Master of Professional Accounting – Master of Business Administration
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Townsville
INTAKE: February
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) program at James Cook University (JCU) is a distinguished undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience required to become competent occupational therapists. This four-year program focuses on preparing graduates to help individuals of all ages overcome physical, mental, or developmental challenges and lead meaningful and independent lives.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) program at JCU encompasses a comprehensive range of courses covering foundational principles of occupational therapy, human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and rehabilitation techniques. Students also engage in practical clinical placements in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, community centers, schools, and rehabilitation facilities. The curriculum is structured to develop students' clinical reasoning, communication skills, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of professional practice in occupational therapy.
Research Focus: JCU is committed to fostering research excellence in occupational therapy and allied health sciences. Faculty members within the College of Healthcare Sciences conduct innovative research projects in areas such as rehabilitation science, disability studies, mental health, and community-based interventions. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) students have the opportunity to engage in research activities through research electives, research internships, and student-led research projects. This research-focused approach enables students to develop critical thinking skills, evidence-based practice, and a deeper understanding of occupational therapy theory and practice.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) program at JCU emphasizes industry engagement and practical experience to prepare students for the realities of professional practice. Through partnerships with healthcare organizations, disability services, and community agencies, students have access to clinical placements, internships, and fieldwork experiences. Industry-engaged learning opportunities enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios, develop clinical skills under the supervision of experienced occupational therapists, and gain insights into different practice settings and client populations. JCU's strong connections to the healthcare industry facilitate networking opportunities, mentorship, and career pathways for graduates in diverse occupational therapy roles.
Global Perspective: As a globally focused institution, JCU offers Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) students a diverse and inclusive learning environment with a global perspective on healthcare and rehabilitation. The program explores international trends and best practices in occupational therapy, preparing students to work in multicultural and diverse communities. JCU's partnerships with international universities, clinical training sites, and professional organizations offer students opportunities for international fieldwork placements, study abroad programs, and cross-cultural exchanges. Through global engagement, students gain a broader understanding of occupational therapy principles, cultural competence, and social determinants of health, preparing them to be compassionate and culturally competent occupational therapists in a globalized world.
Location
Townsville
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
AUD 32720
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 89 with a minimum of 23 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 65 with a minimum of 58 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
JCU is supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers various scholarships designed to assist eligible students in achieving their academic and career goals.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students across various study areas. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees and is highly competitive.
Dean's Scholarship for Excellence: This scholarship is aimed at international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. It offers financial support by reducing tuition fees.
JCU Access Fund Scholarship: This scholarship supports students facing financial hardship, offering assistance to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Tropical Environmental Scholarship: Designed for international students passionate about environmental conservation and research, this scholarship provides financial support for related programs.
Sporting Scholarships: JCU recognizes the importance of sports and offers scholarships to athletes who excel in their chosen sport while pursuing their academic goals.
Indigenous Scholarships: JCU is supporting Indigenous students by providing scholarships that facilitate access to higher education.
Country-Specific Scholarships: JCU offers scholarships tailored to specific countries, encouraging cultural diversity and international collaboration.
External Scholarships: JCU also facilitates access to external scholarships and funding opportunities that international students may be eligible for.
Graduates of James Cook University's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) program are well-prepared for a variety of rewarding career paths in the field of occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapist: Many graduates pursue careers as occupational therapists, working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, and community health organizations. Occupational therapists help individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges to participate in meaningful activities and improve their quality of life. They assess clients' needs, develop personalized treatment plans, and implement interventions to promote independence, enhance functional abilities, and facilitate participation in daily activities such as self-care, work, and leisure. With their comprehensive training and clinical experience, JCU alumni excel in delivering client-centered care and empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist: Some graduates specialize in pediatric occupational therapy, working with children and adolescents with developmental delays, disabilities, or sensory processing disorders. Pediatric occupational therapists assess children's developmental milestones, sensory processing skills, and functional abilities, and provide interventions to promote motor skills, social interaction, and school readiness. They collaborate with parents, educators, and other healthcare professionals to support children's optimal development and participation in home, school, and community activities. JCU alumni in pediatric occupational therapy roles make a significant impact on the lives of children and families, fostering independence, resilience, and social inclusion.
Geriatric Occupational Therapist: For those interested in working with older adults, a career as a geriatric occupational therapist offers opportunities to support seniors in maintaining independence and quality of life as they age. Geriatric occupational therapists assess older adults' physical and cognitive abilities, environmental barriers, and social support systems, and develop customized interventions to address functional limitations and age-related challenges. They provide rehabilitation services, home modifications, and adaptive equipment recommendations to help seniors age in place and remain engaged in meaningful activities and social connections. JCU alumni in geriatric occupational therapy roles play a vital role in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults in the community.
Mental Health Occupational Therapist: Some graduates specialize in mental health occupational therapy, working with individuals experiencing mental illness, substance abuse, or emotional distress. Mental health occupational therapists assess clients' psychosocial functioning, coping skills, and occupational roles, and provide therapeutic interventions to promote recovery, resilience, and community integration. They facilitate group therapy sessions, develop behavioral interventions, and collaborate with psychiatric teams to support clients' mental health and well-being. JCU alumni in mental health occupational therapy roles contribute to holistic, person-centered care for individuals living with mental health conditions, empowering them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Community Health Occupational Therapist: For those interested in public health and community-based practice, a career as a community health occupational therapist offers opportunities to promote health and well-being at the population level. Community health occupational therapists work in community health centers, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, developing health promotion programs, advocating for social inclusion and environmental accessibility, and addressing health disparities in underserved populations. They collaborate with community stakeholders, policymakers, and advocacy groups to create supportive environments and policies that facilitate healthy lifestyles and participation in meaningful activities. JCU alumni in community health occupational therapy roles contribute to creating healthier and more inclusive communities for individuals and families across the lifespan.
