James Cook University Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (OT) Overview

James Cook University’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy  program in Australia will prepare students to work across locations within the tropics including rural and remote communities, which face unique challenges due to inequities in health and other services.  Students will learn theory, professional practice, and clinical skills that apply to a diverse range of clients and circumstances.  You will also benefit from lecturers and tutors who are leading healthcare professionals, and take advantage of the JCU Health Occupational Therapy Clinic on campus in Townsville.

Graduate job-ready. JCU Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) graduates are prepared for the real world and are in high demand.

Students will begin their degree studying general science courses such as Anatomy and Lifespan Development.  Students will study a number Occupational Science specific courses that will introduce them to Occupational Therapy and Health Promotion.  Beginning in your third year you will start your placements and choose between two pathways:

• Professional Honours – prepares students for professional practice after graduation
• Research Honours – students will complete a dissertation and research alongside their placements

Clinical Work Experience

Students will be provided the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge through 1,000+ hours of supervised professional placements, including placement opportunities at the JCU Health Occupational Therapy Clinic. You will be able to get outside of the classroom and learn how to apply your skills in a variety of settings as you study occupational therapy in Queensland with JCU.

Throughout your placement, you’ll benefit from JCU’s partnerships with urban rural and remote health practitioners. You will have the opportunity to experience placement locally and/or throughout Australia.

Entry Requirements

Students will be required to have a completed high school diploma with a minimum GPA 70%.

Prerequisites: English; plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education or Health Education.

Professional Recognition

James Cook University’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons) program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.   Graduates are eligible for occupational therapy registration in any State or Territory of Australia through the  Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Graduates applying to licensing in Canada will be required to provide details of their program of studies to the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination.

Students wishing to license as a Occupational Therapist in Canada should contact the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulators Organization (ACOTRO)  for procedures and accreditation procedures. The ACOTRO is the national federation of provincial/territorial regulators in Canada.

KOM Consultants understands the process and requirements needed to enter the Occupational Therapy profession in Canada. Contact KOM Consultants for more information. All students applying directly through KOM Consultants will be supported with the latest information on the accreditation process.