Main topic: Health
Institute for Health (IfG)
Health regions and networks in the health care system are currently an essential part of regional health care and health care for the population. In the future, this will require even more qualified specialists and managers. The University of Applied Sciences (FHM) has established the Institute for Health (IfG) based in the district of Waldshut. Initiators and supporters of the project are the district of Waldshut with the Hochrhein Clinic and the Academy for Health Professions in Bad Säckingen.
The aim is to scientifically promote economic and educational development in the healthcare sector in the district – in close cooperation with regional partners from business, administration, education and science. In addition to Waldshut, the study center is also in Bad Säckingen.
The first joint educational programs between the FHM and the district's Justus-von-Liebig School have been in place since 2017. Since 2019, the university has also been cooperating with the Academy for Health Professions in Bad Säckingen. In the two dual study programs in occupational therapy and physiotherapy, the Academy for Health Professions takes on the practical part of the training, while the University of Applied Sciences for SMEs provides the academic qualification that builds on this, enabling students to obtain a bachelor's degree.
In the district of Waldshut, the FHM is now offering bachelor's degree programs in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing & management, as well as a master's degree in physiotherapy. In addition, scientific further education courses will also be offered in the future – including practical training in nursing and special certificates in physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
The Institute for Health combines studies and teaching with applied research and consulting, scientific training, and the transfer of knowledge and personnel in the district. The University of Applied Sciences for SMEs offers both on-site and distance learning, a flexible, undergraduate, dual and part-time study program with numerous bachelor's degrees and a master's program, all of which are geared to the regional needs of the Waldshut district. Research symposia on nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, workshops on selected health-related topics, and topic-related exhibitions and conferences are also planned. The initial funding provided by the sponsors, totaling 1.6 million euros, will run for a period of four years, after which the institute should be self-sustaining.
Voices of the sponsors & initiators
With the Institute for Health, we are investing in a future-oriented sector and we are increasing the attractiveness of our region for young people. The institute is a great opportunity to establish a center for knowledge transfer in our district. We expect the institute to develop a radiance beyond the district into neighboring districts and also into neighboring Switzerland.
Dr. Martin Kistler | District Administrator, Waldshut
Our collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences will further develop the local educational landscape. We are broadening our practical offering with the new academic qualifications. Currently, more than 100 vocational students have opted for the academic model and will achieve a bachelor's degree in cooperation with the FHM. We want to increase this number in the future.
Dr. Günther Nufer | Managing Director, Academy for Healthcare Professions
The establishment of the institute is an important impetus, particularly in the district of Waldshut, where the journey to the universities of Freiburg or Constance is a long one. It can also support the positive development of the Hochrhein Clinic at its new location.
Dr. med. Hans-Peter Schlaudt | Managing Director Klinikum Hochrhein
The topics of health and care are topics for the future, and we at FHM have been dealing with them for years – both in teaching and in the dual study programs in the health sector. We look forward to welcoming many students to the district in the future and to establishing many contacts with partners here in the Waldshut region.
Prof. Dr. Anne Dreier | Rector and Managing Director of FHM
With the new courses offered in nursing, we are rounding off our range of services perfectly and bundling our activities. We look forward to the new, future-oriented study centers in the Waldshut district.
Prof. Dr. Walter Niemeier, Scientific Director of the Institute for Health in the District of Waldshut
