New physiotherapy school to open at Wintec

It’s official, enrolment is now open for New Zealand’s newest physiotherapy school.

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) now has New Zealand’s first new school of physiotherapy in 45 years, a coup for the central North Island.

The Physiotherapy Board has approved Wintec to deliver physiotherapy and accredited the degree qualifications of Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours).

Wintec acting chief executive David Christiansen says the new programmes were developed to meet the needs of the region and its people.

“This is great news and while I’m delighted for Wintec, the real significance of this is for the people of the central North Island. Wintec’s new physiotherapy school is significant and reflects our role in responding to the dynamic growth of this area by helping develop the future health workforce for our region. 

“We put in an extremely well thought out and thorough proposal, and the fact that this is the first new physiotherapy degree programme to be accredited in 45 years, is a reflection of a lot of hard work from our staff and industry partners.  

“There’s no doubt about the need for a third physiotherapy school in New Zealand and for this to be located in the region.

“The approval of Wintec’s physiotherapy school is a reflection of the excellent work we are doing at Wintec, which is the largest health and social practice education provider in the Midland region.”

In a statement today, the Physiotherapy Board Chair Janice Mueller said “the accreditation process is rigorous”.

“Our principle role is public safety, and that includes making sure that physiotherapy in New Zealand is taught to a high standard.

“Our accreditation process involves the Board, the Australian Physiotherapy Council - who is involved with the accreditation of all Australasian physiotherapy programmes - and consultation with registered physiotherapists in New Zealand.

“It has been a robust process and Wintec has met our requirements.

“As New Zealand’s population and health needs grow the need for our profession also increases, having a third school of physiotherapy helps deliver to that need,” says Mueller.

The Wintec programme has been developed in consultation with communities and local providers, and will support increased numbers of Māori and Pasifika students to enter the programme and qualify as physiotherapists.

 Wintec director of Health and Social Practice, Dr Angela Beaton who led the development of the Wintec Physiotherapy School says: “We are looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with our community and practice partners to deliver an innovative, new physiotherapy programme.”

“With the addition of physiotherapy, this extends the range of health and social practice programmes Wintec delivers across the region, which includes  nursing, midwifery, social practice, occupational therapy and sport and exercise science. 

“We’re anticipating high interest for the limited places on offer next year and encourage everyone who is interested to apply. However, for the first year or two we will be limiting numbers to ensure the quality launch of this programme.”

Enrolment closes on 12 November 2018 for students intending to commence study on 11 February 2019.

Wintec joins AUT and Otago University as New Zealand’s only accredited physiotherapy degree providers.

Find out more about studying towards a career in physiotherapy at Wintec.

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Wintec responds to the demand for physiotherapy