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
COR110
COR111
Introductory courses
9 required courses:
LFS122 Human Anatomy
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
OCC101 Concepts in Human Occupation
OCC102 Participation in Occupation
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
SCI110 Science Research Methods
Advanced courses
18 required courses:
OCC201 Occupational Therapy Theory
OCC202 Therapeutic Skills
OCC212 Evaluation of Occupational Performance
OCC222 Neurological Causes of Occupational Dysfunction
OCC232 Foundational Placement Competencies in Allied Health(12 units)
OCC301 Enabling Occupation: The Child and Adolescent #
OCC302 #
OCC311 Enabling Occupation: The Adult #
OCC312 Enabling Occupation: The Older Person #
OCC321 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health #
OCC331 Foundational Placement Competencies in Occupational Therapy(12 units) #
OCC322 Consolidation of Occupational Therapy Practice Competencies 1(24 units) #
OCC401 Consolidation of Occupational Therapy Practice Competencies 2(48 units) ##
OCC402 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy ##
OCC412 ##
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
SCS286
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
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.