314309 v.1 Master of Occupational Therapy

Introduction

The Graduate Entry Master of Occupational Therapy (GEM) course is a fast-track option to becoming an occupational therapist for those who already hold a bachelor degree, preferably in a health science or human service. Assisting people to participate in their diverse daily activities is what occupational therapists called ‘occupation’. Occupation can be as varied as cleaning your tattoo, socialising with friends, driving a car, blow-drying your hair, holding a pen, participating in work and sport and living in supported accommodation. There are many reasons why people cannot participate: such as illness, injury or disability, and these can occur at any age. Occupational therapists work with people, organisations, groups or communities to identify barriers that stop engagement in occupation and then find interventions, strategies and solutions. The barriers can be as diverse as physical, social, attitudinal or legislative, so occupational therapists need a broad education.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Applicants must have a bachelor degree, preferably in a health or human science related discipline. Entrance into the course is competitive. Evidence of studies in the human biosciences (eg. human biology) and psychology or behavioural science is required. If such evidence is not available, applicants may need to undertake prerequisite bridging units before commencing the program. International applicants must show evidence of English language competency as demonstrated by an IELTS (International English Language Test System) of 7.0 (or equivalent as defined by the Curtin’s standard list. Please note CUTE is not accepted).

Specific Requirements

Applicants are advised that a Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance is required for students in this course. Please refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance section of the Handbook. Students are required to have a current Essential First Aid Certificate within four weeks of entry into the first year of the course. In addition, throughout the course, students are required to have passed all units in any one year before being allowed to proceed to the next year.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Extensive work experience, clinical specialisation or significant publication and research experience may qualify for recognition of prior learning.

Duration and Availability

This course comprises six study periods across two and one half years of full-time study, but can be undertaken part-time. Part-time study is not available for international onshore students on temporary entrant visas. Fieldwork placement activities occur throughout the course and extensively in the final year and, in particular, one fieldwork block may continue beyond the end of the final semester.

Course Organisation

This graduate entry master course offers students a fasttrack option to becoming an occupational therapist. Students will develop knowledge of four broad areas: • medical, psychiatric, orthopaedic and neurological conditions that affect the health and wellbeing of individuals • the theory and practice of occupational therapy including the study of occupation, and analysis of the personal and environmental factors that influence occupational participation and performance • human development, covering normal growth and development within the life-cycle along with problems that occur, such as learning disabilities and the effects of ageing • occupational health and management, including prevention, education and rehabilitation programs for a variety of workplaces. Studies will incorporate extensive clinical fieldwork practice. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in the Go Global program, participating in a fieldwork placement in China, India, South Africa or Ukraine for four weeks.

Professional Recognition

Graduates using the title registered health practitioner or the title of occupational therapist (OT) must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the National Board). Registration for practice enables graduates, once registered, to practise occupational therapy in all Australian states and territories. Graduates can also choose to be a member of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists and/or OT Australia (WA). The course is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates may also apply for registration in most countries although some may involve sitting a licensing examination.

Career Opportunities

The excellent reputation of Curtin’s Occupational Therapy course means that graduates are in high demand in an area of high need. Graduates may be employed in a health, community or industry setting including urban and rural community-based programs, private practice, medical and vocational rehabilitation units, psychiatric services, mining and resource industries, and schools. Opportunities for work exist throughout Australia and internationally through recognition of the degree through accreditation with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. In addition, students are required to purchase a laboratory coat, an approved clinical uniform and an anatomy authorisation.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.