Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)

Program overview

Occupational therapists are allied health professionals trained to work with people to overcome limitations. These may be caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, delays in development or the effects of ageing.

Occupational therapists assist individuals, groups or communities to maximise strengths and build skills to participate effectively in everyday activities. They provide a range of services which include promotive, preventive, restorative, rehabilitative, educative, supportive and social change approaches.

This program provides students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to work in any of the diverse areas of practice including mental health, acute care, physical rehabilitation, community health, work rehabilitation, and working with children or older people. The program utilises a range of teaching and learning methods with a focus on student participation.

What will I study?

This program is very structured and requires students to be on campus for around 20 hours a week. It is divided into five streams of study that all students complete.

The Professional Practice stream develops students’ understanding and skills in how to apply a respectful and client-centred approach to therapeutic relationships.

The Research stream develops skills in effectively locating, generating and using information to guide practice, relating to information literacy and critical enquiry, research methodologies, and applying research evidence to practice.

The Enabling Occupation stream teaches students the necessary theory, skills and reasoning central to occupational therapy practice and develops their ability to respond to realistic occupational therapy scenarios by working in groups with support from facilitators.

During early years of study, the Foundation Sciences stream covers the basic sciences which underpin the study and practice of occupational therapy. Courses focus on occupational science, the basis for understanding the links between human occupations, health, development, illness and disability, as well as psychology, anatomy and kinesiology, physiology, neurosciences and sociology.

The Field Practice stream is developed throughout the program and involves over 1,000 hours of practical work. Commencing in the first year, students work with clients under the supervision of occupational therapists in clinical practice and staff from the School of Health Sciences. As students develop their skills and knowledge, they are progressively given more responsibility for providing services to patients. Students spend at least one of their clinical placements outside Adelaide in a country or interstate location, and may also be required to undertake their fieldwork placement outside of teaching weeks.

What does it take?

Occupational therapy students must have a variety of skills and personal traits to succeed in this program and eventually in a professional context. They should be able to work independently and as part of a team, and possess an attentive, observant, practical and logical nature.

A desire to work closely with people, combined with the ability to communicate effectively in a number of environments is essential. Students should be able to think critically and solve problems, and apply an adaptable, patient and humorous approach to their work. They should also possess the ability to undertake a physically and mentally demanding program and job.

Who will employ me?

Occupational therapists often work as team members with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists, vocational counsellors, occupational health and safety officers, and other healthcare providers.

Employment opportunities exist within both the private and public sectors and graduates may find work locally, interstate or overseas. Occupational therapists can also work in a variety of settings including hospitals, community mental health services, rehabilitation centres, special schools, centres for the elderly, prisons, community services, home care programs, local council services, private practice, industry or government departments.

Please note: A Graduate Entry program is available for graduates of other bachelor degrees who wish to enter the profession of Occupational Therapy. With a health or science degree, and the appropriate foundation in specific disciplines, graduates may apply for the Master of Occupational Therapy program, a fast-track, Commonwealth supported program. Click here for more information on specific prerequisites and how to apply.

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