Recommended Study Sequence

 

Occupational therapy is a highly regarded field in which you can apply your knowledge and skills to provide therapy for people who, because of illness, injury or circumstances, are limited in their ability to perform everyday tasks. You may help someone with a spinal cord injury return to work, you may recommend modifications to their car so that they can drive again, or you may help children with disabilities attend school. Occupational therapy is about getting people to participate fully in every part of their life.

The UWS occupational therapy course is among the top programs in Australia, and now is offered as a combined Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy degree, further raising the standing of UWS graduates in the eyes of clients and potential employers. Graduates from UWS occupational therapy programs are renowned for their ability to use their knowledge and skills in a practical, evidence-based approach in practice.

The first three years of the program result in a Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) qualification. You will study core common subjects with other BHSc students and allied health students, located on the same campus. Building a solid, broad understanding of biomedicine and various health science fields in this way will give you a deeper understanding of occupational therapy, help you work in interdisciplinary teams and centres, and assist you in advising clients on treatment options. You will share your new knowledge and experiences with other students, and together gain professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice and high quality care.Meanwhile, from the beginning of Year 1 you will start to take occupational therapy units. You will find the progression to the Masters component of the combined degree is seamless. The Masters year of the program focuses predominantly on occupational therapy practice skills, practical experience and specialised areas.

In the core subjects and your studies of occupational therapy you will develop a client focus, centred on each individual within his or her social, cultural and physical environment. The UWS occupational therapy program promotes the value of human diversity, fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of every client.

UWS is a leader in taking an evidence based approach to health sciences teaching, learning and research, to produce professionals who can truly help clients and communities to lead healthier, more productive lives. Being evidence based is one of the most important trends in healthcare today and a strong feature of the occupational therapy program.

Independent learning, self-direction and experience in analysing and resolving problems will help you to develop the skills and ability to pick up activities and run with them that employers particularly appreciate in UWS graduates. UWS has developed a highly flexible suite of health sciences programs. For example,

if you find that you want to change to a different program, you can do this at the end of Year 1, provided you meet the criteria. If you enrol for the combined Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational

Therapy but decide to leave at the end of the third year, assuming you’ve successfully completed all of the first three years, you can be awarded a BHSc (but be aware that you would have to re-apply to then re-enter the Masters program if you wish to so at a later date.)

Course Details

UAC Code	Campus	ATAR
704225	Campbelltown	New Course

Duration

Four years full-time or equivalent part-time.

Note: 'part-time' refers to study load not to time tabling of evening classes.

A Career in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with people confronting special needs and life challenges that hinder their ability to meaningfully and effectively carry out their occupational roles and everyday tasks. Occupational therapists help their clients to develop new skills and change their environment or activities. They use occupations as therapeutic means to improve an individual’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Occupational therapists are employed in a range of settings including:

»» public and private hospitals
»» rehabilitation centres
»» insurance companies
»» schools
»» large corporations
»» private rehabilitation providers

They are also employed as mental health workers and rehabilitation consultants. The range of employment opportunities is mirrored by the flexibility of career opportunities: full or part time, allowing for career breaks and available in metropolitan, regional and rural environments, often as part of integrated healthcare teams.

Assumed Knowledge

Any two units of English.

Application Information

To lodge an application for the course of your choice check the Application Information.

Honours

An honours program is available to high achieving students embedded in the four-year program.

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