For many years, nurses and midwives wanting to work in rural and remote Australia have faced an unclear start to their careers. Pathways into practice were often ad hoc, with many clinicians relying on short-term agency contracts simply to gain experience. This model has never aligned with the long-term needs of communities – or the aspirations of clinicians wanting a meaningful, well-supported career in the bush. CRANAplus is working to change this story.
Through new partnerships, strengthened advocacy, and a long-held commitment to lifelong learning, we are working to reshape how nurses and midwives prepare for, enter, and thrive in rural and remote practice.
Building a stronger workforce pipeline
At the end of 2024, CRANAplus submitted a pre-budget proposal to the Australian Government, calling for investment in a national program to support, develop, and retain nurses and midwives in rural and remote settings.
An updated submission was lodged in January this year.
The proposed program aims to build a pipeline of up to 1,000 clinicians over five years.
At its heart is a supported 18-month pathway that blends:
- CRANAplus’ evidence-based education
- Graduate Certificate-level study with university partners
- Tailored supervision and in-place support
The goal is simple but vital: to ensure clinicians entering remote practice feel ready, confident, and culturally safe – not just academically qualified but prepared for the realities of the work and the communities they will serve.
University partnerships strengthening preparation
CRANAplus has engaged widely with universities across Australia to co-design programs that balance academic learning with real-world relevance.
La Trobe University Rural Health School & University of Southern Queensland: Two major collaborations were formalised last year, marking a significant step toward nationally recognised pathways that combine CRANAplus courses with tertiary units. Aligned with the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework, these programs aim to create a Rural and Remote Nursing and Midwifery Specialisation available from Graduate Certificate through to Master’s level – flexible, stackable qualifications for clinicians at all career stages.
Flinders University Department of Rural Health SANT: CRANAplus and Flinders have revitalised a long-standing relationship, exploring new ways to strengthen training and support for clinicians entering remote practice.
Edith Cowan University (ECU): An initial collaboration with ECU has produced a new rural and remote practice stream within their Graduate Certificate of Primary Health Care commencing in 2027. This course is aligned with the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework and can seamlessly transition to the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) course.
A commitment to lifelong learning
Lifelong learning has always been central to CRANAplus’ work. Participants consistently describe our courses as practical, relevant, and grounded in
the realities of remote practice.
By embedding these courses within university programs, CRANAplus aims to:
- Strengthen scope of practice
- Enhance transparency of skills and capability
- Provide clear, supported transition pathways into remote work
- Build a stable, well-prepared rural and remote health workforce
The vision is clear: a future in which every nurse and midwife entering rural and remote practice is supported with the right training, the right supervision, and the right pathways to stay – for themselves, for their careers, and for their communities.
This work is just the beginning. As we continue building a clearer, stronger preparation pathway for nurses and midwives across Australia, CRANAplus invites other universities and education partners to join us. If your institution is interested in contributing to this national effort, we welcome you to connect with our team and explore how we can work together.
Email: workforcesupport@crana.org.au
What this means for clinicians
If you’re considering a CRANAplus course: Many CRANAplus courses will soon count toward recognised university qualifications. Your professional development becomes part of a clearer, supported career pathway in rural and remote practice.
If you’re studying at university: You may be able to choose CRANAplus courses as electives within accredited postgraduate programs. Academic and industry learning will be better aligned, making it easier to build skills that genuinely match remote practice needs.
