Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - International

Program Overview

Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a four-year program accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council Ltd and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to work as occupational therapists, helping individuals of all ages improve their function, independence, and quality of life. The program includes 20 core subjects and an optional Honours program, and students are assessed through various methods including written assignments, practical exams, and research projects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from Charles Sturt University is a four-year, full-time program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as occupational therapists. The program is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA).

Objectives:

The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical components of occupational therapy.
• Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Prepare students to work effectively with individuals, groups, and communities to promote health and well-being.
• Foster students' professional development and ethical practice.

Program Description:

The program consists of 20 core subjects, including:

• Health and the Human Body: Cells, Immunity, and Musculoskeletal System
• Health and the Human Body: Systemic Human Physiology
• Introduction to Functional Human Anatomy
• Neuroscience for Health Practice
• Introduction to Australian Society and Health
• Evidence-Based Health Practice and Research
• Indigenous Australian Health
• Communication for Health Practice
• Person, Environment, and Occupation Foundations
• Occupational Therapy Practice
• Decision-making in Occupational Therapy
• Occupational Therapy Assessment: Principles and Practice
• Enabling Strategies: Working with Assistive Technologies
• Enabling Strategies: Facilitating Therapeutic Groups
• Enabling Strategies: Working with Individuals (Fundamentals)
• Enabling Strategies: Working with Individuals (Consolidation)
• Enabling Strategies: Working with Communities & Populations
• Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services
• Indigenous Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing
• Transition to Allied Health Practice
Students can also choose to complete an Honours program in their third or fourth year of the course. The Honours program provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills and prepare for a career in research.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Written assignments
• Practical exams
• Oral presentations
• Case studies
• Research projects

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced occupational therapists and other health professionals. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and clinical placements.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Schools
• Community health centers
• Private practice
Occupational therapists can work with individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They can help people with a variety of conditions, including:
• Physical disabilities
• Mental health conditions
• Developmental disabilities
• Chronic illnesses
• Injuries
Occupational therapists can help people to improve their function, independence, and quality of life.