Physiotherapy Board Media Release – 18 October, 2018

The Physiotherapy Board has today accredited Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) and the Wintec degree qualifications of Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours).

This accreditation marks the first new school of physiotherapy and new degree programme in 45 years.

Physiotherapy Board Chair Janice Mueller says the accreditation process is rigorous. “Our principal 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.

“Consultation on this accreditation included feedback from close to 1000 New Zealand registered physiotherapists. It has been a robust process and Wintec has met our requirements.

“Wintec has collaborated with the University of Newcastle, Australia in the development of this programme. This collaboration is expected to include research for the advancement of physiotherapy

“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.”

Wintec joins AUT University and Otago University as accredited physiotherapy degree providers.