First Nations Health Pathway Program

The First Nations Health Pathway Program (The Pathway Program) is the first step toward an exciting and rewarding future in healthcare for First Nations peoples aged 17 years or older.

The Program is designed with the 'both-ways' approach, encompassing cultural knowledge and language, alongside Western academic perspectives and traditions.

This free program, offered in face-to-face blocks in Darwin (Casuarina) is designed to provide First Nation peoples with a supported, culturally responsive pathway to entry into higher education in the health sector. Individual units may also be offered at CDU campuses in Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy.

With expert guidance, academic support, and a seamless transition into further studies, this program equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in health studies at university.

Whether you're exploring your options, committed to pursuing a health career, or already working in the sector and looking to advance your career, this is your opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications needed to make a meaningful impact in the health sector in your chosen health profession.  

Once you've successfully completed the program, you are eligible to apply for most CDU undergraduate health courses with up to 30 credit points transferred from your First Nations Health Pathway Program.

Travel and Accommodation Assistance  

If you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial assistance is available for your travel and accommodation to complete the intensive blocks at no cost to you.   

Mentoring and Tutor Support:  

You will receive expert personalised guidance and support in selecting your continuing health course, setting you up for success in your academic journey and future health career. With dedicated support throughout the enrolment process, you'll experience a seamless transition into this exciting next step in your educational journey. Get ready to take your future in health to the next level!  Throughout the program, you'll receive support from:

Tutors who will assist you with academic skills, coursework, and assessments. Whether you need help with writing, research, or understanding complex concepts, they'll be there to guide you, ensuring you gain the confidence to succeed in university-level studies.

First Nations mentors who will provide personalised guidance, encouragement, and advice as you navigate university life. Mentors will help you set academic and personal goals, develop essential study habits, and strengthen your confidence in handling challenges along the way. They will help you navigate university expectations and build connections within the CDU community, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

 First Nations Support Officer who will provide cultural support and advocacy, making sure you feel represented and empowered throughout your academic journey.

With dedicated tutoring, mentoring, and First Nations support officer, you'll gain more than just knowledge, you'll develop essential coping skills, academic confidence, and a strong support network. This guidance will empower you throughout your studies and continue to benefit you as you advance in your academic journey and professional career. 

Outside the classroom, you'll participate in activities designed to connect you with fellow students, university staff, and the wider professional community. 

Advancing Health Careers, Strengthening Communities 

The Faculty of Health is dedicated to empowering First Nations students with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to build successful careers in healthcare. By prioritising the training and development of First Nations healthcare professionals, the Faculty strengthens First Nations representation within the sector, ensuring that communities receive equitable, high-quality, and culturally safe care.

This commitment plays a vital role in Closing the Gap, improving health outcomes, and fostering a healthcare system that is inclusive, responsive, and better equipped to meet the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Faculty of Health strives to ensure that communities receive high-quality and culturally safe care, paving the way for a stronger, more representative health sector that serves all communities with respect and understanding.

What you'll learn: 

In this program you'll:

1.      Share and discuss First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing in health 

2.      Develop an awareness of contemporary issues in First Nations health 

3.      Demonstrate academic literacies and standard English usage for effective research, reading and writing for university studies 

4.      Engage effectively in the university environment to successfully study in health  

5.      Develop and apply core health-specific knowledge and skills required for undergraduate study in health 

6.      Apply effective communication and independent learning strategies and use a variety of technologies to complete learning and assessment tasks.