The James Cook University, Centre for Rural and Remote Health held its orientation week program on Tuesday February 18 with Senior liaison manager for JCU medicine Stephen Anderson.

Mr Anderson said they were running workshops like academic writing and referencing, online researching tools and general academic skills.

"We want to make sure the new students are not hit too hard come week one," Mr Anderson said.

Director of Centre for Remote Health at JCU Professor Sabina Knight said she was excited for the new students.

"I am really proud to welcome all of the new students at this orientation week," Dr Knight said.

"This orientation week is really important for us, we want to make a great first impression.

"Since our first cohort in 2003 we have graduated 69 nurses with a great majority of those have remained in the north west to work in healthcare."

Dr Knight said graduates will understand the risks, distance and cultural differences when working in the outback.

"Our small classes are a benefit to the students, in fact we have been averaging one university medal per year so I keep telling my students there is 'no pressure'.

"The people of the north west deserve the best health care and we are committed to making sure that happens."

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