Otago Occupational Therapy degree in Waikato

MEDIA RELEASE

December 7 2006

Otago Occupational Therapy degree to be offered in Waikato

Otago Polytechnic and Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) have formed a unique collaboration to deliver an Occupational Therapy degree in the Waikato.

Otago Polytechnic in collaboration with Wintec will deliver the jointly badged Otago Polytechnic/Wintec Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme, for students of Hamilton and the wider surrounding areas from 2008.

The institutes have undertaken to negotiate teaching and fieldwork supervision and will establish a joint advisory committee. Nina Hill, Associate Head of School, Midwifery and Allied Health at Wintec, said a joint team will also establish a mechanism to review and adapt the Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Occupational Therapy curriculum to meet local (Waikato) needs, in particular in relation to iwi and pasifika.

She said from the New Year the two tertiary providers will be actively working together with the aim of delivering the Otago Polytechnic/Wintec Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree in the Waikato. In working with Wintec, Otago Polytechnic will be building on the relationships that have already been developed, and will consult further with stakeholders including the occupational therapy profession, Tainui, AUT, and employers of occupational therapists in the region.

“It is important to note that there will be one curriculum,” she said, “although the means by which it is delivered may differ according to whether the student is in Dunedin or in the Waikato region.” Otago Polytechnic has expertise in delivering learning flexibly and this medium will be explored with key stakeholders for undergraduate students.

“TEC has indicated its support for the developing collaborative initiative being taken by both institutions.”

ENDS

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