Occupational Therapy

The first year will focus on core health subjects including anatomy, physiology, and an introduction to occupational therapy practice and evidence.

From second and third year, you‘ll focus on the application of your skills in mental health, occupation rehabilitation, chronic conditions, community focus, primary health care and participatory community practice.

In addition to field placements, you‘ll attend workshops in industry settings such as Guide Dogs SA, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and equipment providers. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit regional settings on the yearly Country Road Trip.

Throughout your degree you’ll be exposed to many different hands-on activities, such as:

• Splint making
• Dressing adaptation for people with self-care impairments
• Wheelchair measurement tutorials
• Home modification and assistive technology plans
• Delivery of groups with children and older adults
• Adult neurological rehabilitation techniques
• Completing skill demonstrations to become familiar with real-life occupational therapy scenarios.

Some key areas of activity where Occupational Therapists provide support include:

• Daily living activities such as showering, dressing, grooming and eating.
• Activities which involve caring for others such as household management activities, shopping, childcare, budgeting, banking, financial management, home maintenance and driving.
• Education activities which allow a person to participate in a learning environment.
• Leisure and play activities.
• Social participation.
• Work (paid and voluntary).

• Public and private hospitals
• Private practice
• Community mental health services
• Ambulatory and rehabilitation services
• Aged care facilities and community restorative care services
• Local council services
• Government departments
• Schools
• Not-for-profit and non-government sector