303542 v.2 Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Introduction

Occupational therapists work closely with individuals and groups in promoting health, preventing illness or disability and helping those people with illness or disability to achieve as high a level of independence and quality of life as possible. Independence and satisfaction of the person in performing the tasks and roles associated with home, school, work and leisure are of prime concern to the occupational therapist. The occupational therapist is an important member of the health care team and works with people with physical, psychiatric, psychosocial and age related difficulties or disorders. The therapist uses professional skills and a range of creative, recreational, social, self-care and work related activities in assessment and treatment.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

At least one TEE Science subject.

Specific Requirements

All applicants (except Year 12 School leavers currently studying TEE in WA for the first time) must complete a Personal Information Form. Applications without this form will not be considered. For a Personal Information Form contact the School of Occupational Therapy on (08) 9266 3602. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication. 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 a year before being allowed to proceed to the next year. The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course.

Note

Selection is based on the Tertiary Entrance Rank. Part-time students are not accepted.

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time study.

Course Organisation

Clinical practice throughout the course is undertaken in a number of hospitals and allied institutions with the cooperation of the relevant specialist and administrative staff.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists and for registration with the Occupational Therapists Registration Board of Western Australia. The course is recognised by the World Federation of OccupationalTherapists (WFOT).

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapists are employed in a variety of hospitals and special treatment centres. Employment opportunities are available in community health programs, community welfare agencies in both urban and rural areas and in private practice and industry. Opportunities exist throughout Australia and other member countries of WFOT.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

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.