Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is the care provided to people of all ages to improve their health and well-being through their participation in everyday occupations in their home, workplace, school and their local community. Occupation is not limited to a job or employment, rather occupations are defined as daily activities that bring meaning and purpose to life. Occupational Therapists are in high demand in Australia. There is particular demand in the growing areas of occupational health, industry and technology.

Our style of course delivery is centred on 'real cases' and will encourage you to develop skills in:

• Problem solving
• Creative thinking
• Self-directed learning
• Communication.

You will also receive more than 1,000 hours of practical experience, ensuring that you are work ready.

You will learn how to apply your communication skills to a wide range of clients including children, people with a disability, mental illness or workplace injury, older people, people from different cultures, and people who have ongoing effects of chronic illness or injury.

What will I study?

The diversity of occupational therapy is reflected in the variety of subjects you will study, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Population health
• Community development
• Mental health
• Occupational therapy practice
• Occupational science

In the final year of your degree you may undertake a research project as part of our Honours program. Alternatively, you may design and develop an Occupational Therapy program that can be implemented in practice. Whatever you choose to study, you will have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally through each learning experience.

Career opportunities

The opportunity to interact with many people from diverse backgrounds in a wide range of settings means that your career will always be dynamic and stimulating.

You may gain employment in:

• Hospitals and community health centres
• Mental health facilities
• Occupational rehabilitation providers
• Community development services industry
• Schools
• Private practices

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists [AAOT] and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists [WFOT]. This means you are able to practice throughout Australia and take opportunities to work abroad.

Academic staff in Occupational Therapy

To view more information about a staff member, including research interests, please select the "web" option to visit that staff member's profile.