Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours

Effective from 01-JAN-2024 : Code Y63

Occupational therapy promotes health and well-being through enabling engagement in meaningful occupations, which are the tasks and roles that people need to and want to do. This course prepares occupational therapy graduates to have a sound understanding of theoretical concepts and knowledge as well as practical hands-on’ skills. Professional placements occur throughout the course and these experiences assist students to graduate work ready. High achieving students who are invited into the Honours course will have additional knowledge and skills in conducting ethical rigorous research to contribute to the professional body of knowledge.

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

Students from H96 will enter Y63 having already completed 316 hours of professional placement. Year 3 OCT3303 320 hours (6 week block) Year 4 OCT4201 320 hours (6 week block in summer school) OCT 4202 320 hours (8 week block)

Duty of care

To be eligible to undertake professional placement 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: COVID vaccinations 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 www.health.wa.gov.au/circularsnew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID=12275 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.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Attendance requirements

Students may be provided with the opportunity to undertake some professional placements in a rural or regional setting. Students will be required to attend for the hours and days as specified by the host organisation. Additionally, due to circumstances beyond the control of the School, allocations may be changed with minimal notice to students.

Application process

Students enrol into the appropriate unit after completing pre-requisite units.

Professional practice rules

The professional placement 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 Ltd (OTC). Students must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of professional placement that is in line with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). These professional placement 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 professional placement 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 professional placement component is required to achieve a pass for the relevant Core unit. Students who fail the professional placement component are required to repeat the unit. This could increase the time to complete the course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply advanced contemporary occupational therapy knowledge and skills to a broad range of theoretical and practical situations.
2. Think creatively and critically to anticipate challenges, and generate client-centred responses with individuals, groups, communities and populations.
3. Evaluate, synthesise and critique information from digital technologies and other sources to support problem solving and decision making.
4. Communicate occupational therapy knowledge, evidence and theory, clearly, coherently, and with independence.
5. Demonstrate cultural capability with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other cultures within society.
6. Work collaboratively to support effective client-centred practice in diverse teams and environments.
7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning to ensure occupational therapy practice that is safe, ethical and lawful.
8. Demonstrate the competency standards required for occupational therapy registration in Australia.

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.
The Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Pass and Honours) is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. The course is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

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

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.

In order for students to be eligible to register with the Australian Health Professional Regulatory Agency (AHPRA), students will be required to adhere to the policy regarding English Language minimum requirements and meet other requirements for health and good character for registration as an occupational therapist in Australia .

Membership

Students can apply for membership with Occupational Therapy Australia. Membership is available to students.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 2)

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:

• Year 12 completion or equivalent.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) and have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 per cent or higher in the first three years of the course. Acceptance into the Honours program is by invitation only and successful applicants will transfer from the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy).

International students are required to provide an IELTS Academic with an overall minimum score of 7.5 (no individual band less than 7.0).  Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement. 

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;
• Skills for 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).

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree Award.

Course Duration

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

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Prof Mandy STANLEY

Course Structure