The Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) contributes to current trends in health services by promoting health and well being through occupation. Students will develop an understanding of the factors that affect occupational performance in areas of self-care, education, work, social participation, play and leisure for individuals, groups and populations through the lifespan. Fieldwork provides students with valuable learning experiences in a range of settings. In broad terms the course outcomes are to develop occupational therapists who have a sound knowledge and understanding of professional principles and processes and who can generalise their attributes and skills in new situations. Employment opportunities exist in a wide range of areas.

Potential students please note the following:

1.         The University is required under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) Act (2010) to provide the names of students undertaking this course to the Australian Health Professional Regulatory Authority (AHPRA), for the purposes of student registration.  For further information please see the AHPRA web site http://www.ahpra.gov.au/.

2.         To be able to undertake clinical practice and fulfill their duty of care, students are required to complete risk management protocols on commencement of the course and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters as appropriate. Risk management protocols include, but are not restricted to:

• Certificate of National Police Clearance;
• Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card;
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Department of Education and Training National Criminal History RecordCheck
• Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule http://www.health.wa.gov.au/circularsnew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID=12275
• MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment;
• Working with Children Check www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

3.         In order for students to be eligible to register with the Australian Health Professional Regulatory Agency, students will be required to:

• Adhere to the policy re English Language minimum requirements for registration as an occupational therapist in Australia.

Standard university admission requirements apply. Portfolio application are not accepted.

International applicants require an IELTS score of 7.5 with no band less than 7.0, or a TOEFL score of 650 (paper-based) or 280 (computer-based)

The course comprises 480 credit points (twenty nine units of study). Three clinical science units have an extended full-time practicum component and students may be required to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting. Normally students will be expected to complete all units of each year before progressing to units in subsequent years and to complete the course within seven years of initial enrolment.  Students may complete the standard coursework sequence or an Honours program is available in the fourth year of study. 

HONOURS

An Honours program is available in the fourth year of the course. If a student has a weighted average mark of 70% or better they may be invited to complete the Honours program.