The first year of this program combines studies in theoretical and practical occupational therapy, with biological and behavioural sciences.

In second year, students develop this knowledge and apply theory to practical problems of occupational therapy.

Third-year students focus on occupational therapy techniques, with clinical practice in teaching units in hospitals and community health agencies.

The final year extends clinical experience and examines professional issues. Students also undertake studies in statistics and research techniques.

Some placements are outside the Brisbane metropolitan area and students are expected to fund their travel, accommodation and daily living expenses. Students submit their preferred areas for placements. It may be possible to arrange accommodation at nurses quarters for Queensland Health placements for a minimal cost. Allocation will be as equitable as possible and issues of hardship will be dealt with at the discretion of the head of division. Placements are usually conducted on a full time basis in the third and fourth years and are of 7 or 10 weeks duration.

Students cannot undertake block fieldwork placements outside Australia and New Zealand except:
1. International students at UQ may be able to undertake a placement in their home country.
2. Placements which are arranged by UQ staff in conjunction with another University as part of an established fieldwork exchange relationship.
3. Placements in developing countries supervised by UQ staff (or staff of other approved Universities in an established placement program).

For all overseas placements, the student must have an acceptable prior level of performance and the Course Coordinator must approve the timing of the placement.

Overseas placements are not generally recommended for a first placement.

The BOccThy is recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Occupational therapists work in:

• public and private hospitals;
• country or community health centres;
• rehabilitation units (medical, vocational, psychiatric);
• regular and special schools;
• consultation services;
• special centres providing development and training for persons with a social, intellectual or physical disability;
• independent living centres;
• workplace health and safety units;
• nursing homes;
• psychiatric clinics and hostels;
• residential and rehabilitation centres for people with an intellectual disability;
• centres of tertiary education;
• research institutions;
• private practice.

  To find out more about where a career in Occupational Therapy can take you, visit www.uq.edu.au/health/careers

A student is required to obtain #64 from Part A of the BOccThy List. For honours, a student is required to obtain #64 taking a program modified as listed in Part B of the BOccThy List. Refer to BOccThy rules for further information.