Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (With Placement) Southern Cross University - Coffs Harbour Campus, Australia

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.

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.