Program Overview

Do you want a health career that could transform the lives of others by helping them achieve tangible results?

The work of occupational therapists is diverse. They adapt environments, activities or equipment to enhance participation in everyday tasks, assisting people of all ages and abilities to do what they need and want to do at home, work, school and in the community.

You will develop a range of health professional skills in the University’s state-of-the-art facilities and during your professional placement, preparing you for work in diverse health care environments.

As an occupational therapist you can make a difference to the lives of individuals, groups and communities. As examples, you can work with people with disabilities to engage in daily activities that have meaning to their lives, develop inclusive playground experiences and environments for children of all abilities, or you could design home modifications or public transport changes that would ensure access for a person using a power wheelchair. Occupational therapy has been identified as a high job growth area by the Australian Government’s Job Outlook.

Optional major: Indigenous Health
This major can be studied at Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses and offers students the opportunity to build theoretical and practical capabilities in cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Embedded placement opportunities equip graduates with the professional skills required to contribute to the improvement of health and social outcomes in Australian communities.

In order to meet the Australian occupational therapy competency standards this course is structured in accordance with professional body recommendations. All students complete studies in Professional areas and those not completing the Indigenous Health major complete Social Sciences:

Professional Areas: occupational therapy theory and practice; occupational therapy assessments and interventions related to biomechanical, sensorimotor, psychosocial and cognitive performance, activities, engagement and participation at home, at school, at work and in the community; occupational transitions across the lifespan; evaluation of occupational therapy programs; health promotion; and Work Integrated Learning. 

Social Sciences: wellbeing and mental health, interprofessional health care, Indigenous studies, evidence-based practice, and small business and entrepreneurship.

Biological Sciences: anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience.