- 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: Criminal History check, 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.
Students may be able to undertake an embedded Honours Pathway within this program (dependent on GPA achieved), which will provide you with a research training experience.
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 you must provide evidence of Hepatitis B immunisation and first aid and CPR training, undertake a Criminal History check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG). Students are required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural centres.
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 OT Australia (Occupational Therapy Australia Limited), the national professional association.
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 Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (1)
Select 1 course from:
COR109 Mathematics Foundations
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Cell Biology
Introductory courses (9)
LFS103 Chemistry
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
OCC101 Foundations in Medical Science
OCC102 Science Research Methods
PUB112 Haematology
SCI110 Histology
PSY100 Introduction to Pharmacology
PSY101 Immunology
Advanced courses (13)
OCC201 Pathophysiology
OCC202 Systemic Physiology I
OCC212 Systemic Physiology II
OCC222 Biochemistry
OCC232 Molecular Biology
OCC301 Microbiology
OCC311 Special Research Project
OCC312 Cardiac and Respiratory Emergencies
OCC321 Medical Microbiology
OCC322 Medical Biochemistry
OCC331 Special Research Project
PSY203 Special Research Project
SPX201 Work Place Learning I
Plus one (1) of the following pathways:
Pass-Level Pathway (6) courses
OCC302 Work Place Learning II
OCC401 Communication and Thought
OCC402 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
OCC412 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
PUB112 Introductory Bioscience
SCS286 Human Physiology
Honours Pathway (5) courses
OCC332 Human Anatomy
OCC401 Concepts in Human Occupation
OCC402 Participation in Occupation
OCC412 Public Health Foundations
OCC422 Science Research Methods
Note: The first 2 years of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are identical in both the Pass-Level and Honours Pathways. All students will follow the Pass-Level Pathway intially and students who apply and are approved to undertake Honours will follow the Honours Pathway from Year 3 onwards.