When Coober Pedy needed a paramedic, Rod Clements answered the call.
Little did he know, when most people could be retiring, he would be back at university studying to be a nurse to help the community again.
After falling in love with the outback and purchasing an underground home (dugout), Rod embraced the challenge of returning to study Nursing at Charles Darwin University to continue his outback lifestyle while still supporting the healthcare needs in the community.
"I have lived all over the world but there is something special about this community, between the unique lifestyle and views, it has captured my heart," he said.
Deciding to return to university, for the 4th time, as a mature aged student needed a great deal of thought regarding its impact on his family and lifestyle, but the pros far outweighed the cons.
"I know I still have more to give but I really had to look at my options to move away from ambulance work, and nursing looked like the best career progression," Rod said.
"I reached out to a few universities and CDU had the best plan to recognise both my experience and previous qualifications," he said.
"CDU was really transparent about recognising my previous qualifications and offering a flexible study plan based on my location, skills and areas of interest."
Once Rod realised that not only did CDU offer advanced standing and recognition of prior learning, it also offered contextualised placements across the Northern Territory that would offer the hands-on learning experience related to his community he couldn't say no.
"I have completed most of my placements in Alice Springs and I found them incredibly rewarding and educational, they have also already connected me to job opportunities once I finish my degree," he said.
Now in his final year of study, Rod will become a Registered Nurse and is excited to use his skills to help support his community and the remote communities in the surrounding area.
"The opportunities across regional and remote Australia are endless, and I am excited to continue working in the outback and supporting our healthcare sector in a new capacity," Rod said.
