40 years of physiotherapy training: a festival of tradition and future in Steyr

40 years of physiotherapy training: a festival of tradition and future in Steyr

On November 21, 2024, a gratifying anniversary was celebrated in the Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Clinic: the physiotherapy training of the University of Applied Sciences Health Professions Upper Austria looks back on 40 years. Around 150 guests were present at this festive event.

The celebrations were moderated by Regina Prankl, the site manager, and the physiotherapist Sophie Thurnher, who completed the course herself. The development of the training was recognized in several rounds of discussion, starting from the first few days to the modern challenges that the training faces today.

The beginnings of the training

The history of physiotherapy training in Steyr began in 1984 with a small group of 24 students at the then "School for the Physiotherapeutic Service". The students received the lessons in various rooms of the LKH Steyr. In 1994 the training was moved to a newly built medical training center, while the capacity was increased to 40 students per year. With the founding of the FH Health Professions Upper Austria in 2010, the training received a new structure and was continued as a bachelor's degree.

As part of the celebration, various developments were discussed in the training center. This also included the changes in health care and the new challenges that physiotherapists are facing in the future.

future of physiotherapy

in a talent group in which the role of Steyr was discussed as a student city, prominent guests such as Federal Councilor Bernhard Ruf and Mayor Markus Vogl discussed the importance of the University of Applied Sciences Health Professions for the city. It was clear that the connection to the clinics of Upper Austrian Health Holding is a significant added value for both sides.

Bettina Schneebauer, managing director of the University of Applied Sciences Health Professions Upper Austria, called on those present to shape the future of physiotherapy together. In her explanations, she emphasized the innovative component of the new curricula, which is adapted to the modern requirements of health care. The students also contributed to the success of the evening with artistic performances.

This anniversary celebration clearly shows how important the tradition of physiotherapy training in Steyr is for health care in Upper Austria. According to LH-Stv.in Christine Haberlander, the training not only strengthens local health care, but also reacts to the demographic changes in advance because more and more people are getting older. The success of physiotherapy training in Steyr is still seen as the basic pillar for the health care of the region.

The entire event experience, which was rounded off by a musical performance of the band "Manschuu", confirmed that the connection between tradition and innovation at the University of Health Professions Upper Austria remains alive. More information about this anniversary can be found here