Occupational therapists help people overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of ageing.

In this holistic program, you’ll learn the philosophy and skills that underpin occupational therapy, and get the hands-on experience you need to enter the profession and help people break down everyday barriers.

In this program you will:

• Study occupational therapy for children, adolescents, adults and older people
• Build foundational knowledge in physiology, functional anatomy, psychology and wellbeing, and public health
• Complete 1000 hours of fieldwork to build your professional skills and clinical experience in a wide range of settings and age groups

Post-admission requirements

In first year, all students must obtain (or show proof of):

• a Working with Children Check (‘blue card’)
• First Aid and CPR training
• immunisations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTPA, varicella)

At the start of second year, students must complete a criminal history check. These checks and certificates must remain current for the duration of the program.

Students must purchase an occupational therapy student uniform.

This program includes supervised work placements. Placements are normally undertaken in a full-time capacity over 1-10 weeks. Where required, reasonable accommodations can be made to allow for part-time or flexible placement options.

This degree is fully accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia & New Zealand) Limited.

As a graduate, you’ll be eligible for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Career opportunities

Hospitals, community health and mental health, vocational rehabilitation, child and adolescent services, aged care, private practice.

2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey

95% of USC occupational therapy graduates find employment within four months of finishing study.

Membership

Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.

Registration

Registration is a requirement to work as an occupational therapist in Australia. Occupational therapists apply for registration through the Occupational Therapists Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA). Students should familiarise themselves with the registration standards of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (common and discipline specific).

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (Ltd) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.