Course Overview

About This Course

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who may have experienced injury, illness or disability. They help people to engage in occupations or activities that are meaningful to them and to achieve independence, better health, wellbeing and satisfaction in their lives. In this course, you will learn to identify the physical, psychosocial, cognitive, behavioural and environmental factors that can help or hinder participation in everyday activities. You'll also gain the collaboration skills needed to provide cross-disciplinary care focused around the client and their needs.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth WA 6102

78 Murray St, Perth, WA 6000

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Minimum ATAR/Selection Rank of 83
At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Human Biology, Integrated Science, Physics, Psychology or Physical Education Studies (essential prerequisite subject)
Desirable subjects: Human Biology, Physics and Mathematics Applications
English language requirement: IELTS Academic with an Overall band score of 7, and minimum scores of 7 in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening
Student declaration
AHPRA registration
Criminal record screening and clearance
Immunisation
First aid
Hand hygiene
Manual handling
Working with children
Communicable diseases
For Curtin course switchers (Semester 1): Completed a minimum of 100 credit points, a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 65% or higher in the four most recent units studied, academic status of 'Good Standing', and met one ATAR Science subject (or equivalent)
For Curtin course switchers (Semester 2): Completed a minimum of 100 credit points and completed units CMHL1000 Foundations for Professional Health Practice, HUMB1000 Human Structure and Function, PSYC1000 Introduction to Psychology, and OCCT1001 Introduction to Occupational Therapy

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapist roles across Australia are expected to grow by almost 33% by 2035. Graduates can work as occupational therapists across industries including acute care, disability services, injury management, mental health and wellbeing, rehabilitation, aged care, and child health. Working with children: Help children achieve their developmental milestones such as fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Educate and involve parents, carers and others to facilitate the normal development and learning of children. Rehabilitation and aged care: Help clients regain or enhance their daily lives after an event such as hip replacement or stroke. Assess and modify clients' home and community environments to improve their safety and independence. Acute care: Assess clients' cognition, function and psychosocial needs. Monitor clients' function and progress, prescribing adaptive equipment to ensure safety upon discharge from hospitals. Injury management: Use specialised assessments to determine the functional requirements of various jobs, and clients' capacity to return to work. Design and coordinate graded return to work programs. Educate clients in safe work practices. Modify the work environment to suit the needs of individuals to prevent or minimise injuries. Mental health: Design individual and group programs and activities to enhance clients' independence in everyday activities. Develop coping strategies for clients in overcoming their mental health issues.

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 Units4 units

CMHL1000

Foundations for Professional Health Practice

HUMB1000

Human Structure and Function

PSYC1000

Introduction to Psychology

OCCT1001

Introduction to Occupational Therapy

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much practical experience will I get during this course?

Throughout the course, you will complete approximately 1,000 hours of fieldwork in clinical and industry settings. You'll also learn in laboratories, simulation learning spaces and resource rooms tailored for gaining occupational therapy skills.

Is this degree professionally recognised?

Yes, this course is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Graduates using the titles registered health practitioner or occupational therapist must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

What are the English language requirements for this course?

You must meet Curtin's English language requirements for this course. The IELTS Academic requirement is an Overall band score of 7, with minimum scores of 7 in each of Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. If you have completed a different English test or qualification, you may be able to use it to meet this requirement.

What fieldwork requirements must I meet before undertaking placements?

To undertake fieldwork placements, you must meet the following requirements: student declaration, AHPRA registration, criminal record screening and clearance, immunisation, first aid, hand hygiene, manual handling, working with children, and communicable diseases clearance.

What career growth can I expect as an occupational therapy graduate?

Occupational therapist roles across Australia are expected to grow by almost 33% by 2035, according to Jobs and Skills Australia – Employment Projections. Of WA's public universities, Curtin ranks first for graduate salary and equal first for full-time employment for undergraduate rehabilitation, according to the Good Universities Guide 2026.

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!

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