Speech therapists and occupational therapists will soon be trained at the Pinkafeld site of FH Burgenland.
Pinkafeld, 1 February 2024 - Following the expansion of the study programme in healthcare and nursing from 50 to 75 annual study places last year, Burgenland is now increasing the number of places for new students in the healthcare sector by 30. From autumn 2024, the bachelor's degree programmes in speech therapy and occupational therapy will be offered at the Pinkafeld campus of FH Burgenland, each with 15 places. The degree programme lasts three years. There are no tuition fees. The future graduates are in high demand. Registration is already possible at www.fh-burgenland.at
The pandemic and waves of retirements have left their mark on the healthcare sector. The situation is precarious, especially regarding care for the youngest. The recently published "Report on the state of child and adolescent health in Austria in 2023*)" adds fuel to the fire. "There are too few speech therapists and occupational therapists, especially in rural areas," says Erwin Gollner, Head of the Department of Health at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences.
Patients wait up to seven months for a therapy appointment. We are most definitely short of speech therapists. With the two new degree programmes, Burgenland is taking important measures to better meet the demand for specialists in these important areas in the future.
Erwin Gollner, Head of the Department of Health at FH Burgenland
Occupational therapists help people of all ages to (re)organise their lives independently. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, primary care centres, schools, kindergartens or independently in their own practice. Students receive comprehensive training in the fields of health promotion (occupational medicine), orthopaedics, geriatrics and paediatrics.
Speech therapists help with speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders as well as problems with communication, breathing and hearing. They work in different settings with people of all ages, including in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, outpatient clinics, nurseries or independently in their own practice.
The degree programmes are free of charge and after three years lead to a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies (BSc) degree and a professional qualification in the respective field. The degree programme is organised to enable students to work. Courses take place from Monday to Thursday at the Pinkafeld campus of FH Burgenland. There are 15 places available on each degree programme. Information and enrolment at www.fh-burgenland.at
*) In detail: Information on care provided by occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy can be found on page 35, a care map on p. 40, information on waiting times on p. 45.
Further information:
Mag.a Christiane Staab
Marketing & Communication
Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH
Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537
E-Mail: christiane.staab@hochschule-burgenland.at
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