First cohort of PGDip Physiotherapy students start their course at Bangor today

With physiotherapists often in short supply, physiotherapy service managers and potential students in Wales have welcomed the development of a new route to qualify as a physiotherapist.

The first cohort of students on the new two-year accelerated post-graduate course at Bangor University commenced their course today. Aimed at graduates, this course provides an exciting alternative mode of entry to the profession compared to the established undergraduate approach. 

The Physiotherapy programme has been commissioned by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). It complements a three year undergraduate degree course at Glyndŵr University, ensuring undergraduate and postgraduate routes to a physiotherapy qualification across North Wales

The postgraduate accelerated programme has been designed as an efficient and innovative means to broaden access into the profession, whilst continuing to provide high quality physiotherapy workforce for the local Health Board and beyond.

Dr Lynne Williams, Head of the School of Health Sciences said;

“I was delighted to see our first cohort of students arriving today. Bangor University is fully committed to offering a physiotherapy programme as part of the portfolio of the School of Health Science and welcomes this new development as providing one of the key disciplines for promoting inter-professional learning for students."

Talking shortly after his appointment Jonathan Flynn, PGDip Physiotherapy Course Lead said;

"I am looking forward to leading the physiotherapy programme, working in close partnership with HEIW.  My hope is that the course will grow and become pivotal in the ‘All Wales’ strategic plan for health, as well as providing a strong foundation for all its future learners so they not only become the physiotherapists of the future, but healthcare leaders of the future."

Nesta McCluskey, Head of Physiotherapy (East) for BCUHB welcomed the students saying;

“I am delighted that there is a new Physiotherapy course starting in North Wales. Students will spend time in many of the different hospital sites in North Wales where they will develop the skills they require to succeed in a rewarding and varied career.”

Find out more about the course here.

Publication date: 13 January 2020