Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Manage the occupational needs of an evolving nation

Discover the science, strategies, and theories behind a profession dedicated to helping people live full and meaningful lives regardless of age, disability, or limitations - with the UC Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree.

In this course, you will learn to assess a person's unique issues to offer better, more tailored recovery solutions based on a wholistic and comprehensive look at an individual's physical, psychosocial and environmental needs.

Successful completion of this course will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of health issues in Australia, and the skills to help individuals, groups, and communities engage in the occupations they need to, want to or are expected to do.

This course also prepares you for further study opportunities and the chance to gain the additional skills to move into senior, more researched based positions.

Study a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at UC and you will:

• obtain a broad and coherent understanding of critical values, theories, perspectives and concepts that underpin the occupational therapy profession
• be able to use your knowledge, skill and professional awareness to add value to the assessment, intervention and therapeutic process
• communicate clearly and coherently in a range of occupational therapy settings to a variety of stakeholders
• be able to read, critique and evaluate evidence from research into the practices of occupational therapy.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

WIL is an integral part of this course, giving you an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and form strong relationships with industry stakeholders and professionals before graduating.

Over four years, you'll participate in 1000 hours of practical education in places such as hospitals, health clinics, community organisations, school and aged care facilities both locally or nationally.

Placements are full-time basis and will require interstate travel. Accommodation and transport costs are the student's responsibility. For further information on WIL please visit https://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/canberra-students/work-integrated-learning.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy will be able to seek employment within public, private and or voluntary sector settings, as well as provide services in diverse environments such as homes, schools, workplaces, health centres, supported accommodation, housing for seniors, rehabilitation centres, hospitals and forensic centres.

Course-specific information

High achieving students with a passion for research may be invited to transfer into the Honours stream of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (with Honours) are designed to meet the entry-level standards required by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Professional accreditation

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy has been granted accreditation by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Minimum Standards for Entry Level Education.