Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Award abbreviation: BOccThpy
QTAC code: 013421
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-11 / Rank-78
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Prerequisites: English (4,SA); plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health Education or Physical Education (4,SA)
Recommended prior preparation: Suitability Card (Blue Card - CCYPCG), Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to Program requirements)
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC372
CRICOS code: 073920M. Only a full-time study option is available for international students on a Student Visa.

Occupational therapists are trained to assess an individual’s skills and abilities, and then work with them to improve their skills for increased independence, wellbeing and quality of life.

This program prepares you to work with people experiencing performance problems in daily living caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay, or the effects of ageing. You undertake courses in occupational therapy, biological and social sciences, and public health. The program also offers more than 1,000 hours of clinical experience to meet the requirements for professional accreditation.

Additional admission requirements

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.

Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Post-admission requirements

Before undertaking clinical placements, obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card - CCYPCG), Hepatitis B immunisation, and first aid and CPR training. Students are required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional/rural centres. 

A Criminal History Check may be required for some placements, refer to Program requirements.

Career opportunities

Public and private hospitals, community health, disability/mental health services, private practice, vocational/occupational rehabilitation, child and adolescent services, aged care.

Professional recognition

Professional registration (post-graduation) is required to work as an Occupational Therapist. Graduates of this program can register with the Occupational Therapists Board of Queensland. Graduates are also eligible for membership of Occupational Therapy Australia (Occupational Therapy Australia Limited), the national professional association.

Program accreditation

This program is fully accredited with Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete all courses as listed below.

In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:

• Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card - Working with Children Check - QLD). This is required by Week 8 of Semester 1, first Year and is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG).
• Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule).
• Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained throughout the program).
• Purchase the required OT uniform.
• You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is to be borne by the student.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. Please refer to the English language requirements.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (1)

Select 1 course from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses (9)

LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
OCC101 Concepts in Human Occupation
OCC102 Participation in Occupation
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
SCI110 Science Research Methods
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B

Advanced courses (18)

OCC201 Occupational Therapy Theory
OCC202 Occupational Therapy Skills
OCC212 Evaluation of Occupational Performance
OCC222 Causes of Occupational Dysfunction
OCC232 Foundations of Practice: Identifying the Occupational Therapist Role in Practice
OCC301 Enabling Occupation: The Child and Adolescent
OCC302 Therapeutic Reasoning
OCC311 Enabling Occupation: The Adult
OCC312 Enabling Occupation: The Older Person
OCC321 Psychosocial Aspects of Occupational Therapy
OCC322 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being, Becoming an OT I
OCC331 Foundations of Practice: Identifying Occupational Therapist Skills in Practice
OCC401 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being and Becoming an OT II and III
OCC402 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy
OCC412 OT (Occupational Therapy) as a Complex Process
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
SCS286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SPX201 Functional Anatomy

Study Plan

This Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.

Year 1

• Eight (8) required courses:
  SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1

Required courses: (8)

Year 2

• One (1) Core course:
  Complete one COR course in Semester 1.
• Seven (7) required courses

Core course: (1)

Select 1 course from:

Required courses: (7)

Year 3

• Seven (7) required courses

Required courses: (7)

Year 4

• Five (5) required courses

Required courses: (5)

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering