Occupational therapist: career information
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist assesses and treats people who are limited in their daily function due to illness, injury or disability.
They assist people to regain the movement and abilities through exercise, develop social skills, promote independence and enhance wellbeing.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists can assist patients by performing a variety of tasks. These may include:
- conducting tests to assess function, emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities
- designing activities to improve function and mobility
- monitoring and reporting on patient progress
- assessing the need for health education programs
- assisting in health policy development
What pathways will enable me to become an occupational therapist?
What other jobs can a career in occupational therapy lead to?
Occupational therapists can easily undertake further training to advance their careers in the areas of:
- disability services
- music therapy
- physiotherapy
- speech pathology
How can I gain employment as an occupational therapist?
You can qualify for employment as an occupational therapist by completing a Bachelor in Science (Occupational Therapy) at either Curtin or Edith Cowan University.
You will have to complete Year 12 or equivalent in order to enrol in either of these 4 year courses.
Additional information
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations provides programs, training and support for Indigenous students.
Curtin’s Gunada Centre for Aboriginal Studies located in Bentley, Perth can be contacted on (08) 9266 7091 or go to www.gunada.curtin.edu.au
Edith Cowan’s Kurongkurl Katitjin School
of Indigenous Australian Studies can be
contacted on (08) 9780 7710 or go to
www.kk.ecu.edu.au/future/isit.html
Brochure version:
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