Both undergraduate and post graduate Laboratory Medicine students undertake placements across a variety of diagnostic pathology laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or equivalent.
The University of Tasmania has key partnerships with the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) as well as private laboratories. Laboratories are located across Tasmania. At most sites, students will be given the opportunity to rotate through a variety of areas and may also be offered short secondments to nearby laboratories to increase learning opportunities.
Placement dates are planned in conjunction with curriculum requirements and partner operational demands. Placement dates are scheduled at specified times each year.
Preparing for PEP
Students will need to meet University of Tasmania Safety in Practice Compliance Requirements, as well as any other partner compliance requirements prior to commencing placement.
Students will be sent a ‘PEP pack’ during first semester, in the second year of their Laboratory Medicine course. Students must complete the documents and upload them to InPlace , the student placement system. Some of the documentation may need to be updated in years three and four but students will receive reminders from the Tasmanian PEP team as necessary. Any questions about the compliance process should be directed to Tasmania.Placements@utas.edu.au.
More information is available on the College of Health and Medicine Compliance page.
Industry partners will have their own compliance requirements to be completed once students are allocated to that facility.
As placement approaches, students will receive information regarding each placement, placement locations and facility information. This information is provided via InPlace – student placement system.
PEP requires students to attend their allocated facility on a full-time basis. Due to workflow, students at times may be allocated to various shifts.
Scholarships for PEP
Students should visit the University of Tasmania scholarship web page to review scholarships they may be eligible to apply for.
The Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA) also offers advice information and financial support for students.
PEP Supervision
During PEP, students always practice under the supervision of qualified health care professionals. Laboratory Medicine students practice alongside experienced staff members who will provide guidance during PEP, assisting to expand students’ developing practice and providing regular
feedback as students’ progress through the placement.
Relevant staff members will complete the competency checklists and student assessment tables, and review student performance for each of the laboratory departments students experience.
Students are also supported by a Fieldwork Coordinators or Facilitator. A Fieldwork Coordinator or Facilitator will regularly contact students and laboratory staff to ascertain student progress and resolve any queries or issues.
Absence from PEP
If students are unable to attend placement, they should call the laboratory and inform staff. They should also email their PEP Coordinator Jane Pittaway at Jane.Pittaway@utas.edu.au
Mandatory Training
Many of our industry partners are gradually introducing their own pre-placement mandatory training requirements. This is to manage risk and ensure students are aware of partner policy and procedural guidelines.
Launceston Course and Campus Information
