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 holistic 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:

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.

Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification

We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry

Admission to this course is competitive. Applications will be assessed on the basis of academic merit and the number of available places. Domestic applications will open on the 1st September. First offer round applications must be received by 30th November with offers being released mid-December. Applications remain open while vacancies exist for ongoing consideration of offers.
Applications from international students are accepted on an ongoing basis while vacancies exist. Please refer to the key dates (https://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/apply-to-uc/key-dates) for further information.

Additional admission requirements

Clinical practice is a key component of the program and is assessed. Students may be required to complete this component outside of teaching time. Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students need to present a complete immunisation schedule, and First Aid certificates including CPR, as a requirement of the ACT and NSW health departments. All students are required to undergo a 'working with vulnerable people' check, and Australian Federal Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical experience.

There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no band score below 7.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for this course please view the English Proficiency Requirements document on the university website.

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.