Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)

Description

Occupational therapy involves understanding and promoting human occupations (self-care, school/work, play/leisure) by improving the match between people's capabilities, the tasks they need and want to do and the resources available for performing those tasks and roles. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who have experienced developmental difficulties, illness or injury that prevent them from doing what they need and want to do every day.

Study in occupational therapy includes: theories of what people do in daily life and why; knowledge of the development of human capabilities (eg cognitive, motor, psychosocial) and the ways in which injury and illness typically disrupt them; activity and environmental analysis; and theories and techniques for promoting participation in daily life.

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages whose lives have been disrupted by developmental deficits, the ageing process, physical injury, illness or psychological or social disability. Occupational therapists work in healthcare and community settings, schools, work environments and in private practice. Some occupational therapists are researchers; some are educators.

Requirements

There are no specific admission requirements to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) course. However, prospective students may benefit from undertaking biology at HSC level.

Notes

Occupational therapy prioritises enabling people's participation in life as fully as they would like.

Occupational therapists help to overcome barriers and create opportunities for people of all ages who may have been constrained by injury, illness or other circumstances. Often, it is the environment that disables people, including the built environment, social attitudes and assumptions, or public policies and institutional practice. At other times, an activity may be too complex or demanding. New abilities, adapted techniques or assistive devices may be required. Occupational therapists help a diverse range of clients in many different settings to optimise participation and meaning in their daily lives.