University of South Australia Bachelor of Occupational Therapy  Overview

The University of South Australia’s Occupational Therapy degree is designed to ensure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to become an innovative and competent occupational therapist.  Taught by teachers who are registered occupational therapists and accomplished researchers, you are not only offered exceptional learning opportunities but also valuable industry contacts. During your practice placements you will develop relationships and networks to prepare you for entering the workforce once you’ve graduated.  Knowledge and skills in problem solving, communication, lifelong learning, ethical action and valuing difference are emphasized and developed throughout the degree.

By studying this degree you will get to:

• Develop your ability to independently undertake research.
• Benefit from over 50 years’ experience in occupational therapy education and research.
• Learn from a university that has above world-class research in Occupational Therapy.
• Study at the No.1 University in South Australia for graduate careers in Occupational Therapy.
• Take part in real-world practice placements as part of your study.
• Benefit from UniSA’s strong partnerships and alliances with not-for-profit organisations, aged care facilities, and disability and children’s service providers.
• Graduate with an honours degree that will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry.
• Experience a rewarding career helping people of all ages maintain and improve day-to-day activities.

During the first two years of this degree you will study the basics needed to gain a clear understanding of the links between human occupations, health, development, illness and disability. The topics covered in these early stages include:

• human anatomy
• human physiology
• human neurosciences
• growth and lifespan development
• psychology
• occupational science
• sociology
• group work.

The second and third years focus on application specific courses, including mental health, occupation rehabilitation, chronic conditions, community focus, primary health care and health promotion, as well as participatory community practice.

Clinical Work Experience

Practical learning is a strong focus in this program, particularly during your second, third and fourth years when you will practice your skills in a variety of settings during extensive field placements. You will complete more than 1,000 hours of field placements throughout the program in settings such as community agencies, kindergartens and aged care facilities. You will also attend workshops in a variety of industry settings such as Guide Dogs SA, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, and Independent Living Centres.

Entry Requirements

Students will need a completed High school diploma with an overall GPA of 85%.  Science and Maths preferred, but not required.

Professional Recognition

The University of South Australia’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy 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.