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Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists assess and treat people who, due to illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake everyday activities.

They assist people to regain lost functions, develop their abilities and social skills, as well as maintain and promote independence in their everyday lives to enhance health and wellbeing.

TASKS

Occupational therapists may perform the following tasks:

conduct tests to assess functional, emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities
plan and direct specific therapeutic programmes for individuals using recreational, remedial, social, educational or vocational (job- related) activities
select and design activities that improve an affected movement or function and help individuals to regain personal care skills, such as eating and dressing
assist people to gain or regain skills in social, leisure and work environments through graded individual or group therapy and activity programmes
monitor the progress of individuals and assist with the coordination of an appropriate health team
assist children with disabilities to integrate into education programmes in schools
assess the ability of injured workers to return to their usual employment or perform alternative duties
design and modify the everyday environment of clients to allow for better access and independence
advise on the use of specialised equipment, such as home modifications, adapted kitchen utensils, wheelchairs and other assistive technologies that help people within their environment
assess the need for, develop and run health education programmes
act as consultants to industry and government organisations
undertake research
teach in academic institutions, generally at tertiary level
assist with policy development for health and other areas. Occupational therapists may work in areas such as:

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

patience
able to show initiative
a flexible attitude
practical, innovative and observant
good problem-solving skills
good interpersonal and communication skills
able to maintain client confidentiality
able to work independently or as part of a team

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Aged care - providing programmes and equipment for people with medical and social problems associated with ageing.

Disabilities - working with people who have an intellectual, physical or sensory disability through planned activity programmes over long periods of time.

General medicine - working in hospitals or private practice to assess and treat individuals with physically disabling diseases or injuries.

Occupational health - assessing the safety of work environments and injured workers, providing rehabilitation and advice about adaptations for their return to the workplace.

Health promotion - assisting people who want to achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Paediatrics - working in hospitals, private practices or schools to assess and treat children with disabilities, developmental delays or learning difficulties.

Psychiatry - assessing and treating individuals with mental illness and behavioural disorders through programmes involving such methods as stress management.

Vocational rehabilitation - assisting injured workers to return to work.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an occupational therapist you usually have to complete a degree in occupational therapy at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in occupational therapy.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia before practising as an occupational therapist in any state or territory of Australia. Visit the board's website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Occupational therapists work in public and private healthcare organisations. These may include general and children's hospitals, aged-care facilities, rehabilitation centres, day care centres, community health centres, municipal councils, primary and secondary schools, prisons, centres for people with disability, independent living centres and other organisations. They may also work in private practice as clinicians, consultants or as injury management advisers.

Employment opportunities are influenced mainly by the ageing of the population, levels of government funding and government policy initiatives.