Manx Care is exploring the feasibility of delivering an Occupational Therapy degree programme in partnership with a UK university.
The initiative was detailed in a written response to a question from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover.
Health Minister Claire Christian said it aims to support both unregistered staff seeking professional development and young people pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy.
She said: “Manx Care has actively engaged with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture through its recent consultation process.”
And added that the “joint directors of therapies have worked closely with the Director of Education at Manx Care to explore the feasibility”.
Funding
A range of funding models is under consideration and subject to securing appropriate financial support, it is anticipated that a programme could start in September 2026.
This approach is intended to support a “locally focused approach to workforce development, minimising the need for off-island study.”
However, the Minister noted that “there are no plans to deliver undergraduate Physiotherapy education on-island,” as the required clinical practice diversity cannot be adequately supported locally.
The response concluded that a “comprehensive and equitable financial support strategy is required” to effectively incentivise healthcare students to return to the Isle of Man after their studies.
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