Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy) (Mt Gambier)

This course is available to applicants who reside or will be residing at the teaching location or live in close proximity to the teaching location for the duration of the course. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants and applicants from a rural and remote background. However, non-Indigenous applicants and applicants from non-rural and remote backgrounds may be considered if they reside or will be residing at the teaching location or in close proximity to the teaching location for the duration of the course.Studying allied health in rural and remote areas offers the opportunity to study with an interprofessional focus where students live, work and play without having to move away. The degrees offer contemporary, rural focused, industry led topics that prepare students for working in a wide range of settings. There is a strong focus on in culturally responsive ways particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Occupational Therapists evaluate and identify barriers to people participating in the activities that matter to them. They then work with people to improve their skills and abilities, change the way they do an activity, or modify their environment, to help them live their best lives. This helps contribute to their overall psychological and physical wellbeing.

First year focuses on interprofessional learning and the foundations of allied health practice. Students will develop knowledge in anatomy and physiology, Indigenous health and communication. They will develop skills in allied health practice across the lifespan to enable them to work in relevant fields while they study. Topics will ensure students understand health and social care for practice in rural and remote Australia. In second year, students will continue to build on their foundational skills and knowledge for rural and remote allied health practice including evidence-based practice, social and psychological aspects of health. They will also be introduced to occupational therapy topics where they will learn about the foundational principles, approaches and skills for their profession to enable them to work in a related field while they study. Students will participate in an industry placement as they integrate their learning into real life situations. In third year students will engage in more topics specific to occupational therapy as they develop skills and knowledge for practice at an intermediate level. Students will continue to learn about evidence-based practice, health promotion and leadership relevant to rural areas in interprofessional groups. They will also have the opportunity to participate in industry placements. In fourth year students will refine their skills and knowledge through the application of advanced practice topics and industry placements throughout the year and will participate in an industry driven project while they develop project management and research skills. Students will also be supported to develop work ready skills to apply for jobs and transition into the workforce in their final year.

This rural allied health degree offers flexible step in/step out options for students to study for 1, 2, 3 or 4 years with a range of job opportunities available at each point. Students who complete the full 4 year program will be eligible to apply for registration as an Occupational Therapist* in Australia, while students who step out after Year 1 will be awarded a higher education Diploma, after Year 2 an Associate Degree and after Year 3 a Bachelor degree (non-accredited). These qualifications could lead to a range of exciting career opportunities in health, disability, aged care or education settings.

~subject to approval
*The course is pending accreditation with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy.