With or without Matura
Training on a piecework basis: FH Gesundheit is expanding
The midwifery course was already expanded from every three years to an annual course in the fall of 2023. From the 2025/2026 academic year, speech therapy and dietetics will also be offered annually with 24 study places each. Together with the FH Gesundheit and the AZW, the province of Tyrol is taking measures to counter the impending wave of retirements.
When we think of medicine, we usually think of doctors. However, the people who look after our health have a wide range of professions - from midwives to biomedical analysts and speech therapists. "The area of non-medical healthcare professions is one that should concern us all," explains Cornelia Hagele (ÖVP), the state councillor responsible, explaining the seriousness of the situation, "40 percent of nurses in the care sector alone will retire in the next ten years."
"This location is unique in Austria"
Anyone wishing to study a healthcare profession or healthcare-related occupation can do so academically at the FH Gesundheit, as is currently the case for 1830 students on a total of 25 Bachelor's and Master's programs as well as numerous courses, or non-academically at the AZW. "This location is unique in Austria. Unique in the sense that we have both academic and non-academic courses at the AZW. Everything is important. This combination means that non-academic professions can always progress," says UAS Rector Walter Draxl.
Medical assistant professions as part of the AZW can be further developed by the UAS, ultimately leading to academic training as part of the professional qualification track.
The FH Health significantly supports the healthcare structures in the province of Tyrol.
FH-Rektor Walter Draxl
"We are also viewed critically for the fact that we allow non-Matura students to study for a vocational qualification. But I think we owe it to these people, because 10 to 20 percent are always suitable for studying - even without a school-leaving certificate," says Draxl, confident that he is on the right track.
The demand for trained people in the healthcare professions is higher than ever before.
LR Cornelia Hagele (ÖVP)
Speech therapy and dietetics with an annual start
The range of courses is to be expanded in the coming year: In the fields of speech therapy and dietetics, for example, an annual start is planned (instead of every two years as before) with 24 study places each. This is a continuation of a trend: the number of training places for occupational therapy, for example, will be increased from 30 to 40 as early as this fall. Midwifery training, which was previously only offered every three years, will also be offered annually from fall 2023. The range of courses for physiotherapists has also been expanded: a part-time Master's degree course specially developed for physiotherapists will be available for the first time from fall 2024.
Since the UAS began its work in October 2007 with 164 students, a lot has happened - also in terms of the subject areas: in addition to the professions mentioned, the program also includes radiology technology, ophthalmic optics and sign language interpreting.
"Krone": In which area is there a particularly high demand?
UAS Rector Walter Draxl: All healthcare professions are in high demand. We have noticed an increased demand in midwifery and speech therapy. Corona has also increased demand.
Is there an area that is less "on people's radar"?
The diagnostic professions: Biomedical analysis and radiology technology. Especially the assistant professions in this field. We need to go into schools to make these professions visible.
Are there enough young people to meet the demand?
All paths must be opened up. My first goal is to ensure that the Tyrolean population is well trained and that we improve the opportunities here. If we can't meet the demand with these people, we also have to advertise for graduates from other countries. However, we must make sure that we do not have a "brain drain" and that people come from countries where our own supply can still function well. We are in contact with universities in Colombia, Bosnia, Georgia and Turkey, for example - but of course the supply there must not be allowed to break down.
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