First Tasmanian graduates for physiotherapy and speech pathology among thousands of UTAS students in Winter Graduation ceremonies
Thousands of University of Tasmania students popped on their academic gowns and mortarboard hats to celebrate their graduations. Among them were students marking a historic first for the state. See the pictures.
Tasmania
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Donning their caps and gowns, more than 2000 students will graduate during the University of Tasmania 2024 Winter Graduations, with celebrations getting underway in Launceston on Thursday.
For the first time in Tasmania, 24 of the 2000 students graduating will be locally trained physiotherapy and speech pathology students, ready to fill critical vacancies across the state’s health sector.
Master of Physiotherapy graduate Kassy Tilyard said her experience in the program had been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been a really great experience and a really great journey to connect and develop as a clinician supported by really great clinicians in the community,” she said.
“I have been fortunate enough to get a job in a respiratory and neurological private practice here in Launceston, which is a growing business.
“I’m very lucky to get this opportunity.”
Ms Tilyard said she decided to pursue a physiotherapy career because she was always interested in helping others and health and could study it in her hometown.
“I have always really wanted to help people, and I have a passion for health, so the two combined nicely,” she said.
“Physiotherapy can make such an impactful difference to people’s lives.
“Whether that’s helping someone run a marathon or helping someone be able to tie their shoelaces, it’s the little things that physios can help with that can really make a big difference.”
UTAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black extended his congratulations to all graduating students.
“Graduations are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life-transforming achievements of each and every student and the difference they will make to their communities,” Professor Black said.
“Seeing our first cohort of speech pathology and physiotherapy graduates is an important step in the university’s mission to ensure we do all we can to support the provision of excellent health care in Tasmania.”