Health unions say staff cuts are putting medical students at risk.

The Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association says the Victorian Government is exploiting students, having them do ‘high-level’ tasks without proper supervision, putting patients at risk.

The union is mired in enterprise bargaining negotiations with the Andrews Government.

“Patients in need of x-rays, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other allied professional services are being routinely left to the care of unqualified students and undertrained interns because there is not enough money in the system to support properly qualified staff and appropriate supervision,” the union said.

“The Andrews Government is using students and interns as ‘lackeys’ to cover for its failure to properly resource Victorian hospitals with health professionals.”

It said workers were being stressed and exhausted by having to train and mentor more and more interns and students, while doing their own jobs.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said hospitals had to ensure patients had access to trained professionals.

“We are currently negotiating with health professionals in the context of the [enterprise bargaining agreement] about these issues,” she told the ABC.

“It's something we're committed to looking at.

“Whether or or not we're talking about allied health staff or nursing staff or appropriate supervision for clinical staff, it's my expectation that the right people are doing the right roles, that they're properly supported and properly supervised.”

The union is pushing for better career structures for its members, and pay parity with other health professionals.

Ms Hennessey said the state’s last budget included $2.1 billion for Victoria's health services.

“I do know hospitals are very stretched, we've got increasing demand on our health services,” she said.

“But the bottom line is health services need to make sure they are appropriately staffing those health services with people who are properly qualified and properly supervised.”