How to become an occupational therapist

Occupational therapists enable people to become the best version of themselves. They do this by assisting those with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or recovering from injury to overcome obstacles and participate in their daily lives.

1. Complete a degree in occupational therapy

After finishing high school

If you’ve recently completed high school and meet the minimum ATAR score, you can apply to study our Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy).

This four-year undergraduate degree will be spent learning alongside fellow students and from clinicians fostering a multidisciplinary learning environment.

After completing a bachelor’s degree

If you've already gained a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for the Master of Occupational Therapy as a postgraduate student.

This program is open to graduates from both health and non-health backgrounds.

However, you’ll need to meet a minimum average mark standard from your previous studies.

This degree is one of our Graduate Entry Masters courses (GEM) which provides an accelerated pathway to a professional health qualification in two years of full-time study.

2. Study in our new Health Building

You’ll enjoy the benefits of studying at our new Susan Wakil Health Building. This state-of-the-art space has occupational therapy-specific clinical simulation teaching areas, research facilities, a multi-service clinic and a brand new library.

3. Complete your clinical placements

Clinical placements are a crucial aspect of both our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in occupational therapy.

Clinical placements integrate theoretical learning with practical experience in real-world settings, cultivating professional skill development.

While undertaking your placements, you’ll gain hands-on experience through our network of partners across metropolitan and rural facilities.

Work-based placements enable our students to apply classroom knowledge in practical scenarios, enhancing skills such as communication and confidence while demonstrating academic learning in professional contexts.

4. Obtain professional registration

Both our Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees are accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (Ltd) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. 

Both courses are also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. 

Once you’ve finished studying and obtained accreditation, you’ll be work-ready for an industry in Australia where demand is so high, it outstrips supply (National Skills Commission, 2023).*

_{*National Skills Commission. (2023). Skills Priority List. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved from: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/skills-shortages-analysis/skills-priority-list}

5. Start your new career

A career as an occupational therapist is rewarding and diverse, providing the opportunity to make a significant impact in helping people to achieve greater quality of life.

You will be supported to work with children, adults and communities who face a wide range of challenges to achieve progress and independence and enhance wellbeing through your actions, which can be both emotionally and professionally rewarding.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, mental health facilities, and community settings, providing a wide range of career versatility.

Added to this, occupational therapists work closely with healthcare teams, educators, families, and caregivers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

As you progress in your career, there are opportunities for specialisation and advancement, such as becoming a clinical specialist, educator, researcher, or healthcare administrator.