Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Award abbreviation: BOccThpy
QTAC code: 013421
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: OP-11 / Rank-79
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Prerequisites: English (4,SA); and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Health and Physical Education (4,SA)
Recommended prior study: English
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check, Hepatitis B immunisation, First Aid and CPR training (refer to 'Requirements for placements')
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Total units: 384
USC program code: SC372
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
Highlights
- 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
Occupational therapists are trained to assess an individual’s skills and abilities, and then to work with them to improve their skills for increased independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
This program prepares you to work with people with problems caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay, or the effects of ageing. You undertake courses in professional practice as well as courses in biomedical science, exercise science, nursing, health promotion, professional practice, and management. The program also offers extensive clinical experience.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking clinical placement, you may be required to obtain a Hepatitis B vaccination. A Suitability Card may be required depending on the clinical placement, refer to Requirements for placements.
Career opportunities
Public and private hospitals, private practice, medical rehabilitation, retirement homes, clinics, workplace health and safety.
Professional recognition
Graduates may become members of the Association of Occupational Therapists*. Graduates are also eligible for registration with the Occupational Therapists Board of Queensland*. Registration is a requirement to work as an occupational therapist in Queensland.
* Pending professional registration. Please note: USC cannot apply for full accreditation of the program until the first cohort of students are eligible to graduate.
Program structure
Core courses
Select 1 course from:
COR109 Engineering Project Management
COR110 Mechatronic Design 2
COR111 Embedded System Design
Introductory courses
9 required courses:
LFS122 Engineering Research Methodology
LFS112 Engineering Project 1
LFS103 Engineering Project 2
OCC101 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
OCC102 Image Processing and Machine Vision
PSY100 New Venture Development
PSY101 New Venture Growth
PUB112 New Venture Establishment
SCI110 New Venture Operation
Advanced courses
18 required courses:
OCC201 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
OCC202 Foundations of Sustainability
OCC212 Empowering Individuals for Sustainability
OCC222 Reorienting Society Towards Sustainability
OCC232 Sustainable Futures(12 units)
OCC301 Environment, Technology and Sustainability #
OCC302 Communication and Thought #
OCC311 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship #
OCC312 Environment, Technology and Sustainability #
OCC321 Human Anatomy #
OCC331 Human Physiology(12 units) #
OCC322 Introductory Bioscience(24 units) #
OCC401 Concepts in Human Occupation(48 units) ##
OCC402 Participation in Occupation ##
OCC412 Introduction to Psychology A ##
PSY203 Introduction to Psychology B
SCS286 Public Health Foundations
SPX201 Science Research Methods
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- A current Working with Children Blue Card is required from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian before commencing clinical practice. This application process can take up to 10 weeks for processing.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
Requirements for placements
You must hold a Blue Card to undertake any course which involves possible contact with children, including any required fieldwork placements. You should allow 12 weeks for the Commission to issue the card.
More information about the Blue Card and how to apply.
You are also required to undergo Hepatitis B vaccination prior to undertaking any fieldwork placement. Hepatitis B vaccinations (3 inoculations) are done over a period of six months. This means that you need to prepare for your fieldwork placements well in advance. It is also a requirement that students undertaking fieldwork have a valid Senior First Aid certificate (including CPR). Vaccination and First Aid certification are to be obtained at the student's expense, and evidence must be provided to the faculty office.
It is Queensland Health (QH) requirement that you complete an orientation package before undertaking any placement which involves QH. The package can be completed online.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au
# Not offered until 2010.
## Not offered until 2011.