Innovative projects and career opportunities at OT Conference
CQUniversity’s 2024 final year occupational therapy (OT) conference recently showcased the impact of the profession and its role in improving lives, with students presenting diverse projects aimed at addressing real-world healthcare challenges.
From community mental health to aged care, the ‘Helping You Grow: CQU Occupational Therapy Graduate Conference’ was a culmination of applying best practice, practical problem-solving and collaborative partnerships.
The conference was supported by sponsors from across the Central Queensland region including Little Bears Allied Health Yeppoon, Friendlies Physiotherapy & Allied Health Bundaberg, Entirely Health Rockhampton, BlueCare Rockhampton and Bundaberg, OT Wise Bundaberg, Coral Coast Physiotherapy & Allied Health Bundaberg and Emmaus College Rockhampton.
CQU Occupational Therapy Senior Lecturer Narelle Henwood said the range of projects and partners involved in the conference highlight the breadth of the industry.
“There were 18 final year OT students who worked together in teams to address six different complex societal issues. We are fortunate to have great support from all our community partners who come up with the ideas and issues they want our student teams to explore,” she said.
"The authentic partnerships give graduates the experience of using their university skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference to the communities we are part of.
“Some projects included designing an effective sensory room and educational materials for staff in community mental health in Rockhampton and recommending inclusions for a potential sensory-motor garden space at Community Lifestyle Support in Bundaberg.
“The outcomes are expected to increase the therapeutic use of both spaces by making them more accessible and appealing for both staff and clients.
“Another project aimed to develop graded meal preparation modules for adolescents, addressing skill gaps in daily living activities. They successfully created recipes and instructional materials to foster independence among young clients.”
The conference included posters showcasing their research work, conducted as part of the Honours program, as well as infographics developed to exercise their health education skills.
Ms Henwood added that the conference planning and execution, which was led by the students, was very successful with organisers obtaining more than the required funding to host the conference.
“The additional funds will be used to support future students through a CQUniCares bursary,” she said.
“The graduating students were passionate about giving back and helping the next generation of OT professionals to enter the industry.”
According to Australian Government statistics there is a shortage of occupational therapists across the country.
The projected increase in employment for Occupational Therapists in Australia across the five years to May 2028 is expected to be 16.9 per cent.
The median annual salary is around $90,000.
CQU Head of Course in Occupational Therapy Dr Maria O'Reilly said OT is a rapidly growing field with demand in the sector for new graduates to enter the field.
“Demand for occupational therapists has surged by eight per cent in the past year with the current annual employment growth sitting at 2200 jobs.
“OT is driven by an ageing population, the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health services, and the expansion of NDIS-related services across the country," Dr O'Reilly said.
“The profession offers exciting career prospects and the chance to make a tangible difference in various sectors of the healthcare industry. Our graduates are well-positioned to enter the workforce, with a wide range of roles available in hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, and community organisations.
“This was demonstrated by our final year students during their conference, which showcased the skills and knowledge they have acquired as they prepare to enter the workforce and contribute to meaningful change in the lives of their clients.”
