When Work Integrated Learning Costs Too Much: The Hidden Toll of Clinical Placements

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences are a key component in medical imaging (MI) studies. However, these unpaid placements often result in significant financial stress, otherwise known as 'placement poverty', due to reduced income during placement and associated costs. Despite significant research in other allied health disciplines, the impact on MI students remains under-researched.

A structured survey based upon the WIDE survey originally developed in New Zealand was administered by the University's Qualtrics platform. Ethics approval was granted (Ethics # 6894). The survey targeted students in their final 2 years of the four-year Honours degree, along with students within 2 years post-graduation. The survey collected both quantitative and qualitative data on financial stress during WIL placements. Of 250 eligible participants, 56 responded, with 28 complete responses included in the analysis.

Findings have demonstrated MI students experience substantial financial hardship during WIL placements. Key stressors included travel, accommodation, uniforms, and increased daily living costs. Full-time placement schedules limited students' ability to maintain part-time employment, with rural placements further increasing their financial burden. Students reported impacts on mental health, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. Financial stress led some students to reduce their study load, take leave from the course or consider course withdrawal.

This study highlights the significant financial challenges facing MI students during WIL placements, with implications for students' retention and workforce sustainability. Targeted financial support, flexible placement models, and policy reform are urgently needed to ensure equitable training and to address the ongoing workforce shortage.