Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Effective from 01-JAN-2021 : Code H96

This course contributes to current trends in health services by promoting health and well-being through occupation. Students will develop an understanding of the factors that affect performance in occupations of self-care, education, work, social participation, and play and leisure for individuals, groups and populations through the lifespan. In broad terms, the course outcomes are to develop occupational therapists who have a sound knowledge and understanding of professional principles and processes and who can generalise their attributes and skills in new situations. Fieldwork placements throughout the course provide students with valuable learning experiences in a range of settings.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Practicum Requirement

An extended full-time practicum component applies to the three Clinical Science units in this course.

Duty of care

To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete risk management protocols on commencement of the course and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters, as appropriate. Risk management protocols include, but are not restricted to: Certificate of National Police Clearance Current WA Department of Health Criminal Record Screening Clearance Card Current First Aid Certificate Department of Education and Training National Criminal History Record Check Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, more information at http://www.health.wa.gov.au/circularsnew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID=12891 MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment Working with Children Check, more information at www.workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au

Attendance requirements

Students may be required to undertake part of this study in a rural or regional setting.

Professional practice rules

The practice education/fieldwork component of the course needs to comply with the Professional Accreditation Standards for Occupational Therapy Entry Level Education Programs as devised by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd (OTC). Students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of practice education/fieldwork that is in line with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). These practice education/fieldwork opportunities will require students to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to practice with a range of people who have different needs, and in differing circumstances. Students are required to be supervised and assessed by a registered occupational therapist.

Implications of failing

The practicum/fieldwork component of the course is attached to core units and successful completion of these core units, and minimum number of hours, is a requirement for graduation. A pass grade for the practicum/fieldwork component is required to achieve a pass for the relevant core unit. Students who fail the practicum/fieldwork component are required to repeat the unit. This could increase the duration of the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply broad occupational therapy knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical situations.
2. Think critically to evaluate, interpret and conceptualise complex occupational solutions.
3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions and responses in new situations.
4. Use assistive technologies, digital technologies and contemporary literacies to assess, evaluate and synthesise information in occupational therapy contexts.
5. Communicate occupational therapy knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
6. Demonstrate broad global perspectives and ethical considerations, with respect for cultural diversity including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competence.
7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative in multi-disciplinary teams.
8. Demonstrate initiative and accountability for own learning and professional practice.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Approved by: World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).

This course has been Accredited by: Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Limited.

Registration

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia . Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 4)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Diploma or equivalent;
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Successfully completed 0.5 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course; or
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment.

English Language requirement (Band 5)

International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.  Alternative acceptable tests are as follows:

• Pearson English Test (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
• Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking), or
• TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test:
  • 24 for listening
  • 24 for reading,
  • 27 for writing, and
  • 23 for speaking, or
• Completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country as defined by AHPRA (including at least 2 years between years 7 and 12), or
• Completion of at least 5 years full-time equivalent continuous combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed in a recognised country as defined by the AHPRA (within the last 7 years). Note: The 5 years does not include the proposed ECU study.

Note:  English tests must be completed within 2 years of the proposed course commencement date and additional requirements may apply in relation to acceptable number of test sittings and combined scores across test sittings.

Minimum English standard requirements for this course may also be satisfied with one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test;*
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree; or
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

Course Specific Admission Requirements

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Reporting Obligations

ECU has an obligation to report details of all students enrolled in this course to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The University is required under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) Act (2010) to provide the names of students undertaking this course to the Australian Health Professional Regulatory Authority (AHPRA), for the purposes of student registration. For further information please see the AHPRA web site www.ahpra.gov.au

Course Duration

• Full Time: 4 Years
• Part Time: 8 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Part Time, Full Time

Course Coordinator

Ms Rachel BATTEN

Course Structure

Please refer to the Course Coordinator for the timetable for the above 4th year units.

Note: Students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher after the third year of study may be invited to complete an Honours program. Those students will transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours for the fourth and final year of study.