Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

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. Pathway option: Diploma of Health (Occupational Therapy Specialisation). This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully. "My experience at Southern Cross has been really good. There has been a vast array of opportunities for me. I've seen the whole spectrum of what I'm capable of doing." Vincent Manze Clinical Exercise Physiology student Default --> "Allied Health is an area where the emotional impact is high, especially in OT, and having empathy with people is vital. I want to make a positive difference for people." Skye Rymill Bachelor of Occupational Therapy graduate Occupational Therapist Understanding the Southern Cross Model The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study. Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning. On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit. Learn more Learning outcomes and graduate attributes Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA). Course Learning Outcome GA1: Intellectual rigour Effectively implement critical thinking, problem solving, professional reasoning and self-reflection to occupational therapy service provision and evaluation. Analyse the systemic, interpersonal and personal factors influencing health and disability across diverse communities living in metropolitan, regional and rural areas and create innovative and effective occupational therapy practice. GA2: Creativity Demonstrate an occupation-centred, evidence-based and client-centred approach to occupational therapy practice for individuals, groups and communities. GA3: Ethical practice Comply with various legislative requirements, guidelines and standards influencing professional practice to ensure ethical application of professional knowledge and skills. Contribute to collaborative, respectful and ethical interprofessional practice which collectively implements effective client-centred practice. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the person-environment-occupation relationship and the link between occupation and health and wellbeing. GA5: Lifelong learning Commit to, and engage in, critical reflection and lifelong learning initiatives to ensure effective contributions to contemporary and future occupational therapy practice. GA6: Communication and social skills Communicate professionally and respectfully with professional partners including clients, carers and colleagues using appropriate levels of written and verbal language. GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate cultural safety and inclusive collaborative professional practice that is respectful to all people, nationally and globally, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Placements, work experience and study hours Work Integrated Learning (WIL) provides opportunities to develop professional skills in a range of settings including aged care, hospitals, community health, disability and mental health services, primary schools, work environments and private practice. Students complete over 1,000 hours in WIL during the course. WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course: Placement Locations : While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment, as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel. Travel and Costs : You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Fit-to-Practice Requirements : Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks. More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty of Health WIL page . Specialisations, majors and minors 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 biological sciences. Students choose either the Indigenous Health major or the No Major option that has a focus on social sciences. Biological Sciences : anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and neuroscience. 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. Availability Availability and fees Location Teaching period Coffs Harbour Term 1 Gold Coast Term 1, Term 5 Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS Coffs Harbour Term 1 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 082680C Gold Coast Term 1 $26,000 ($3,250 per unit) 082680C Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.