Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy at Griffith University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students to become skilled and compassionate health professionals. This course equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding necessary to enable individuals of all ages to participate fully in daily life activities. Throughout the program, students engage in a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on clinical practice, fostering a deep understanding of human development, biomechanics, mental health, and environmental influences on wellbeing.

The curriculum covers core areas such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, and evidence-based practice, alongside specialized topics like pediatric therapy, mental health, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and community-based care. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making skills, which are essential for providing client-centered care. The program also emphasizes cultural competence and the importance of inclusivity in occupational therapy practice, preparing graduates to work effectively with diverse populations.

Griffith University’s strong industry connections ensure students gain real-world experience through placements organized in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health centers, schools, and specialized clinics. These supervised clinical placements provide students with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge, refine their skills, and develop confidence in delivering quality occupational therapy services.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Griffith are well-positioned to pursue registration with the Occupational Therapists Australia (OTA) and to work in diverse healthcare environments. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and professional development, encouraging graduates to stay current with evolving practices and innovations in the field. Graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, advocating for accessible and equitable healthcare practices.

This program is ideal for students passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives through rehabilitative and supportive care. With a focus on holistic assessment and intervention strategies, graduates will be prepared to address complex health challenges related to physical, mental, and developmental health. The occupational therapy program at Griffith University combines academic excellence, practical experience, and a commitment to social responsibility, providing students with a strong foundation for a rewarding career dedicated to enhancing human potential and quality of life.

Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning that might relate with prior formal learning or earlier casual and non-formal learning. To learn more, please see the following website:https://www.griffith.edu.au/apply/credit-transfer Charge transferGriffith's advanced Credit Precedent Database lets you find out which credit conclusions have been made before. All these precedents will give you an idea of exactly things you can expect.https://app.griffith.edu.au/credit-precedent/credit_result.php? Ngpc=1400&-SortField=Connected%20Institution%20Name&-noresultserror=error.html&-search View charge precedents for this particular program

Admission to the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program at Griffith University requires applicants to meet specific entry criteria. Prospective students must have completed high school or an equivalent qualification with satisfactory academic performance, typically including prerequisites in relevant subjects such as biology and other sciences. International applicants may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, meeting Griffith University's minimum score standards. The program places importance on applicants' motivation and interest in healthcare, often assessing these through personal statements or interviews during the selection process.

Once admitted, students are expected to meet ongoing academic requirements, including maintaining a certain Grade Point Average (GPA) to progress through the program. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in occupational therapy, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students undertake coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and occupational science, alongside specialized training in sensory integration, motor development, and clinical reasoning.

To qualify for graduation, students must complete a specified number of credits across core and elective courses, demonstrate proficiency in clinical skills, and fulfill practical placement requirements. Clinical placements are an integral component of the program, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings such as hospitals, community health organizations, and rehabilitation centers. These placements are coordinated and supervised by experienced professionals, and students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct and adherence to healthcare standards throughout their training.

Additionally, students are required to participate in workshops and seminars on professional ethics, communication skills, and contemporary issues in occupational therapy. The program also emphasizes the development of research skills, encouraging students to engage with evidence-based practice and participate in research projects where appropriate. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with relevant accreditation bodies, enabling them to work in a variety of healthcare settings across Australia and internationally. Continuing professional development and lifelong learning are also emphasized as essential components of a successful career in occupational therapy.

The financing of the Occupational Therapy program at Griffith University involves multiple sources of funding designed to support both domestic and international students. For domestic students, the primary form of financial assistance includes government-supported loans and scholarships. The Australian Government offers FEE-HELP, a student loan scheme that allows eligible students to defer the cost of their tuition fees until they are financially able to repay through the tax system. This assistance helps reduce the upfront financial burden of undertaking the program and provides greater access to education for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, the university provides various scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as Indigenous status or regional residence. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs, living expenses, or study-related expenses, making the program more accessible and affordable for qualified applicants.

International students paying full tuition fees are responsible for covering all program costs themselves unless they secure external funding or scholarships. Griffith University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, which can assist with tuition fee reduction or living expenses support. The university also encourages students to explore external funding options such as bursaries, grants, or sponsorships from their home countries or private organizations.

Students are advised to consider additional costs associated with the program, including textbooks, study materials, equipment, healthcare, accommodation, and living expenses in Australia. While these are not directly financed by university grants or loans, students can budget for these expenses using personal funds, part-time employment opportunities, or financial aid options. Part-time work within or outside the university is common and can help students manage their day-to-day expenses during the course of their studies. Griffith University’s student support services offer financial counseling and guidance on budgeting to help students plan their finances effectively throughout their program duration. Overall, the funding landscape for the Occupational Therapy program combines government support, university scholarships, personal investment, and external funding opportunities, aiming to promote access and success for a diverse student body.

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Griffith University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career helping individuals of all ages regain and develop the skills necessary for daily living and working. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation clinics, schools, and aged care facilities. Throughout the course, students explore core areas including human development, psychology, anatomy, physiology, and health sciences, with a focus on applying this knowledge to improve client outcomes.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, practical placements, and simulation-based training, allowing students to develop essential clinical skills under supervision. Participants will learn assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and evidence-based practices to address a wide range of occupational challenges faced by clients. The program also encourages the development of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, critical for effective occupational therapy practice.

In addition to core coursework, students have opportunities to engage in research projects and community outreach activities, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and the importance of culturally responsive care. The program aligns with national and international occupational therapy standards, preparing graduates for registration and professional practice in Australia and abroad.

Graduates of Griffith University’s Occupational Therapy program are equipped to work independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams, advocating for client-centered care and continuous professional development. The program supports lifelong learning and critical thinking, essential qualities in the dynamic healthcare landscape. Upon completion, students earn a credential recognized by relevant regulatory bodies, opening pathways to employment in diverse sectors focused on enhancing individuals' quality of life and functional independence.