

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and general student appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Scholarships and grants

More information will be posted when known scholarships and grants become available. We encourage you to check here regularly for further information.

Name Further Details
NAFEA - Equity Rural Placement Scholarship Program

2024 Round 1

Applications open - 1 February 2024 for work integrated learning/placements taking place between 1 January - 30 June 2024.

See link for further information https://nafea.org.au/scholarships/

ACEN 2024 Student Scholarships

Applications open 4 March 2024 and close of the 3rd May 2024.

See link for further information https://acen.edu.au/student-scholarships-2024/

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units

Podiatry

Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Podiatry

Pedorthics

Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Pedorthics

Work integrated learning information
Bachelor of Podiatry 

You will be required to complete 1000 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will be undertaken in pre-clinical simulation and within the internal and external clinics. You will build skills and the capacity to work with children, adults, athletes and elderly people to examine sporting injuries, gait, biomechanics and acute foot conditions.  

Bachelor of Pedorthics

You will be required to complete 840 hours of work integrated learning (WIL).

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Podiatry & Pedorthics

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

WIL external to SCU
Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA
WIL at SCU Health Clinic

SCU Health Clinic Student Uniform Policy

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Social Work

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 1000 hours of supervised work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will be undertaken in two separate organisations in different fields of practice which will allow you to gain a diverse experience.

*Students are required to seek approval to enrol by submitting a Unit Approval Request online through My Enrolment.

**This unit is for Honours pathway students only

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Social Work

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however students must dress according to the site requirements - generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 1000 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will be undertaken in diverse settings which may include:

  • Internal and external health clinics
  • Public hospitals
  • Private practice
  • Community health
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Aged care facilities
  • Schools
  • Rural health locations

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

WIL external to SCU
Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Identification SCU student ID card NA
WIL at SCU Health Clinic

SCU Health Clinic Student Uniform Policy

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete a minimum of 154 hours (competency-based completion) of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning can be conducted in places such as health and sporting centres, clubs, schools and academies or sport and recreation centres.

  • Exercise Prescription and Delivery - includes 14 hours of telehealth WIL (2 hours x 7 weeks). 
  • Professional Preparation - 140 hours of WIL

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

WIL external to SCU
Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms No preference No preference
Shoes Close-toed shoes (runners for most places) No preference
Outerwear No preference No preference
Identification SCU student ID card NA
WIL at SCU Health Clinic

SCU Health Clinic Student Uniform Policy

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Diploma of Health

Work integrated learning information 

You will be required to complete the following work integrated learning (WIL) hours which will vary depending on your specialisation:

*NOTE: This unit is not a core unit in the Diploma of Health (DipH), however those students who transition to the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) from the DipH must complete this unit prior to further units in BN. Students are strongly advised to apply for the BN Summer Term intake and enrol in the Dual Term 1 offering of NURS2004 when admitted to BN.

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Diploma of Health

Uniform requirements

Whilst attending WIL you may be required to adhere to specific uniform requirements. Please refer to the uniform requirements as listed against the bachelor course information for the specialisation that you are following.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 40 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning is conducted within recognised diabetes service with a credentialed diabetes educator (at minimum) as your mentor. The importance of linking theory to practice is fundamental to student learning and to ensure graduates have the confidence to apply their knowledge and skills with clients in professional settings.   

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however students must wear their SCU Student ID card as identification and dress according to the site requirements - generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing. It is also recommended that you wear black non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel whilst on site.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Master of Integrative Medicine

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 24 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will be undertaken within an integrative health care setting, and will enable you to consolidate the understanding of integrative medicine in a real-life context.

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Master of Integrative Medicine

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however students may be requested to wear their SCU Student ID card as identification and it is expected that you dress according to the agency/site requirements – generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Master of Naturopathic Medicine

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 518 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning provides a range of focuses so that you are exposed to different settings, a broad range of health care providers and diverse patients.

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Master of Naturopathic Medicine

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outerwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU Student ID card NA

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Master of Nursing

Work integrated learning (WIL) information

You will be required to complete 840 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will provide nursing experience in public and private hospitals and health agencies. You may attend in areas such as;

  • Residential aged care
  • Critical care
  • Paediatrics
  • Rural and remote settings
  • GP clinics or community health settings
  • Mental health (may include drug and alcohol and corrections)

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Master of Nursing

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottom Pants, knee length tailored professional shorts/skirt/culottes Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that cover toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU Student ID card NA

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Master of Osteopathic Medicine

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 420 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning is supervised by a qualified practitioner in the practice of safe and effective manual therapy and application of a wide range of treatment and management plans.  You will have opportunities to work with a diverse range of patients in areas including injury and illness prevention management, rehabilitation and health promotion. Some WIL may be undertaken at our SCU Health Clinics

Further details regarding specific timing of your WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Master of Osteopathic Medicine

Uniform requirements

You are required to adhere to the following uniform requirements whilst attending WIL:

WIL external to SCU
Category Item Colour
Top Faculty of Health Polo Blue
Bottoms Full length medical scrub pants - see example Navy or Black
Shoes Non-slip shoes, closed in that covers toes, upper surface of the foot and heel Black (no other colour visible colour)
Outwear Plain jumper or cardigan Black
Identification SCU Student ID card NA
WIL at SCU Health Clinic

SCU Health Clinic Student Uniform Policy

Polo shirts should be purchased from School Locker, and appearance should be professional, clean and well groomed.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Master of Professional Psychology

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 300 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning provides you with the opportunity to develop skills in supervised clinical settings. 

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Master of Professional Psychology

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however students may be requested to wear their SCU Student ID card as identification and it is expected that you dress according to the site requirements - generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing.

Fit to practice requirements

You are required to meet the following requirements and adhere to the corresponding deadlines for associated units Course FTP Checklist - Master of Social Work

Work integrated learning information

You will be required to complete 1000 hours of work integrated learning (WIL). This learning will be undertaken in two separate organisations in different fields of practice which will allow you to gain a diverse experience.

*Students are required to seek approval to enrol by submitting a Unit Approval Request online through My Enrolment.

Further details regarding specific timing of WIL can be viewed on the 2024 WIL Calendar - Master of Social Work

Uniform requirements

There is no specific uniform requirement, however students must dress according to the site requirements - generally neat and tidy smart casual clothing.