Occupational Therapy (Honours) James Cook University

Overview

Occupational therapists are primarily concerned with helping their clients develop or regain the abilities required for a variety of occupations, including those relating to self-care, work, school, play or leisure. JCU Occupational Therapy will help you understand how the human body works from the inside out. You’ll build on your core knowledge of human anatomy and physiology through learning about the psychosocial, biomechanical, neurological and contextual determinants of occupation. You will also acquire a strong understanding of lifespan development, health promotion and health care.

Be prepared to engage in effective healthcare practice from your first year as you learn fundamental communication and practical skills for occupational therapists and allied health service delivery. You will develop a deeper understanding of the role of occupational therapists within the health sector and how their work contributes to the bigger picture of health care through engagements with community.

Benefit from hands-on experience throughout your degree. You’ll hone vital skills while you study and train, whether alongside your expert lecturers and tutors at the JCU Health Occupational Therapy Clinic in Townsville or while on placement with one of JCU’s industry partners. Go beyond the Townsville clinical setting through professional work placements in urban, rural and remote areas. Rural and remote training will give you the advantage of practical experience and the opportunity to develop a wide range of generalist skills. You’ll graduate with confidence after undertaking over 1,000 hours of professional work experience across the course of your degree.

Career Opportunities

• The need for allied health professionals is growing rapidly as demands increases across a range of areas, both within and outside of the health sector. As a graduate of the Occupational Therapy (Honours) program from James Cook University, your career could lead you to work as an occupational therapist in public and private hospitals, rehabilitation units, community health centres, aged care facilities, mental health services, schools, independent living centres and in private practice. You can also work in research, education and training.

• Upon graduation, you can apply for registration for practice in Australia with the Occupational Therapists Board of Australia Health Professional Registration Agency (AHPRA) and become a member of Occupational Therapy Australia — The Australian Association of Occupational Therapists. Graduates may also apply to register to practice in New Zealand and apply to practice internationally.