Physio school gets nod

Wintec has been given the go ahead to establish the country’s third physiotherapy school.

Wintec’s bid was approved by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand in October – and is the first new physiotherapy school in 45 years.

Dr Angela Beaton, Wintec director of health and social practice, said enrolments for the school are now open, with 65 applications already received.

About 25 students will be accepted in the first intake.

Wintec will offer a four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy as well as a four-year honours degree. Beaton said the new school will help remedy a nationwide shortage of physiotherapists. Currently, anyone wanting to study physiotherapy has to study at AUT in Auckland or Otago University.

‘‘For the Waikato, it means more access for our students across the Waikato and Midland [central North Island],’’ Beaton said.

‘‘For many students, going to Auckland or Dunedin is an insurmountable barrier. I feel very strongly that this new school will shape the future workforce and also provide a pathway for student success across the region.’’

Speaking in August, Lindsay Pooley, Waikato DHB manager of the allied health service, said most health boards had vacancies for physiotherapists. Pooley said it was hoped students who trained at Wintec would look for employment in the region.

Applications to the school close on November 12.