In a first for the north of Tasmania, 29 first-year medicine students will begin their medicine training in Launceston in February
From this year, the Tasmanian School of Medicine will offer the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program (BMedScMD) for commencing students in Launceston.
“The expansion of the Medicine Program in the north of Tasmania is funded by the Commonwealth Government and will help build local training pathways for doctors in the region which is essential to securing futuremedicalworkforce needs,” Professor Ruth Kearon,Deanof the Tasmanian School of Medicine, said.
“Having the opportunity to expand the medicine degree program in Launceston – from start to finish – provides a vital pathway for young Tasmanians to stay in the region to study to become doctors.”
“The University of Tasmania has built a nation leading regional health training hub here in Launceston with the addition of medicine to our existing delivery of nursing, pharmacy, psychology and allied health professional courses. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with the Tasmanian Health Service and other community health partners to build a pipeline of health professionals from and for this region.”
Director of the University’s Launceston Clinical School, Associate Professor Rohan Church, said there is strong evidence that students who come from a rural area and train there are more likely to stay and work in the communities they serve.
“Students from the north will have the opportunity to learn in the new purpose-built University campus precinct at Inveresk, and develop early connections with lecturers, clinicians and health professionals from across the north of the state,” he said.
Previously, students wishing to pursue medicine had to spend three years in Hobart before electing to complete their final two years of study at one of the clinical schools in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie.
In 2025, the medicine program was expanded to offer the full five years on the North West Coast, increasing access and opportunity for regional students wanting to pursue a career in medicine.
“The University’s School of Medicine has a long history of providing excellent medical education and is in the top five universities in Australia for graduates choosing a general practice as a career,” Professor Kearon said.
People interested in learning more about a career in medicine are welcome to attend a health careers information evening.
For more information, visit the Health Careers Information Evening.