Media releases

Federation University Psychology graduates could be the key to address shortages in one of the most in-demand sectors in the region.  

Federation University’s Psychology student enrolments have increased by 87% since 2019 across Bachelor to Master courses, creating a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the increasing demand, which is set to increase 13.3% by 2024 (Source: Report - Jobs and Skills Australia 2021 Employment projections for the five years to 2026.) 

Madeleine Milton, a 27-year-old psychology student at Federation University, is on a mission to become a registered psychologist and contribute to improving the lives of individuals in need of psychological support. 

Currently, only 30% of trained Psychiatrists and Psychologists live in regional areas, which puts extra pressure on services and professionals available in these regions.  

Madeleine says she has gained valuable experience through placements at FedCare Psychology – a new facility based at the Greenhill Enterprise Centre at Federation’s Mount Helen Campus - which has provided more than 7,500 hours of care to Victorians via telehealth consultations in 2023. 

In 2024, FedCare has seen the largest ever group of Provisional Psychologists – trainees who practice under supervision before becoming fully registered, with 37 in total providing treatment and cognitive assessments. 

Madeleine also had placement opportunities at a local secondary school, public mental health services and private practice. These diverse placements have exposed her to various clients and presentations, preparing her for her career. 

“Thanks to my placement opportunities and coursework over the duration of my six years of study I feel prepared for the workforce. I am really looking forward to putting my work into practice”, Madeleine said. 

"I love working with people and helping them to achieve their goals and function as best they can. Psychology is so rewarding, and I am grateful that I can contribute to improving people's lives," she said. 

Madeleine has just commenced a new role as a clinical register in public mental health after receiving her general registration as a psychologist.  

Madeleine's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring psychologists, encouraging them not to wait for the perfect opportunity to pursue further education.  

"If you are passionate about studying, take the first step towards your dream career," she said. 

Students at Federation University can go all the way from undergraduate psychology to registered psychologist, read more about pathways and employment outcomes here  

Fedcare services include psychological treatment, formal psychological testing, consultation, community outreach, group programs and workshops, and school outreach programs. Head to the website to learn more here  

Quotes attributable to Federation University Associate Professor, Head of Clinical Services and Programs, Psychology | Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Megan Jenkins 

“We are proud of the high-quality psychology training we offer at Federation. Our placement program is dynamic and offers our students opportunities to develop skills working with a diverse range of clients and our provisional psychologists in training make an enormous impact on the community.” 

“Our FedCare psychology services offers state of the art training facilities and exceptional supervision. It’s a privilege to support students like Maddie through their journey to becoming a psychologist.”