If you are committed to improving people’s lives and a vocation where you can make a difference, the opportunities offered by the Centre for Health and Social Practice are endless. As part of this centre, you will be part of a community that is dedicated to social care, health, well-being and protection.
The programmes we offer lead to hands-on careers and our teaching reflects this. You will have access to real-world simulated learning and the latest technology, with opportunities for interprofessional education to learn from other professions and improve all-round care. Our experienced and registered tutors genuinely care about your success and will guide you on your way.
We know the needs of our stakeholders are always changing, so we deliver fit-for-purpose programmes that are responsive to changes in the health and social practice sectors. We value inclusion, diversity, and the achievement of potential in all of our staff and students. We are committed to social justice, and our treaty partnership between Tangata Whenua and Tauiwi underpins everything we do.
Now is the time to turn your passion for people into a career.
In the world of health and social practice you will be challenged, inspired, and rewarded – sometimes all at once. We will give you the skills and knowledge to change the world. Be the graduate everyone is looking for.
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The Centre for Health and Social Practice facilities are designed for students to get the most out of their learning. The latest technology is made available to put theoretical knowledge into practice. Students can expect environments such as a simulated ward with computerised patient models who assume real health issues. We value diversity and inclusion; facilities are designed to encourage interprofessional learning between health and social care, with opportunities for interaction between staff and students.
Be part of our community and see how we can work together.
The Centre for Health and Social Practice maintains close relationships with the industry and professional bodies that graduates register with. Our staff are experienced in their fields and are continuously active in health and social practice research. Our students are taught with a focus on the practical elements of healthcare and are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world learning environments. Each year students will gain credit for undertaking placements, internships, or volunteer work in their field.
Our teaching approach focuses on the practical side of learning, and we understand the benefits of real-world work environments for our learners. We deliver work-integrated learning programmes, meaning that we facilitate learning by connecting and integrating experiences across educational and workplace contexts, in which feedback from clients/patients and registered professionals is integral to your academic experience.
Ākonga (learners) in the Centre for Health and Social Practice spend time across their programmes in work placements for credit. The amount of time spent on placement varies according to qualification and year; first-year ākonga will spend approximately a quarter of the year doing work placement, while third-year ākonga will spend most of their time on placement. Our pathways require ākonga to meet certain requirements throughout their programme.
We will endeavour to provide placements within the Midlands region; however, this is dependent on supply and learning needs, and therefore you should expect that travel will be required for at least one placement during your programme. Given the nature of the professions concerned, you should be prepared to undertake shift work. You are expected to attend all aspects of placement regardless of time, day or place. You will be responsible for all costs associated with placement; for example, food, travel and accommodation.
It should be noted that each accrediting body has a minimum number of hours required for the completion of a qualification or specific module. In addition to achieving the minimum number of hours required, you must also meet the relevant competency. As your education provider, we must ensure that you have adequate time to reach competency, and this may mean you complete hours over and above the minimum required by the accrediting body.
Your individual programme will share placement orientation information with you. You are required to attend and complete all pre-placement orientation requirements before your placement can commence.
You are required to attend all scheduled placement days/activities. If you are absent from placement, you must inform your module coordinator or other nominated person immediately, and ideally in advance of the relevant activity. If you are absent from placement for three days or more, you may be required to provide a medical certificate. Please refer to your Ākonga Handbook for further information.
Your programme will include formal learning regarding confidentiality and privacy within your profession, and as an ākonga of Wintec. There are numerous pieces of legislation and policy that detail specific and strict requirements. You are expected to learn and apply this knowledge and adhere to all relevant legislative and policy requirements throughout your education.
You are expected to maintain complete and thorough placement records, including timesheets. Timesheet information will be entered into SONIA. It is essential that you complete your timesheets in a prompt manner and as required by your programme of study. If you have any questions, please contact the Clinical Experience Team by emailing chaspplacements@wintec.ac.nz. Please note that some programmes, such as the Bachelor of Midwifery, may require ākonga to complete a logbook or similar in addition to or in place of entering timesheet information in SONIA. It is your responsibility to check all requirements for your chosen programme of study.
Please note that some programmes, such as the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Midwifery, have specific uniform requirements for placement. Please refer to your Ākonga Handbook for details. Tidy and professional attire is expected regardless of your programme of study. If you have any questions or concerns about attire, please contact your module coordinator as soon as possible. Any ākonga who report for placement in incomplete, unsatisfactory or unprofessional dress code may not be permitted to commence the placement until appropriately attired.
Please remember that mobile phones may not be used while on placement, with the exception of meal/break times.
Challenges
We know that life challenges and other circumstances mean that readiness and ability to engage in required clinical/practicum placements may change over time. We can often accommodate and support your needs and provide you with extra learning and development opportunities as long as you proactively inform us of any issues arising that may impact your success. Significant unexpected events may make you eligible for special concessions. Please let us know promptly if something like this arises for you as there is a formal pathway you need to follow to apply for any such concession. Whānau and/or cultural advocates are an option for ākonga when applying for special consideration.
Your Clinical Passport/Checks must be completed in SONIA, our new, easy-to-use placement tool. To access SONIA, click here
Before you can go on placement, you must ensure you complete an online Children’s Act (2014) Declaration as well as Police Vetting.
You will be responsible for all costs associated with the health screening process.
The New Zealand Immunisation Schedule strongly recommends you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19; however, this is not compulsory. Your status must be declared on your Immunisation Status and Vaccination Declaration. If you decline to follow this advice, specific health and safety measures must be put in place to ensure your safety and the safety of those in your care. In the event of an outbreak, unvaccinated ākonga may need to be removed from placement and this may, at times, impact their learning pathways.
Your academic learning is designed to develop your personal, academic, and professional readiness to work in the health and social services. In addition to core skills, we will also teach and assess your awareness and personal and professional growth at levels appropriate to the relevant profession and to your stage of learning within your programme.
Nursing and medical students from Shimane University in Japan completed a two-week, short-term training programme with Wintec in New Zealand earlier this year. The visiting students are the 15th study group to travel to Wintec from the Japanese university, marking a significant milestone in the 17-year relationship between the two tertiary education providers.
Wintec nursing students have significantly outperformed the national average in recent state final exams, according to results released by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Muka Pito, an alternative and traditional way to tie umbilical cords using native harakeke (flax), is becoming more common and sought after. When trying to find a harakeke resource to make Muka Pito, Wintec students and tutors have not had much success. But now, Wintec Māori midwifery students have their very own harakeke plants to sustain this important traditional practice thanks to the Māori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL).
Join us this July for Semester 2 Orientation – this is an exciting experience not to be missed! This student event is a great way to get out, meet new friends, and have fun while experiencing different parts of Wintec.
Explore your future study options at Ngā Rā Tūwhera | Wintec Open Day! This annual event hosts people from around the Waikato region and beyond across our City and Rotokauri campuses in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton.
Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More about Wintec Te Pūkenga.
Learn with purpose
