Clinical exercise physiology professional experience placement
Professional experience placements are important learning experiences, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting.
You will undertake a compulsory 360 hours in clinical exercise physiology placement. Clinical placements can be taken at various metropolitan or rural and remote locations.
Before going on placement there are compliance requirements you need to undertake once enrolled in EXSC9001, EXSC9002 and EXSC9003.
Pre-requisites for placement
| Activity | What you need to do |
Form / more information | Submit to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness for placement declaration | Declare your fitness for placement by reading and acknowledging the Fitness for Placement statement on InPlace. Let the University know if you have an access plan. |
N/A | InPlace |
| Student consent for placement | Read and acknowledge the relevant essential conditions around student consent for placement using the applicable form. (Please note: if you are required to undertake multiple placements during your degree, you may be required to read both student consent documents, check with your WIL Support Team if you are unsure.) | Placements undertaken outside Flinders University - Student Consent for Placement Statement (PDF) OR Placements undertaken within Flinders University ONLY - Student Consent for Internal WIL Placement with Flinders University Statement (PDF) |
InPlace |
| Intellectual property for placement |
Watch the student IP declaration, then acknowledge your understanding in InPlace. |
Student Intellectual Property Statement (PDF) | InPlace |
| Emergency Contact |
Confirm your emergency contact details are up to date in the Student Information System. | Student System |
|
| Police Check | You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). | Police Check detailed information | InPlace |
| Activity | What you need to do |
Form / more information | Submit to |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHS Aged Care Sector Related Screening | Obtain a clearance from DHS | DHS compliance information |
InPlace |
| DHS Working with Children Check | Obtain a clearance from DHS | DHS compliance information | InPlace |
| NDIS Worker Check |
Obtain a clearance from DHS |
DHS compliance information | InPlace |
| Police Check | You will need to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). |
Police Check detailed information |
InPlace |
| SA Tuberculosis Services screening | Complete the online questionnaire and follow any instructions you receive by email from SA TB services. Upload your questionnaire results to InPlace. IMPORTANT: Some vaccinations can interfere with the blood test that is used to screen for Tuberculosis. For this reason, you should delay any vaccinations until AFTER you have been cleared by SA TB Services, or until you have received your IGRA test results. |
InPlace | |
| Immunisation Compliance Certificate | See a GP to complete and document the necessary immunisation requirements on the Immunisation Compliance Certificate. | Immunisation compliance detailed information |
InPlace |
| Annual influenza vaccination | Book an annual influenza vaccination from an immunisation provider. |
Influenza vaccination certificate (PDF) | InPlace |
| COVID-19 vaccination | Ensure you have received a course of COVID-19 vaccinations and maintain your immunity as per SA/Federal Health Government Department directions. Book an appointment. |
Not applicable. | InPlace |
| SA Health Better Placed Deed Poll |
Read, understand and sign the SA Health Better Placed Deed Poll |
Better Placed Deed Poll information and form | InPlace |
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
Book and attend a practical training session. Upload evidence of completion. |
CPR training compliance information | InPlace |
| First Aid certificate (HLTAID0011) | Attend and complete an accredited HLTAID0011 - Provide First Aid Training course. This training must be provided by a Registered Training Organisation. Acceptable evidence is your certificate showing name and date of completion. |
Registered training organisations: |
InPlace |
| Manual Handling | Complete the online manual handling tasks module on FLO. The registration key is ManualTask. Select ‘Yes, I transfer and Move Patients’ to complete the correct training. Take a screenshot of your results and include your name in the top right-hand corner. |
SA Health Manual Tasks Training module | InPlace |
| Hand hygiene | Undertake the online National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) module:
Upload the certificate. |
NHHI - Complete learning module | InPlace |
| Infection control | Undertake the online National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI) module:
Upload the certificate. |
NHHI - Complete learning module | InPlace |
| SA Health Electronic Medical Record (EMR) training | Access your FLO page and locate the current year ‘Sunrise EMR & PAS eLearning for Students – Current Year’ module located in your additional tab section. This training is to be completed each calendar year. | Sunrise EMR and PAS eLearning for students on FLO | InPlace |
Detailed compliance information
These clearances are valid for five years from date of issue (unless revoked prior), except Aged Care Sector Clearance, which has an expiry of three years.
There are three main types of screening offered by the DHS the University requires; Aged-Care Sector, Working With Children Check (WWCC), and NDIS Worker Check. Refer to the pre-placement compliance checklist to determine which screenings you require.
Formerly known as Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) clearances, DHS clearances are state-based clearances used to determine suitability for employment within specific care sectors in South Australia.
Note: Working With Children Checks issued prior to 1 July 2019 are known as Child-Related Employment Screenings.
Obtaining DHS clearances
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences require students to obtain DHS Clearances through self-initiation via the DHS website.
Please follow this guide for step-by-step directions of how to start your application.
Existing clearances can be renewed up to 6 months prior to expiry. It is recommended that clearances are renewed early to ensure there is no lapse in compliance.
View more information on the DHS website.
What is the difference between DHS clearances and the Police Check?
The Police Check is a printout of all disclosable criminal convictions as recorded by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). DHS clearances involve additional probity checks and continuous monitoring. Both are required.
- Students must supply a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) prior to the commencement of their placement.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
Valid for three years from date of issue
Commonly referred to as a Police Check, a National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is a document that lists all criminal convictions recorded against a person in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) database. For more information visit the ACIC website.
Police Checks (NCCHCs) can be issued by:
- State and Territory or
- Private brokers that have been accredited by the ACIC
An acceptable Police Check (NCCHC) must meet the following requirements:
- Unsupervised Contact within the Health/Aged Care Sector.
- The following information is provided to assist you complete an application form for your Police Check:
- Reason for Check – Unsupervised Contact with Vulnerable Groups (if there is a character limit, ensure Unsupervised Contact is recorded at a minimum).
- Proposed Place of Work – Health/Aged Care Sector
- Location – Adelaide, South Australia
Please note – if you are completing a Police Check for a Northern Territory placement, please follow the instruction provided by Flinders NT or your discipline specific checklist. In the absence of this advice, follow the above instructions to complete the application form.
Students are responsible for the cost of obtaining their Police Check (NCCHC).
Students completing placements in South Australia may choose to apply for a Police Check (NCCHC) directly through their local police, or through a commercial broker. If a Police Check (NCCHC) is required urgently (e.g. sooner than 4 – 5 weeks) then it is advisable to apply online through an accredited broker that offers fast turnaround.
Police Check (NCCHC) providers:
- South Australia Police (SAPOL) - We strongly recommend you use the SAPOL Police Check as this the most accepted document.
- Third party providers are https://flinders.checked.com.au and www.cvcheck.com.
- State clearances are most widely accepted across organisations and interstate, third party provided clearances may not be accepted by host organisations outside of the control of the University.
Please note that Flinders University does not endorse these providers and cannot guarantee their turnaround times.
What happens if there are offences listed on my Police Check?
Students with criminal convictions should to refer to the SA Health Criminal and Relevant History Screening Policy Directive. Students with serious criminal convictions may be precluded from placement. Students with criminal convictions are advised to meet with their course coordinator to discuss their ability to satisfy the requirements of their placement topic.
Will you accept a Teachers Registration Board (TRB) Registration Certificate?
No. The Teachers Registration Board (TRB) undertakes a Police Check (Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) as part of the registration process, however, no outcomes are listed on the registration certificate. You are required to obtain a separate Police Check (NCCHC).
How can I obtain a replacement Police Check?
Replacement Police Checks (NCCHCs) can sometimes be obtained by contacting the organisation that issued the original certificate. In many cases, students who have lost their Police Check (NCCHC) will need to apply for a new one.
Valid indefinitely.
The Immunisation Compliance Certificate sets out the immunisation requirements for students and identifies acceptable evidence of immunity for each disease. The Immunisation Compliance Certificate must be completed by an immunisation provider, this can include General Practitioners (GPs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).
Students are responsible for:
- Understanding the immunisation requirements.
- Ensuring the immunisation provider completes the Immunisation Compliance Certificate correctly.
- Ensuring the immunisation provider provides the student with evidence of immunity, including vaccination records and blood test results (serology).
Completing the Immunisation Compliance Certificate may require several appointments with an immunisation provider. The schedule of appointments will vary depending upon previous vaccination history and the availability of medical records. A typical appointment schedule may include:
- First appointment
- Review vaccination history
- Request blood test to determine immunity
- Follow-up appointments
- Administer vaccinations according to schedule
- Blood test to determine immunity post-vaccination (required for Hepatitis B).
Who can complete the Immunisation Compliance Certificate?
The Immunisation Compliance Certificate must be completed by an immunisation provider in Australia. This can include General Practitioners (GPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Students are encouraged to utilise the Flinders University Health, Counselling and Disability service.
Can Hepatitis B immunity be confirmed by vaccination record?
No. Immunity to Hepatitis B must be confirmed by blood test. For students undergoing a course of vaccinations, the blood test is to be completed 4-6 weeks after the final (3rd) dose of the vaccine.
I have been vaccinated against Poliomyelitis but do not have a record of this. What can I do?
If a student is confident of their previous vaccination against Poliomyelitis, the Poliomyelitis Statutory Declaration (PDF) can be completed and will be accepted as evidence of immunity. Students that are unsure of their vaccination history should complete a course of vaccinations.
What happens if I can’t be fully vaccinated/immunised?
There are several reasons why a student may not be able to fulfil the immunisation requirements:
- Hepatitis B carrier: In cases where serology confirms Hepatitis B infection, students must provide evidence of this. Students that carry the Hepatitis B infection can attend placement but will be limited in the types of care settings in which they can work.
- Hepatitis B non-responder: In cases where post-vaccination serology does not confirm immunity to Hepatitis B, a booster dose may be given followed by another blood test. If immunity is still not confirmed, students may provide documentation from their medical practitioner, and will be considered as having met the immunisation requirements.
- Medical contraindication: Students with a medical contraindication to vaccination should follow the advice of their doctor. Once the Immunisation Compliance Certificate is completed to the extent possible, and a letter from the doctor is provided, students will be considered as having met the immunisation requirements.
Students who cannot be fully vaccinated/immunised for the above reasons will be required to advise the WIL Support Team as soon as possible to discuss strategies for ensuring the safety of themselves and others while on placement.
Students who refuse to be screened or vaccinated, or who refuse to provide this information to the University, are not considered as having met the immunisation requirements and will be refused a placement on this basis. Vaccination refusal will impact a student’s ability to complete their course; students that refuse vaccination are advised to meet with their course coordinator. Not applicable to Social Work students unless they are going to SA Health Placements.
Do I need to provide evidence of flu vaccination?
Students are required to obtain an annual flu vaccination, and evidence of this may be required by your placement venue. Due to the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine, students are required to be vaccinated with the current calendar year vaccine, when it is available, usually March/April. Upload evidence on InPlace. Evidence of receiving the influenza vaccination can be recorded on the ‘influenza vaccination certificate’ link here or similar certificate utilised by the immunisation provider.
Valid for one year from date of issue.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training is completed annually. Students are responsible for organising their training through an external provider.
Acceptable training can include:
- courses accredited to the HLTAID009 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation standard OR
- Basic Life Support courses completed through SA Health or endorsed by the Australian College of Nursing OR
- workplace CPR training that includes a practical component.
Acceptable evidence of training can include:
- a certificate of completion issued by the training provider
- a letter from an employer stating the date of completion of training
- a printout from an employer’s training register showing the date of completion of training.
Course providers may include:
Find additional accredited training providers by searching for HLTAID009 courses near your location.
Preparing for placement
If you have an existing condition or develop an illness or disability that may impede your ‘fitness for professional practice’, you must have the Flinders University Fitness for Professional Practice form (PDF) completed by a medical practitioner.
This form needs to be submitted to the placement education coordinator as soon as possible (for existing conditions, at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester).
**** Base uniform for placements will be your charcoal Flinders University Exercise Science / Clinical Exercise Physiology polo. ****
Tops
If you require something warmer, you may wear a navy or black plain long sleeve t-shirt underneath your Flinders polo (no brand names/logos showing); alternatively you can purchase a navy Flinders University Exercise Science soft shell jacket. Link below for polo/jacket purchases direct through supplier.
Pants
Most exercise science placements will require you to be able to move freely. As such, it may be appropriate to wear neat trackpants, 3/4 or full-length leggings, or mid-length shorts. You are not required to wear office attire unless specifically stated for a particular site, but you must be mindful to present yourself neatly and professionally (ie nothing daggy!) within each placement context. Please select black or navy blue for your trousers with minimal branding or logo's.
Footwear
At each site you must wear closed footwear that is appropriate to the activities you will undertake. In most instances this will include athletic shoes that are neat (not worn-out!), comfortable and mobile.
**Please confirm the specific uniform requirements with each site in your initial contact prior to placement with them**
Order your polo/jacket
Identification badges can only be obtained once you have a student ID card. How to obtain a student ID card.
Collecting in person from Central Library
- Complete the online form to order and pay at: unicard.com.au/flindersplacementbadge. The cost is $4.40 if collecting in person. Payment is not available at the office and is only available via the online form.
- Visit the Unicard office level 1 Central library, with student card. Placement cards/badges will be printed while the student waits.
- Cards/badges will not be issued if a student card is not presented.
Mailed out
- Check your address is current in the student system before trying to order.
- Complete the online form to order and pay at: unicard.com.au/flindersplacementbadge. The cost is $10 if mailed out. Payment is not available at the office and is only available via the online form.
- Cards/badges will be processed and mailed out via unregistered Australian Post within 2 working days.
You are required to read and understand the SA Health Clinical Placement Requirements for Healthcare Students (PDF)
Reimbursement Policy
Flinders Rural & Remote Health SA/NT is in the process of reviewing their accommodation costs and stipend support, when this is finalised this policy will be updated accordingly, until then this policy applies as stated.
Student Reimbursement Policy for SA rural, remote and interstate placements (14 February 2024)
This policy is for College of Nursing and Health Sciences students undertaking a rural or remote South Australian or any interstate placement.
Students will be eligible for reimbursement following each completed placement in line with this policy.
Reimbursement claims are processed at the completion of placement. Reimbursement claims must be submitted by the 15 January the following year for reimbursement of placement expenses the previous calendar year.
Students living in a rural or interstate location while completing their course qualify for reimbursement when they undertake placement in a metropolitan location.
Accommodation
Accommodation expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of $150 per week for the duration of the placement period.
Students must provide evidence for payment of accommodation, a receipt is preferred where possible, bank statement or signed letter from landlord can also be provided as evidence. Bonds and security deposits for accommodation, paid by students, are not covered by this policy and will not be reimbursed.
It is expected students stay in their allocated rural placement location area when undertaking a rural placement experience. Usual living expenses, including rent at a semester address, will not be covered under this policy.
Travel
Travel will be reimbursed to a maximum of $500 for travel expenses to and from the placement venue, at the commencement and completion of the placement based on the receipts provided (such as flights, bus, taxi fare). Students will not be reimbursed for travel while on placement returning to their residential address (e.g. at the end of a shift or on weekends during placement).
Students travelling within SA to rural and remote locations by a private vehicle will receive a predetermined amount to cover fuel expenses. Students will not be required to submit receipts. The total amount students will receive is provided on the Personal Travel Reimbursement - SA Rural Locations (PDF).
Exemptions:
If the placement is in the Northern Territory, students will be entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses to a maximum of $750.
If the placement is a project-based placement requiring the student to travel several times from metropolitan Adelaide to a rural venue, the student will be entitled to 2 return trips to a maximum refund of $500. To be eligible the student must provide supporting documentation in writing from their topic coordinator indicating this activity is essential.
Metropolitan Placements that require sporadic rural travel as part of the placement venues network are not eligible for reimbursement.
If a student is required to travel to more than one rural location during the placement period and the placement provider requires them to travel between the locations at their own expense the student will be eligible for reimbursement of travel to a maximum of $500 (this will include travel to and from placement location on first and last day of placement).
Students in this scenario will keep a log of the kilometres travelled, dates and destinations and submit this as evidence when seeking reimbursement. Travel will be reimbursed based on fuel at $1.80 per litre, with the average fuel consumption 11.1 L/100 km (ABS Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia 2020).
Assessment
All accommodation and travel reimbursements will be subjected to the following criteria;
- Rural and remote placements in South Australia must be within ASGS Remoteness Areas RA2 – RA5 outlined on the Doctor Connect website. Mt Barker will be excluded from this policy for both accommodation and travel reimbursement.
- Interstate placements, including metro locations, are included when; the placement is approved and/or required by the college (the college via the WIL placement team will identify if a placement satisfies this test prior to confirmation).
- Interstate placements, including metro locations, are not included when you choose to go to an interstate location where there is a suitable South Australian placement available to you as defined by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences WIL placement team. In these circumstances the students can still do this placement, but reimbursement will not be provided.
- All placements will be confirmed by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences WIL placement team.
- Scholarships received by the student for any placement will be taken into consideration when calculating the reimbursement. Student reimbursements from this policy will not exceed the total expenditure the student incurred for travel and accommodation.
Example:
Accommodation [$1,500] + Travel [$600] – Scholarship [$500] = $1,600 (Reimbursement)
Reimbursement process
Students are to submit reimbursement claims as per the following process:
- At the completion of placement, fill out the Student Placement Reimbursement form ( a fillable PDF) detailing expenses incurred while undertaking your placement.
- Scan the form with receipts/invoices of expenses and email to cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au with your student ID number and “Placement Reimbursement Claim Request” in the subject heading. Ensure your scanned document is clearly legible.
- Payments are made into your nominated account within approximately 4 weeks of submitting your student placement reimbursement form.
You must ensure you keep your accommodation and travel expense receipts/invoices.
For more information please contact cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University