The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy aims to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical components of occupational therapy, with a focus on both general and specialist knowledge and skills.
This degree will equip you to work collaboratively with people who have an impairment of body structure or function due to a health condition, and who experience barriers to participation in everyday activities. Emphasis is placed on current practice issues, including quality management of services, ethical issues, research and communication skills.
Occupation in rural areas is addressed throughout the course with the intention of encouraging development of skills for those interested in working in rural practice.
Students may elect to exit the course following successful completion of the first two years of study with the award Associate Degree in Health Science.
The Honours stream is embedded within the four-year program and comprises specific Honours research subjects that replace pass degree subjects.
Established in response to demand from professional industry bodies, the occupational therapy degree prepares you for work in hospitals and community health care settings, rehabilitation units, human resource management, government policy units, private practice and consultative services.
The course is accredited by OT Australia, The Australian Association of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Accreditation by WFOT enables graduates to be employed both in Australia and overseas.
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
You will complete 1,000 hours of fieldwork in a range of settings, primarily in NSW and Victoria. There is the possibility to do placements in other states in Australia as well as overseas.
Practical learning experiences are an important part of the course. Fieldwork placements give you an opportunity to apply knowledge and develop practical skills. Placements are arranged in a variety of organisations, both rural and urban.
Students will need to purchase any required equipment and uniform items. You are also responsible for any travel to and from fieldwork placements and accommodation expenses.
To transfer into the Honours stream at the beginning of year three, students will need to obtain grades of Credit or above in at least 50% of Level 1 and Level 2 subjects.
Studies in basic and clinical sciences provide an understanding of human function. This knowledge is then applied to a range of occupational therapy situations using a problem-solving approach.
Subjects are grouped according to six key learning areas:
Students explore issues of occupational performance at every stage of the human life span through self-directed learning projects. You will use a professional reasoning process to formulate enabling strategies to develop or enhance competence in occupational tasks in self care, work, leisure and learning roles, taking into consideration factors such as environment, lifestyle and culture.
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 256 points and meet fieldwork placement requirements. Fieldwork experience constitutes approximately one quarter of the course, the majority taking place during third and fourth years. Students will be required to meet the costs associated with fieldwork.
Refer to the Clinical Requirements section following for information on fieldwork placement requirements:
1. What is the UAI cut-off score for the CSU occupational therapy program?
It usually fluctuates between 73 and 80. However, the cut-off is dependent upon demand, so it is not possible to be certain. There is a five point rural bonus for designated areas.
2. Is the course offered by distance education?
No.
3. Can I enrol mid-year?
No.
4. Are there many job opportunities?
Currently, the employment options are very good – and this is usually the case. However it is not possible to predict this in four years time.
5. Can I work overseas?
Australians are very highly regarded and sought after, particularly in the United Kingdom and USA. Our course is accredited by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, hence you are eligible to practice in any country. However, you must first meet their entrance requirements (which may include an exam).
6. How is the course different from OT courses at other universities?
At CSU, we prepare graduates for a rural and remote practice, although graduates are able to work equally well in metropolitan centres. Our class sizes are smaller than most other OT programs. There is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork especially as we are placed within the School of Community Health. CSU has excellent internet facilities and students are able to maximise their skills in the use of computer technology.
7. Will I have time for a part-time job?
Yes, many students do work in a part-time job, however you will usually be required to do your fieldwork placements full-time.
8. Can I buy secondhand books?
Sometimes. Check the student forums.
9. Is the course difficult?
This is a demanding course, you will need to study diligently, and manage your time well. Provided you go to all classes and keep up with your study, you shouldn’t have any trouble.
10. What are the criteria for selection?
For school leavers, your UAI score.
For those not coming straight from school, we first consider academic achievement, then relevant work (paid or unpaid) experience and then your demonstrated interest/knowledge in the program.
You are better placed if you have evidence of academic achievement or ability at a university level. However, if you have work based training, for example, you may be able to use this to demonstrate academic competence.
11. How else can I get in if I don’t achieve the UAI to do OT?
Enrol in another course that you would be happy to stay in if you are not able to move to OT, then reapply at the end of your first year of study through VTAC or UAC. You will need to have achieved at least a credit grade average in your university studies in order for your application to be considered. You may be able to obtain credit for subjects in the program. If you enrol in courses at CSU, you will be able to apply for transfer at the end of first year and will not need to go through UAC or VTAC. However, your application will still be considered along with all other CSU and non CSU applicants.
12. Should I try to gain work experience in occupational therapy?
This is always desirable so you have clarity about your career choice. However, it is not necessary to gain entrance. The skills and knowledge that you gain in any work experience - particularly human services - are likely to be relevant to your studies and work in occupational therapy.
13. I haven’t done biology for my HSC or VCE. Is that a problem?
The course assumes some knowledge of biology. However, it is possible to progress successfully without having studied biology formally. We do not have formal prerequisite studies.
“I initially started a business degree and realised it wasn’t what I wanted, so here I am doing something completely different in occupational therapy, and I love it. The course offers a lot of flexibility in employment because the job differs depending on the client. You can work with children, the elderly, or in rehabilitation. The teaching staff are very dedicated: they’re enthusiastic, committed and approachable. They are always trying to make a difference and always have time for you.”
Miranda Coulston - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
| Study through | Albury-Wodonga |
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| Fee information | Australian & New Zealand students International students |
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| Admission rank cut-offs | 75.30 |
| CRICOS registered | 016828B |
Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.
| Apply through UAC |
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| Apply through VTAC |
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| Apply online | International students Admission code:
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| Mail your application | International students |
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| Recruitment agent | International students |
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An indicative course structure and enrolment pattern are available in the CSU Handbook.
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
Currently, no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to the Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy). While the course assumes some knowledge of biology, it is possible to progress successfully without having studied biology.
Senior First Aid Certificate
All students are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate, obtained at their own cost, from an accredited body (Workcover approved) before undertaking clinical placements.
NOTE: As many courses include a clinical practicum in the first session, students are advised to complete their Senior First Aid Certificate prior to commencement of their first year of study.
Criminal Record Clearance
The Department of Health in NSW, and most other states, currently require all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement, to undergo criminal record checks. The checks are intended to identify people who have convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, who may put patients’/clients’ personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.
All students must therefore have a Criminal Record Clearance prior to placement in any capacity in the NSW Health system and most other State organisations. Prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a Criminal Record Clearance will make it impossible to complete this course satisfactorily as it will not be possible to arrange suitable clinical placements.
In addition, all students are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration indicating whether or not they are a prohibited person under the Child Protection Act 1998.
If you have any queries regarding these requirements, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Coordinator.
Immunisation - Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Infectious Diseases
NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases (PD2007_006) that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement.
All students must undergo vaccination against infectious diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System, and most other Australian State Health Systems. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a personal record card (available from the School through which the student is studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other State Health staff, whilst the student is on placement.
The Policy requires that you consult your local doctor to obtain written proof of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B.
NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the requirements of this policy have been met, and failure to comply with the requirements may jeopardise completion of your studies.
As a full course of vaccinations may take several months to complete, you are advised to consult your local medical practitioner well in advance of the commencement of your clinical experience placement. Please contact your medical practitioner to identify your local TB screening provider and ensure the screening is completed prior to your first clinical placement.
Further information is available from NSW Health.
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) |