Push for more health and social studies at Deakin University Warrnambool, including Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

A university has explained its plan to increase the number of students studying health and social work in the region. Read the details.

A Warrnambool university is growing the number of health and science courses it offers in the hope of addressing the healthcare worker shortage in regional Victoria.

Deakin University professor Jennifer Watts, who is head of the school of health and social development, said there was “an increase in demand for health courses” at its Warrnambool campus.

After the successful introduction of the Bachelor of Social Work this year, from next year the campus will offer a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. The courses aim to complement the existing Bachelor of Nursing already offered on campus.

“Currently we are exploring the option of delivering the health promotion major in the Bachelor of Health Sciences for the Warrnambool campus,” Professor Watts said.

“Alongside our other health and social science courses, this new initiative from 2024 will contribute further to the education and growth of the southwest region’s health workforce.”

The move is part of the university’s response to the health and social welfare workforce shortages which are “increasingly an issue” for rural and regional communities.

This need was identified in 2021, along with the fact the Warrnambool campus was “in a position to be able to contribute to this need through education”.

“The pandemic had impacted the health sector and the workforce, in addition two Royal Commissions — the Disability Royal Commission and the Royal Commission into Family Violence — were highlighting the need for specialised services to a large population where there was unmet need,” Professor Watts said.

“These commissions highlighted workforce issues that were prevalent across Australia, but magnified in rural and regional areas.”

Professor Watts said occupational therapists had a “breadth of practice experience” and could “contribute” and “strengthen” primary health care, mental health care and aged care services.

Having the course at Warrnambool means “Deakin can serve the local community and provide occupational therapy education close to home,” she said.

“Students will engage with local providers for practice education opportunities, and also with other students at the Warrnambool campus including Nursing and Midwifery, Social Work, Health Promotion, Psychology, Exercise and Sport, Education and Medicine.

“This will enhance the opportunity for collaborative engagement with all students at the Warrnambool campus.”

Associate professor Kirk Reed, academic lead for occupational therapy in HSD, said there was a “high demand” for occupational therapists in a range of sectors from aged care, mental health, working with children and rehabilitation.

“The Deakin occupational therapy course is well-established and accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists,” Associate professor Reed said.

Warrnambool campus director Alistair Mccosh said the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course added to the “growing suite of health offerings” from the Warrnambool campus, following the recent announcement that first year medical students would be able to study in the town from 2024.

“Occupational therapy is a client-centred profession that aims to help people continue to participate in the everyday activities they find meaningful, such as taking care of themselves —and others — working, volunteering and participating in hobbies, interests, and social events,” Mr Mccosh said.