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Occupational Therapy students to celebrate
What exactly is Occupational Therapy (OT) and how does it help people?
University of the Sunshine Coast OT students have organised an awareness campaign from 25-29 October on campus at Sippy Downs to demystify this diverse profession.
Trevor Smith and Georgia Powell have more than 120 orders for T-shirts bearing their design with the slogan “What makes you tick?”
USC staff and students will wear the T-shirts and answer questions as part of OT Australia’s national OT week, promoting both the profession on the Coast and the USC degree program.
“A lot of people don’t know what OTs do,” said Trevor. “Basically, we help people do the things they need or want to do in their everyday lives. Unlike the name, OTs often operate outside workplaces.”
The Maroochydore triathlete, in his 30s, believes in the benefits of daily exercise.
“I was a restaurant manager before I saw a presentation at USC and realised I could turn my sporting passion into a career,” he said. “It’s a fantastic degree.”
Trevor is studying a double degree of Sport and Exercise Science and Occupational Therapy to work in the health sector.
“I’m interested in injury rehabilitation, especially among the older population,” he said.
The students are supported by Senior Lecturer Ailsa Gillen, an experienced clinician from the United Kingdom who started teaching at USC a year ago.
“OT helps people live independently regardless of their health issues,” she said.
“It’s not a medical profession but it may enable someone to dress themselves or drive to school or change a baby’s nappy. We work with teachers, GPs, social workers and many others in industries across the spectrum.”
Ms Gillen, who has worked as an OT across England and Scotland, said there was a shortage of skilled workers in Australia.
“This University has an innovative four-year Occupational Therapy degree to help students take advantage of OT job opportunities locally or globally,” she said.
“They get 1,000 hours of placement experience with practising OTs in our region, from paediatric settings to community mental health and aged services.”
— Julie Gatehouse