Occupational Therapy – Overview

Australia has been a top choice for international students for many years, thanks to its world-class universities with rankings comparable to the best in the world. As a result, it has been a hub for many aspiring international students from around the world.

One popular course that has been gaining momentum in recent years is Occupational Therapy. Australia is a country that strongly advocates for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and strives to integrate them socially and physically into society. Pursuing a career in this field of applied science can lead to abundant career opportunities, and our team of professional agents provides constant guidance on the relevance and application of the course, as well as job prospects.

Occupational Therapy Courses in Australia – Unlock Your Potential

What’s it like to be an Occupational Therapist?

As an Occupational Therapist (OT), your main objective is to empower individuals to carry out everyday tasks independently. OTs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, private clinics, and private residences. The focus of an OT is to provide personalised care to individuals, such as assisting with tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. OTs also help clients improve their productivity, whether it be at work, school, or through volunteer activities. Additionally, they support clients in participating in leisure activities such as sports, art, or music. OTs work collaboratively with each client to establish goals and provide support where needed.

The following are the typical responsibilities of this job:

Evaluating injured workers to determine the most effective approach for facilitating their return to work.

Conducting on-site visits to workplaces in order to gain insight into the obstacles that injured workers may encounter when attempting to resume their duties.

Analysing hazardous manual tasks performed in the workplace to identify opportunities for improved safety.

Producing thorough reports with clinical opinions and supporting evidence.

Facilitating workshops on health and wellness-related subjects.

Collaborating with medical professionals, insurers, and employers.

Performing Pre-Employment Assessments to ensure that employees are physically capable of performing their job duties.

How to become an Occupational Therapist?

To become an Occupational Therapist in Australia, you must first complete an accredited degree in occupational therapy. To prepare for a career in this field, consider obtaining a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) (HLT43015).

You may choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, which typically requires 4 years of full-time study. Alternatively, if you already hold an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, which typically takes 2 years of full-time study. Some institutions may require you to have completed specific prerequisite courses during your undergraduate studies.

Acquiring relevant work experience is also recommended. Examples of such experience may include working as a nanny for a child with special needs or serving as a counsellor at a summer camp for individuals with disabilities.

To practise as an Occupational Therapist in Australia, you must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and satisfy the Board’s registration.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Upon enrolling in an accredited Occupational Therapy program, the university will register you with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This registration will facilitate future skills assessment for Permanent Residency (PR) purposes. The primary function of AHPRA is to assess the course curriculum and education provider to ensure that students possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and professional aptitude before they can enter the workforce as practising professionals.

The Bachelor’s degree program in Occupational Therapy spans over 4 years and is designed to cultivate a range of skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics in students. It aims to equip them with the medical, social-psychological, and psychosocial competencies necessary to support individuals requiring assistance with inclusion in society and promote their recovery.

Eligibility Requirements

Successful completion of 12 years of education or its equivalent.

Achieving an overall score of 6.0 in Academic IELTS, with no band score lower than 5.5 in any subset, is necessary for admission. However, this requirement may vary depending on the university.

Graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy are eligible to become members of both OT Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Fees & Scholarships

For a one-year full-time program, the fees would fall between AUD $32,400 to $65,000. Some universities offer scholarships to outstanding candidates based on their excellence in the field and other notable accomplishments. However, these scholarships are only available at selective universities.

Top University List

Below are some of the top Australian universities that provide Bachelor’s programs in Occupational Therapy:

Deakin University :

Degree: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Course Duration: 4 years full time (part time available)

Mode: On campus (Waterfront)

Why Study this Course at Deakin University?

Get ready for an Occupational Therapist career.

Acquire hands-on experience with 1000 hours of work placement.

This program is endorsed by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand Ltd) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Entry Requirements:

Year 12 or equivalent; OR

Certificate IV in a related discipline; OR

Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline; OR

Successful completion of at least two units of study at a higher education institution; OR

Work or life experience demonstrating academic capability

Charles Sturt University

Degree: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Course Duration: 4 years full time (part time available)

Mode: On campus (2 locations)

Why Study this Course at Charles Sturt University?

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program emphasizes current practice issues, such as quality management of services, ethical concerns, research, and communication skills, to prepare students for professional practice or further studies.

The course is accredited by OT Australia, the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Graduates can work both domestically and internationally as a result of WFOT accreditation.

Entry Requirements:

Completion of Year 12 or equivalent; OR

Completion of two university-level subjects; OR

Completion of a Certificate IV or higher; OR

Completion of a tertiary preparation course from an Australian University or an accredited provider

Southern Cross University

Degree: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Course Duration: 4 years full time (part time available)

Mode: On campus (2 locations)

Why Study this Course at Southern Cross University?

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages participate in the tasks and activities they need and want to do in various settings. Occupational therapists transform and adapt environments, activities, and equipment to promote meaningful engagement and participation, working with individuals, groups, governments, private practices, and communities.

The program is accredited by Occupational Therapy Australia and the Occupational Therapy Council, as well as approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Entry Requirements:

Year 12 or equivalent

Below are some of the top Australian universities that provide Master’s programs in Occupational Therapy.

Master in Occupational Therapy

The Master’s in Occupational Therapy is a specialised program designed to provide students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in this applied science field with a professional-level qualification for practising as an Occupational Therapist. The field of Occupational Therapy is expected to experience sustained growth in the upcoming years.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must have completed their Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy as the first level of education.

In addition, they must have achieved an overall score of 7.0 or higher on the Academic IELTS. It’s worth noting that the IELTS score requirements may differ slightly among universities, but they should not be lower than 6.5.

Fees & Scholarships

An annual salary of $45,000 to $55,000 is typical. There are a variety of scholarships available that are awarded based on merit and eligibility criteria, which are quite competitive. These scholarships are provided by universities, private institutions, and the Australian government to deserving students.

Below are some of the top Australian universities that provide Master’s programs in Occupational Therapy:

Swinburne University

Degree: Master of Occupational Therapy

Course Duration: 2 years full time

Mode: On campus (Hawthorn)

Why Study this Course at Swinburne University?

Get ready for a career as an Occupational Therapist, helping clients dealing with neurological, musculoskeletal, or mental health issues. Gain practical industry exposure by taking part in Design Factory Melbourne, working together with other students to create new and inventive solutions to issues.

The Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd accredits and approves of this course, making it suitable for Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

Entry Requirements:

To be eligible for the course, you must have completed one of the following within the past ten years:

A Bachelor’s degree with at least one unit in anatomy and physiology; or

A postgraduate degree with at least one unit in anatomy and physiology during your undergraduate studies.

CQ University

Degree: Master of Public Health

Course Duration: 2 years full time (part time available)

Mode: On campus (2 locations), Online

Why Study this Course at CQ University?

Gain practical skills and advance your career as a public health professional while taking advantage of professional development opportunities.

Study community-based public health principles such as modern disease prevention and gain substantial industry exposure by completing a placement at a public health organization.

Accomplish your objectives at your own pace with a variety of flexible study choices, including online and part-time options.

The course is fully accredited by the Public Health Association of Australia and meets the professional requirements for Australian graduates.

Entry Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; OR

A qualification of equivalent standing; OR

A significant combination of work experience, qualifications, and training.

University of Sydney

Degree: Master of Occupational Therapy

Course Duration: 2 years full time

Mode: On campus

Why Study this Course at University of Sydney?

A two-year program that provides students with a thorough understanding of the processes and principles of Occupational Therapy, emphasising client-centred care, and helping students gain insights into contemporary clinical practices. Students will also have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and gain exposure to real-world situations in their community.

This course is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council and allows graduates to apply for registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must possess a relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field, such as health, social science, or education.