The Master of Occupational Therapy is a 72-unit coursework program which is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. It requires two years of full time study and is not offered externally or on a part-time basis.
The course equips graduates to meet the entry level competency standards specified by the Australian professional accrediting body, Occupational Therapy Australia Limited.
Admission requirements
Applicants must normally
- Hold an approved degree with a GPA of no less than 5.0, or an equivalent qualification; and
- Have either completed the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Principles of Occupational Therapy major) at Flinders University OR have demonstrated that they have completed the following pre-requisite topics:
- the equivalent of 9 units of study focussed on an understanding of body structures and function such as human biology, physiology and anatomy including detailed musculoskeletal anatomy with an emphasis on the upper limb;
- the equivalent of 4.5 units of study focussed on an understanding of the human and social environment and social perspectives in health such as psychology and sociology;
- the equivalent of 4.5 units study of research methods; and
- the equivalent of 4.5 units of study in communication skills.
The Dean (Education) may however, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
This is a professional entry-level course covering essential material for registration; credit will not normally be awarded for prior learning, unless applicants are transferring from other postgraduate entry-level occupational therapy courses.
Course aims
The overall aims of the program are to prepare students for professional practice as Occupational Therapists. Graduates will be able to practise across a range of settings, including rural and remote areas. Emphasis will be placed on preparing a contemporary health professional to be client-centred and to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team. The course aims have been developed to ensure that graduates meet the Entry-Level Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy (Occupational Therapy Australia).
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- identify and apply theoretical approaches within occupational therapy including the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework;
- understand humans as occupational beings and integrate this information in providing occupational therapy for individuals, organisations and populations including rural and remote health;
- collaborate and communicate with clients to meet their occupational needs in a culturally sensitive manner;
- select interventions relevant to the needs of clients using reflective and evidence-based practice;
- apply occupational therapy skills to enhance a client’s health and participation in life through engagement in occupation;
- collaborate and communicate effectively with other health professions in providing high quality health care; and
- reflect on their practice and plan their ongoing professional development as life-long learners.
Program of study
To qualify for the Master of Occupational Therapy, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:
Students who commence the Master of Occupational Therapy but elect not to complete that degree may be eligible to be awarded with the Graduate Diploma in Health Studies, subject to passing a minimum of 27 units of study from core topics within the Master of Occupational Therapy and a maximum of 9 units of study from elective topics from other relevant graduate awards in the university.
Core – Year 1 topics
36 units comprising:
OCCT8001 The Occupational Therapy Process (9 units)
OCCT8002 Occupational Science (4.5 units)
OCCT8003 Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Practice 1 (4.5 units)
OCCT8010 Information and Technology in Occupational Therapy (4.5 units)
OCCT9007 Clinical Practicum (9 units)
REHB8101 Interprofessional Practice (4.5 units)
Core – Year 2 topics
36 units comprising:
OCCT8004 Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Practice 2 (4.5 units)
OCCT8005 Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Practice 3 (4.5 units)
OCCT8006 Contemporary Issues in Occupational Therapy Practice (4.5 units)
OCCT9008 Clinical Practicum 2 (9 units)
OCCT9009 Clinical Practicum 3 (9 units)
OCCT9012 Transition to Professional Practice (4.5 units)
Except with the permission of the Dean (Education):
- the course must be completed within four consecutive years, or where credit has been granted for previous work, a period determined by the Board;
- a student may not proceed to a higher year unless they have satisfactorily completed the previous year’s topics.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion or failure to complete the course within four consecutive years may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purpose of the University’s Policy on Student Progress.
