Health Sciences/Occupational Therapy
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice
Length
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Campuses
Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, Shepparton
Course description
This course aims to give students the skills and knowledge required to assess and treat people who have limited ability in daily activities. Students develop skills in the therapeutic use of occupations, individual and group assessment, and intervention techniques. They also learn to design equipment and adapt environments to promote occupational performance. Supervised clinical placements enable students to develop a sound basis for professional practice.
Course structure
The program covers the theory of occupational therapy (foundation subjects related to human development and health sciences), and occupational therapy intervention (research and clinical work). In first year, students undertake core subjects with students from other health sciences courses, focusing on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health, and the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors.
In second year they develop occupational therapy skills. In third and fourth years, students study occupational therapy through contextualised problems, and undertake clinical placements.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Occupational therapy, determinants of health and wellbeing, physiology and anatomy.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
A uniform costs approximately A$45. Students can buy books, uniforms and equipment from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Accommodation costs for clinical placement vary according to venue. All students must obtain a National Police Check at a cost of approximately A$15.50 and a Working With Children (WWC) check at no cost, before undertaking clinical professional placements.
Middle Band
Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria. In addition, a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
(Note: All ATARs current for 2011)
Melbourne: ATAR 81.00
Bendigo: ATAR 80.85
Albury-Wodonga: ATAR n/a (newly available)
Mildura: ATAR n/a (newly available)
Shepparton ATAR: (newly available)
Non-Year 12 selection may involve: ENTER/ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Current Year 12 applicants with relevant work experience (eg. health professional aide) must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form. These applicants must include details of how their work experience is relevant to occupational therapy. Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Applicants must include a statement (in their own words) demonstrating their knowledge of the occupational therapy profession. Applicants with work experience must include details of how their work experience is relevant to occupational therapy, and length of experience.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: Study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical Education or Physics.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (March)
Additional information
Please note that students at Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton campuses must transfer to the Bendigo campus for the last three years of the course.
All students must obtain a police check and Working With Children (WWC) check before undertaking clinical professional placements. For important information about clinical placements, visit: www.latrobe.edu.au/health/study/placements
Career opportunities
Occupational therapists are employed in a wide range of clinical settings, including general hospitals, community settings and psychiatric hospitals.
Professional recognition
Graduates can apply for membership to the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists. The course is also recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, allowing graduates to register in the United Kingdom, the USA, Sweden and other countries/regions (subject to national registration requirements).