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USC students to celebrate OT week
This year’s national Occupational Therapy Week (23-29 October) will hold special significance for the University of the Sunshine Coast’s first cohort of Occupational Therapy students who will complete the four-year degree at the end of this semester.
USC Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy Ailsa Gillen said 16 students would complete their studies next month, with most of them already having secured OT positions in the allied health sector.
Ms Gillen said USC’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy was quickly gaining a strong reputation, with 55 new students starting the degree program this year.
“Occupation Therapy Week reiterates to USC students that they are joining a world-wide profession and, at a national level, we are celebrating that profession,” she said.
“There is actually a world-wide shortage of occupational therapists, so people with an OT degree from USC will be able to move all over the world and get work.”
Ms Gillen said OT week was held each year to increase public awareness of the diverse and rewarding profession which can help bring about incredible improvements for people’s lives.
“Occupational therapy equips people affected by injury, illness or disability to live their lives to the fullest,” she said.
“The occupational therapist works with the client to help them get back to doing the things they want, and need to do, whether it be simple tasks like packing a child’s school lunches after an episode of depression or, relearning how to drive after a serious stroke.
“Occupational therapists need to be good problem-solvers who are creative, imaginative and flexible in their approach to therapy.”
To celebrate OT week, USC students and staff will hold a social gathering on Friday 28 October at Mooloolaba.
— Michelle Widdicombe