- Learn in specialised teaching facilities: splint lab, independent living unit and allied health clinic
- Fieldwork experiences are integrated into each year of the program
- Case studies provide practical learning experiences
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 [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (1)
Select 1 course from:
COR109 Functional Anatomy
COR110 Occupational Therapy Theory
COR111 Occupational Therapy Skills
Introductory courses (9)
LFS103 Evaluation of Occupational Performance
LFS112 Causes of Occupational Dysfunction
LFS122 Foundations of Practice: Identifying the Occupational Therapist Role in Practice
OCC101 Enabling Occupation: The Child and Adolescent
OCC102 Enabling Occupation: The Adult
PUB112 Psychosocial Aspects of Occupational Therapy
SCI110 Foundations of Practice: Identifying Occupational Therapist Skills in Practice
PSY100 Therapeutic Reasoning
PSY101 Enabling Occupation: The Older Person
Advanced courses (18)
OCC201 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being, Becoming an OT I
OCC202 Integrating Theory and Skills into Practice: Doing, Being and Becoming an OT II and III
OCC212 Public Health Foundations
OCC222 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
OCC232 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy
OCC301 OT (Occupational Therapy) as a Complex Process
OCC302 Communication and Thought
OCC311 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
OCC312 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
OCC321 Introductory Bioscience
OCC322 Human Physiology
OCC331 Human Anatomy
OCC401 Concepts in Human Occupation
OCC402 Participation in Occupation
OCC412 Public Health Foundations
PSY203 Science Research Methods
SCS286 Introduction to Psychology A
SPX201 Introduction to Psychology B
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)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS103 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services | |||
| SCI110 Social Research | |||
| OCC101 Social Justice, Welfare and the State | |||
| PSY100 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings | |||
| LFS112 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing | |||
| LFS122 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples | |||
| OCC102 Working With Children, Youth and Families | |||
| PSY101 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions |
Year 2
- One (1) Core course:
Complete one COR course in Semester 1. - Seven (7) required courses
Core course: (1)
Select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Disability: Culture, Community and Change | |||
| COR110 Social Work Field Education 1 | |||
| COR111 Community Development and Social Action |
Required courses: (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY203 Direct Practice 1 | |||
| SPX201 Direct Practice 2 | |||
| OCC201 Social Work Field Education 2 | |||
| OCC202 Critical Social Policy Analysis | |||
| OCC212 Context Responsive Social Work Practice | |||
| OCC222 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss | |||
| OCC232 Working with Victims and Offenders |
Year 3
- Seven (7) required courses
Required courses: (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCC301 Introductory Bioscience | |||
| OCC311 Science Research Methods | |||
| OCC321 Concepts in Human Occupation | |||
| OCC331 Introduction to Psychology A | |||
| OCC302 Human Physiology | |||
| OCC312 Human Anatomy | |||
| OCC322 Participation in Occupation |
Year 4
- Five (5) required courses
Required courses: (5)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCC401 Introduction to Psychology B | |||
| PUB112 Communication and Thought | |||
| SCS286 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| OCC402 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| OCC412 Introduction to Human Development |