- 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: 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.
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, obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card - CCYPCG), Hepatitis B immunisation, and first aid and CPR training. Students are required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional/rural centres.
A Criminal History Check may be required for some placements, refer to Program requirements.
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 Occupational Therapy Australia (Occupational Therapy Australia Limited), the national professional association.
Program 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 [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (1)
Select 1 course from:
COR109
COR110
COR111
Introductory courses (9)
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
OCC101 Concepts in Human Occupation
OCC102 Participation in Occupation
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
SCI110 Science Research Methods
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
Advanced courses (18)
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
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
OCC322 Consolidation of Occupational Therapy Practice Competencies 1
OCC331 Foundational Placement Competencies in Occupational Therapy
OCC401 Consolidation of Occupational Therapy Practice Competencies 2
OCC402 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy
OCC412
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
SCS286
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
Study Plan
This Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.
Year 1
- Eight (8) required courses:
SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
Required courses: (8)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS103 Group Work | |||
| SCI110 Ethics and Professional Practice | |||
| OCC101 Developmental and Family Counselling | |||
| PSY100 Counselling Interventions: Experiential Practices* | |||
| LFS112 Clinic Preparation | |||
| LFS122 Clinic 1 | |||
| OCC102 Clinic 2 | |||
| PSY101 Clinic 3 |
Year 2
- One (1) Core course:
Complete one COR course in Semester 1. - Seven (7) required courses
Core course: (1)
Select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Counselling Children and Young people | |||
| COR110 Counselling and Mental Health* | |||
| COR111 Counselling and Addictions |
Required courses: (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY203 Introductory Bioscience | |||
| SPX201 Science Research Methods | |||
| OCC201 Concepts in Human Occupation | |||
| OCC202 Introduction to Psychology A | |||
| OCC212 Human Physiology | |||
| OCC222 Human Anatomy | |||
| OCC232 Participation in Occupation |
Year 3
- Seven (7) required courses
Required courses: (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCC301 Introduction to Psychology B | ||||
| OCC311 Communication and Thought | ||||
| OCC321 Occupational Therapy in Mental Health |
| 12 | Pre: (OCC201 or OCC100) and OCC212 and OCC222 and OCC232 and enrolled in SC440 | |
| OCC331 Foundational Placement Competencies in Occupational Therapy |
| 12 | Pre: (OCC321 or OCC200) and OCC301 and OCC311 and OCC312 and (OCC442 or OCC452) and enrolled in Program SC440 | |
| OCC302 | ||||
| OCC312 Enabling Occupation: The Older Person |
| 12 | Pre: (OCC201 or OCC100) and OCC212 and OCC222 and OCC232 and enrolled in SC440 | |
| OCC322 Consolidation of Occupational Therapy Practice Competencies 1 |
| 24 | Pre: OCC331 and OCC301 and OCC311 and OCC321 and OCC312 and (OCC442 or OCC452) and enrolled in Program SC440 |
Year 4
- Five (5) required courses
Required courses: (5)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCC401 Consolidation of Occupational Therapy Practice Competencies 2 |
| 48 | Pre: (OCC322 or OCC300) and enrolled in Program SC440 | |
| PUB112 Public Health Foundations |
| 12 | ||
| SCS286 | ||||
| OCC402 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy |
| 12 | Pre: OCC401 and enrolled in Program SC440 | |
| OCC412 |