Health Work Integrated Learning

Work experience is an important part of many health degrees. Find out how it can help you secure your dream job.

Read more about:

• Work Integrated Learning
• How industry experience benefits you
• Internship opportunities with the Queensland Reds
• Links to resources and more internship stories

What is work integrated learning at QUT?

QUT health students have opportunities in and outside of the classroom to gain essential healthcare skills and knowledge. At the core of QUT’s approach lies Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), which acts as a transformative component linking academic study with practical healthcare experiences. WIL empowers students with practical experience that distinguishes them as competent professionals.

WIL in health at QUT encompasses internships, placements, and industry projects. These experiences immerse students in genuine healthcare settings and allow them to earn academic credits. This holistic approach shapes successful careers.

This article will let you know how you can jumpstart your career and contribute to healthcare sector growth. You’ll discover insights from students and industry partners—and we’ll introduce you to outstanding QUT Health students who used WIL to kickstart their healthcare professions.

How does industry experience benefit you?

Engaging in Health WIL programs enriches students' education with real-world practice, fostering essential hands-on experience. You’ll gain essential workforce preparation and adaptability for the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. These experiences will help to cultivate valuable professional networks crucial for your future career growth.

You will consolidate your knowledge and experience working in interdisciplinary health clinics and diverse healthcare settings.  Placement also allows you to showcase your discipline-specific knowledge and practical skills, to potential employers. Many QUT students make connections on prac that lead them to their first job. For example, Jacinta Cockeran found her first job through placement, and Annabel Platt’s final year placement contacts led to her securing a job before she graduated.

QUT will support you and can help to accommodate your study schedule, ensuring a balanced blend of academic and practical learning. Students also develop both independent and collaborative skills, shaping them as future healthcare workforce contributors.

Queensland Reds internships: A pathway to professional growth

QUT and Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) have established a three-year partnership. QUT has become the Red’s official education partner. This collaboration offers work-integrated learning opportunities for QUT students at Ballymore and supports educational pathways for QRU players.

Matthew Lydement, a final-year Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student and Olympian, currently benefits from this partnership with a 12-month placement at QRU as part of his QUT studies. He shared his excitement, saying, 'I've worked in the fitness industry for eight years as a trainer, and working with a professional team like the Reds has always been a dream. I'm doing hands-on coaching with the players, including weightlifting and field work. I'm also learning about injury rehab and recovery to improve my skills in those areas.'

QUT students can also get work experience at Ballymore in different departments like Professional Rugby, Game Development, Commercial, Marketing, and Communications. This helps them develop their skills in a professional sports setting.

Natalie Honnery, a third-year QUT sports science student, spent the 2023 season with the Queensland Reds, improving the team's performance as part of her degree and the QUT-QRU partnership. This internship contributes to her coursework and provides real-world experience, including the use of industry-standard software like Hudl.

This partnership with QRU ensures that QUT graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market.

Read more about Matthew Lydement's and Natalie Honnery's stories.

Find out more about WIL

Explore more resources

Apply for scholarships to help with the cost of placement

Search the full list of scholarships

Health placement scholarships

Equity Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Bursaries

Equity Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Relocation Bursaries

Read more student stories about placement

Gaining confidence on prac—nursing student Sally Groffman

Placement can lead to your dream career—psychology student Jacinta Corkeron

Travelling for placement—paramedic science student Megan Bragg

Gain experience and contacts—health information management student Annabel Platt

Rural pharmacy placements—Maria Santos

Student life and placement experiences—podiatry student Sarah Bird