If you want a technical health career that could transform the lives of others by helping them achieve tangible results, you should consider this degree.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy provides you with the expertise to support people to live independently and take part in in everyday activities to improve their wellbeing. You will develop a range of clinical skills in the University’s state-of-the-art facilities, preparing you for work in diverse healthcare settings.
Graduates are employed in a wide range of settings, enhancing the performance of individuals by adapting environments, activities, and equipment, to help clients achieve a succession of goals.
Career Opportunities
As an occupational therapist in diverse fields that may include aged care, hospitals, community health, mental health services, schools, industrial environments, private practice and a variety of health, education and disability centers and services.
Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy has received full accreditation from Occupational Therapy Australia and the Occupational Therapy Council and is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates of accredited occupational therapy programs are eligible for national registration. Graduates are also eligible for membership in Occupational Therapy Australia.
Professional Placement
Students can complete up to 1,000 hours of professional placement in various settings throughout the four years of study in settings that may include aged care, hospitals, community health, mental health services, primary schools, industrial environments, private practice and a variety of health, education, and disability centers and services.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfill certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are.
Major Areas of Study
In order to meet the Australian Competency Standards for Entry-Level Occupational Therapists, this course is structured in accordance with professional body recommendations. All students complete studies in the following areas:
Professional Areas: occupational therapy theory and practice; occupational therapy assessments and interventions related to biomechanical, sensorimotor, psychosocial and cognitive performance, activities, engagement and participation at home, at school, at work and in the community; occupational transitions across the lifespan; evaluation of occupational therapy programs; health promotion; and professional experience/fieldwork.
Social Sciences: psychology and sociology for health sciences, Australian health care system, Indigenous studies, research methods, nutrition in health, and small business and entrepreneurship.
Biological Sciences: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy includes an embedded allied health Honours program for eligible students, which can be studied concurrently during the Bachelor degree course.
Assessment methods
A variety of assessment methods are used in this course including multiple choice examinations, essay style examinations, scenario-based learning studies, tutorial workshop presentations, debates, written assignments, and clinical skills testing. For each unit, there are 2 to 5 assessment items.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods include regular face-to-face contact with academic staff in lectures, tutorials, and clinical settings. A mixture of digitally-based media supports the lectures, seminars, and tutorials, with an emphasis on small group work, problem-based learning, reflection and experiential learning integrated with theory and research. The course has a strong practical focus that allows students to develop a range of clinical skills, integrating theory and practice. Students gain clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings throughout the course where they are supported by clinical teachers and facilitators.