The program provides an opportunity for students to gain a B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy that will meet the demands of related national and international employment fields. The BSc Occupational Therapy program is a nationally recognized award, approved by the Ministry of Health and internationally by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists [W.F.O.T]. This is essential as it means students will receive both national and international recognition as an occupational therapist.
The program aims to prepare students for the diverse landscape of practice. This includes developing capabilities to work with a variety of people (including all ages, genders and ethnicity) across a range of domains (including physical, cognitive, psychological, social, environmental, economic, creative and spiritual).
The program facilitates development as competent occupational therapists, eligible to apply for registration with the Ministry of Health. It develops academic capabilities, specifically to develop student appreciation of theoretical concepts and evidence within the occupational therapy arena, so that students are able to critically reflect upon, evaluate and make decisions within practice.
The program will equip students with the skills to critically review, evaluate and apply theoretical knowledge to a range of occupational therapy practice scenarios and settings. Students will be able to consolidate theory and practice skills which are transferable to a range of situations. This will be supported by critical evaluation of relevant scholarly material and research and students are expected to adopt responsibility for your academic decisions.
The program promotes the capacity for and commitment to lifelong learning, so that students enhanced academic knowledge and skills are constructively used to progress their own career, the occupational therapy profession and evolving areas of practice in health and social care.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain the major theories of occupation and the relationship between occupation and health and well- being.
- Students will be able to describe and explain medical, social model and bio-psycho-social models of health and disability.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the structure, function and development of individuals, groups and societies and relate this to occupational performance.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the conditions (diseases, disorders, injuries, trauma), environmental factors (physical, social, cultural) and personal factors (gender, age, culture, socioeconomic status, lifestyle) that affect engagement in occupation and occupational performance.
- Students will demonstrate competence in retrieving evidence to support occupational therapy practice, and in critical appraisal with a practical application
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the research process: question formulation, design, methodology, data collection and analysis. Students will implement a research project.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the principles of management of health care services
- Students will demonstrate competence in the assessment of occupational performance components (physical, cognitive, emotional) of clients from birth to old age.
- Students will demonstrate competence in the assessment of occupational performance of activities of daily living, productivity and leisure of clients from birth to old age.
- Students will demonstrate competence in the assessment of environments (home, school, work, community facilities) to identify barriers and supports to occupational performance.
- Students will demonstrate competence in setting goals, planning and documenting occupational therapy intervention in cooperation with clients, families and caregivers.
- Students will demonstrate competence in selecting and implementing occupational therapy intervention based on assessment data, the goals developed with the client and /or family and caregiver, and the client’s capacities.
- Students will demonstrate competence in the recommendation, prescription and adaptation of equipment and environments to promote occupational performance.
- Students will demonstrate skills in planning, organizing, leading and evaluating group activities to meet identified goals for individuals and groups.
- Students will demonstrate competence in manual handling, lifting, positioning and transferring clients safely and efficiently.
- Students will demonstrate competence in teaching skills (alternative ways of performing activities, use of adaptive equipment and technology) to clients, families and caregivers.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and reflect on their own performance and make appropriate adjustments.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to cooperate with other health professionals and participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Students will demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the occupational therapy code of ethics, the laws of the health care system and the policies of health care organizations.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to establish and sustain therapeutic partnerships with clients and their families.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in a variety of settings, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, clinical and community organisations.
