Bond physiotherapy and occupational therapy students will soon be learning in brand-new, cutting-edge facilities
Set to open in August 2023, the $45-million project at Robina will meet the booming demand for new physiotherapists, exercise and sports scientists, dietitians, and occupational therapists.
The five-level building at the university’s Institute of Health & Sport precinct will create an additional 11,500m2 of education spaces, offices, and associated car parking beside Cbus Super Stadium.Bond Univeristy Institute of Health & Sport building
It will connect to the university’s existing High Performance Training Centre and double the current space for allied health programs. A traditional Smoke and Welcome to Country Ceremony by Kombumerri Elder Uncle John Graham will mark the start of work by ADCO Constructions.
The project is self-funded by Bond University and will create around 200 jobs during construction and more than 50 new highly-skilled, ongoing positions.
Bond University has held the site at 18 Stadium Drive for several years with an eye to future expansion.
It was provided to the 2018 Commonwealth Games as a warm-up field for athletes and since then has been used by Bond Bull Sharks sports teams as an additional training area.
Key features of the new facility include
an exterior design that complements the adjacent stadium and will add to the overall presentation of the Robina precinct
a range of new clinical spaces, including simulated hospital wards and clinician consulting rooms to accommodate treatments in physiotherapy, nutrition, rehabilitation and occupational therapy
a world-class 60m gait laboratory that incorporates pressure sensors and high-speed cameras to analyze human movement, used to assist everything from recovery and rehabilitation for age-related conditions to elite sports training
simulated residential settings to support research and education in occupational therapy
commercial simulated kitchen facilities for nutrition and dietetic studies
a rehabilitation gym
a unique indoor amphitheatre in an 230-seat atrium designed to encourage innovation
The design by XL Architecture prioritizes natural light, airflow, and a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives including solar power.
Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Tim Brailsford said strong growth was forecast in allied health disciplines, driven by demand in the aged care and disability sectors.
“This new facility will provide a significant expansion for our programs in allied health,” Professor Brailsford said, further explaining that the new building will meet the growing need of the Gold Coast for patients seeking assistance in a range of allied health services, and will add to the Gold Coast’s increasing reputation as a centre for high performance sports facilities planned for Brisbane 2032.
Master of Occupational Therapy
The Master of Occupational Therapy at Bond University combines lectures, tutorials, workshops, case studies, fieldwork and simulation to embed the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as an occupational therapist. You will learn from highly qualified occupational therapy academics with clinical and research experience.
The program places a strong emphasis on practical experience with 1,000 hours of practice education across various clinical contexts.
You will engage in research training before specializing in one of two elective pathways:
Clinically Focused Research Pathway
Business-focused Research Pathway
Program: Master of Occupational Therapy Location: Gold Coast, Queensland Intakes: May and September Duration: 2 years