Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a four year program designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to practice as an occupational therapist.

Occupational therapists work with people who are experiencing barriers to participation in their everyday lives as the result of impairment, disability or disadvantage. They use specific activities and approaches to enable people to participate in their preferred life roles.

In the first year of this program, you will study foundation courses in professional practice, human body systems, psychology and contemporary healthcare. In years two to four you will study occupational therapy specific courses covering a wide range of practice contexts.

During the program you will develop skills in assessment, service development, evaluation and critical thinking to ensure you are work-ready upon graduation. Your learning experience will be enhanced by completing clinical placements across a wide range of practice areas including the purpose-built Allied Health Clinic at CQUniversity Rockhampton.

What am I studying?

Occupational therapists are employed in a range of settings such as community health settings, industry, public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, nursing homes, research institutions, special centres for persons with a social, intellectual or physical disability and private practice. They are also employed as mental health workers and rehabilitation consultants.

Entry Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA you are required to meet the English Language Prerequisite by:

An academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) completed within the last 2 years (from the term you are applying to start) with a minimum achievement of 7.0 in each band and overall or a secondary or university qualification which is not more than 5 years old (from the term you are applying for entry into) with a satisfactory level of achievement of at least 2 years in duration from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa or USA.

The English Language Proficiency requirements may also be satisfied by (results are to be no older than 2 years from the start of term):

- Occupational Test: Result of 'A' or 'B'

Career Opportunities

Occupational therapists are employed in a range of settings such as community health settings, industry, public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, nursing homes, research institutions, centres for persons with a social, intellectual or physical disability and private practice. Occupational therapists are also employed as mental health workers, rehabilitation consultants and as policy makers in local and federal government.

Work Intergrated Learning

The program includes 1000 hours of professional practice.

Program Structure

You are required to study 26 core courses. Courses in professional practice contribute to the attainment of 1000 hours of professional practice.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Professional Recognition

CQUniversity has applied for interim accreditation with Occupational Therapy Australia. Upon graduation students will be eligible to apply for national registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist and work in a variety of practice settings.