Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) - University of South Australia

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Program Code: IBOC

Aim

This program is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and qualities to become innovative and competent occupational therapists able to meet the challenges of professional practice in diverse settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to have one of the following qualifications:

Qualified for SACE; and

Recorded achievement in five SACE subjects taken at stage 2 level; and
Included at least four Stage 2 subjects which are approved Higher Education Selection Subjects (HESS); and
Obtained a competitive TER;

Completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, obtaining a minimum score of 24 points and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at the appropriate level and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Diploma or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Qualified for Special Entry and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;

Completed the Health Sciences strand of the University Foundation Studies program.

English language entry requirements
In addition, International students who speak English as a foreign language must satisfy the following:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): Overall score of 6.5 obtained within the last two years or corresponding results from an equivalent test such as TOEFL or the appropriate Academic English language level delivered at CELUSA;
OR
Successful completion of a secondary qualification in Australia within the last two years;
OR
Successful completion of at least one year of tertiary study in Australia within the last two years;
OR
Successful completion of one year of secondary or tertiary study conducted and completed in English within the last two years in a country in which English is an official language as determined by the University.

Content/structure

The program is structured into five streams of foundation sciences, research, professional practice skills, enabling occupation (occupational therapy theory and practice) and field practice. All streams are developed throughout the four years of the program with emphasis being placed on students developing their potential, competence, and confidence as independent learners and ultimately as graduate occupational therapists. Knowledge, and skills in problem solving, communication, life long learning, group work, ethical action and valuing difference are qualities that are emphasised and developed throughout the program.

Professional recognition

The program is accredited by the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy and graduates are recognised for registration by the Occupational Therapists Registration Board of South Australia for professional practice as an Occupational Therapist.

Honours

Students who achieve a credit level average may be offered the opportunity to do Honours in the third year of the program. Students who successfully complete the Honours program will be awarded the Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy with Honours).

Fee information

Fees for International students: $AU 20,275 per 1.0 EFTSL for students commencing in 2010.
Fees are calculated on a per Unit basis with 1.0 EFTSL = 36 Units.
Fees for International students are determined one year in advance and are subject to variation.

Program requirements

Rules

1. Police Check: All students in the Division of Health Sciences who undertake field or clinical placements, or participate in University clinics as part of their program, must have had a police clearance prior to the commencement of any placement or clinic activity.
2. Student registration with the State Registration Board is required prior to enrolment in this program and must be maintained throughout the program.
3. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and agencies in which field practice is undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
4. Maximum credit allowed - normally up to two thirds of the total units of the program.

Notes

1. Students are advised that a current South Australian drivers licence may be required by some field practice agencies and a drivers licence is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
   
2. Students are advised that a current first aid certificate must be obtained prior to the commencement of the first field practice component of the program midway into the first half of first year.
   
3. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one field practice placement outside of Adelaide in a country or interstate agency.
   
4. Students may be required to undertake field practice placement outside of normal university teaching weeks.
   
5. Students who achieve credit standard or higher in a high percentage of the graded courses which make up the first three years of the program may be considered for the honours program. A quota of places is offered each year, beginning with the most highly ranked student. An invitation to undertake Honours will normally be made at the end of the first half of third year.
   
6. Broadening Undergraduate Education Elective is a free elective to be selected from any discipline area approved as contrasting with the discipline category of the professional core.