Course Overview

About This Course

Many of us take our independence for granted, comfortably performing tasks and activities at home, school, work and in the community. But for someone with an injury, illness, disability or psychosocial issues, it can be a different story. A qualified Occupational Therapist, or OT, can make all the difference. An OT helps people of all ages to develop, sustain, or restore participation in their day to day activities and improve their quality of life. If you're a good communicator and a creative thinker with an interest in science, this might be the career for you. One of the best things about studying Occupational Therapy at ECU is starting your practical experience in your first year. At ECU you'll gain valuable learning experiences in a range of settings and with people with differing needs through fieldwork placements all throughout the four year course. During your fieldwork placements, you'll integrate your growing occupational therapy knowledge, skills and professional attitudes, while being supervised and assessed by registered occupational therapists.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Joondalup Campus, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup WA 6027

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Indicative ATAR: 80
Academic Admission requirements (Band 4): All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course
The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Diploma or equivalent
- Undergraduate Certificate
- Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test
- University Preparation Course
- Indigenous University Orientation Course
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results
English Language requirements (Band 5): All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency
International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0)
Alternative acceptable English tests:
- Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills
- Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components
- Completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country as defined by AHPRA (including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12)
- Completion of at least 5 years full-time equivalent continuous combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed in a recognised country as defined by the AHPRA (within the last 7 years)
English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date
TOEFL iBT is not accepted from 26/07/23
Minimum English standard requirements may also be satisfied with:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada
- University Preparation Course
- Indigenous University Orientation Course
- Aboriginal Student Intake Test
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent)
Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing health professions in Australia and graduates are in high demand across a wide range of employment sectors. Occupational therapists can work with people of all ages and in a range of settings including hospitals, schools, disability services and aged care. Possible future job titles include: Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation Consultant, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Mental Health Clinician, Occupational Rehabilitationist, Safety Officer, Disability Worker, Neuromuscular Therapist, Hand Therapist, Paediatric Therapist.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (OTC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

OTC

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units29 units

OCT1101

Theory of Occupation

OCT1102

Occupation and Equity

MHS1101

Anatomy and Physiology 1

OCT1204

Introduction to Professional Practice

OCT1205

Occupational Analysis

OCT1220

Neuroscience for Occupational Therapy

MHS1102

Anatomy and Physiology 2

OCT1108

Introduction to Evidence Informed Practice

OCT2100

Enabling Participation for Children and Youth

OCT2101

Foundations of Biomechanics and Hand Therapy

OCT2103

Workplace Rehabilitation

OCT2102

Health Conditions and Occupational Performance

OCT2104

Mental Health Conditions and Occupational Performance

OCT2105

Enabling Participation for Older Adults

OCT2250

Counselling and Group Processes In Occupational Therapy

OCT2251

Assistive Technology

OCT3102

Enabling Occupation: Physical Conditions

OCT3104

Enabling Occupation: Mental Health

ACS4133

Aboriginal Communities

OCT3105

Enabling Occupation: Disability

OCT3107

Enabling Occupation: Neurological Conditions

OCT3207

Evidence Informed Practice

OCT3303

Extended Professional Practice One

OCT4121

Enabling Occupation: Self-management of Chronic Conditions

OCT4102

Creativity and Health

OCT4128

Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy

OCT4124

Transition to the Occupational Therapy Profession

OCT4201

Extended Professional Practice Two

OCT4202

Extended Professional Practice Three

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I start practical placements in the Occupational Therapy program?

One of the best things about studying Occupational Therapy at ECU is starting your practical experience in your first year. Students undertake compulsory Professional Practice placements in each year of the program, beginning with 40 hours in OCT1204 and 60 hours in OCT1108 in Year 1, progressing to extended placements of a minimum of 280 hours each in Years 3 and 4.

What are the estimated fees for this course?

For domestic students, the estimated first year indicative fee is AUD $9,550 (Commonwealth supported). For international students, the estimated first year indicative fee is AUD $43,700.

Is it possible to complete this course part-time?

Domestic students may study this course full-time or part-time at the Joondalup campus. International students are only available to study full-time. The course duration is 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.

Can high-achieving students pursue Honours through this course?

Students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher after the first semester of third year of study may be invited to complete an Honours program. Those students will transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours for the final year 3 semesters of study.

What English language proficiency is required for international applicants?

International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Alternatively, a Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill, or an Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each component are also accepted. English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $78,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $78,000 to $92,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $92,000 to $110,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Occupational TherapistNDIS Occupational TherapistCommunity Occupational TherapistPaediatric Occupational TherapistMental Health Occupational Therapist

Key Skills

Clinical assessment and functional capacity evaluationTherapeutic intervention planning and implementationAssistive technology prescription and equipment recommendationHome and environmental modification assessmentPaediatric development assessment and intervention

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses